Bernie Bennett

Bernie Bennett

Area Representative

FCA Steel Valley

I grew up in Northern West Virginia, the second youngest of five kids. With three older brothers, I learned to stand up for myself pretty early, lol. My first degree was in education, and I have been a teacher and a coach. Later on, I got a degree in finance and served several years as the CFO/CEO of a metropolitan housing authority that provided housing for low-income families and seniors.

Can you share a little bit about your faith journey/story?

Sports have always been a passion—and, ashamedly an obsession for me prior to Christ. Faith came into my heart when I was 21 years old and radically altered my life. To say that God reprioritized my list of what was important would be an understatement. To paraphrase Second Corinthians 5:17 “old things passed away and all things became new”.

What prompted you to join FCA and enter full-time ministry?

Throughout my life, I served in various “lay” ministry church positions serving children, youth, and adults in sports ministry and Christian education. During covid, while the world was shut down and I was forced to slow down. I felt the Holy Spirit impressing on me a desire to be in full time ministry. I was not sure what exactly that meant but over time, with a lot of prayer, meditation, and a providential meeting with Bob Kimpel, it became clear the Lord was leading me to FCA.

How have you seen God move through the FCA ministry in Steel Valley and what are you most excited about for the ministry this year?

FCA has stretched and challenged me more than any role— outside of husband and dad— that I have ever had. Seeing God sovereignly work through people and circumstances has truly been inspiring and has confirmed my call to this assignment. The thing I am most excited about though, is to see where God is leading as we expand our staff here in the Steel Valley.