BOX ELDER — What began as a family vacation to the Black Hills has led Ben Markwardt and his family to plant themselves, and their faith, in the Box Elder community.
While camping and exploring attractions in the Black Hills, Markwardt said his family realized two things: the community was rapidly growing, and there were not many churches in the area.
“That piqued our interest,” he said. “We knew God was ready to shift our assignment somewhere. At that time, we didn’t know where or what that was going to be.”
Markwardt and his wife, Michelle, spent more than a decade in Willmar, Minn., where both served in various church roles.
After spending time praying and seeking God’s direction, Markwardt said he and his family could not stop thinking about Box Elder.
Markwardt and his wife met while attending North Central College in Minneapolis, where both studied children’s ministry. Their careers later took them to Illinois before returning to Willmar, where Michelle grew up. Markwardt, who serves as lead pastor of BE Church, has 15 years of ministry experience.
As he transitioned into an associate pastor role, Markwardt said he felt God was preparing his family for a new assignment.
Markwardt, his wife and their two sons moved to Box Elder in June 2025 and immediately began laying the groundwork for BE Church. In August, he started hosting monthly interest gatherings and other community events.
BE Church, part of the Assemblies of God denomination, held its first service on Easter Sunday at the Box Elder Community Center. Weekly services are now held at 10 a.m. Sundays.
“The pastor I worked for before coming out here had a phrase he said all the time: ‘God sent him not to pastor the church, but to pastor the people,’” Markwardt said. “We came out here saying, ‘OK, yes, we’re establishing a church, but we really want to pastor the community.’”
Noting the area’s significant population growth, Markwardt said local churches are working hard to serve residents and that there is room for more.
“We want BE to be a place where people can gather and find community,” he said.
He and the church team are also exploring multiple ways to provide support and connection within Box Elder.
Markwardt is currently working with the Box Elder Police Department to become a chaplain. He said the role would allow him to support officers and come alongside individuals during what may be the worst day of their lives.
Additionally, he hopes to partner with the Douglas School District and Ellsworth Air Force Base.
“We have an opportunity to really get to know people,” he said.
The name BE Church reflects both the initials of Box Elder and the church’s mission and values.
“Church sometimes becomes something you check off your to-do list. It’s a place you go or something you do, but it’s not really who you are,” Markwardt said. “We want to be the church. We want to help people be all in for Jesus, be like Jesus and be his light for the world.”
As the church grows, Markwardt said he is focused on establishing foundational elements of faith, including prayer, fellowship and sharing meals together.
During the church’s second week of services, Markwardt replaced rows of chairs with tables to create an environment where people could connect and build community. Once a month, the congregation also shares a meal together.
And what can someone expect when walking through the doors of BE Church?
“They can expect to be welcomed and loved,” Markwardt said. “If you come and join us, we’re glad you’re here.”
