Northside Presbyterian Church has chosen a new pastor, Reverend Benjamin Skidmore.

A Northside’s Pastor Nominating Committee representative said, “We were looking for a skilled and inspiring preacher and teacher who would motivate us to be God’s presence in the world. We are so thankful to have found that and more with Ben. He brings humility, sincerity, humor, and fun to his pastoral care, relating well to both children and adults.”

Rev. Skidmore's hobbies includes weightlifting, biking, video games, science fiction (movies and books), playing with his son Jack, and spending quality time with his wife Erica.

Rev. Skidmore earned a Bachelor in Bible/Pastoral Ministry from Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, Kansas. After graduating from college, upon the recommendation of his pastors in Colorado, he applied and was accepted to Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He said, “Seminary was an opportunity for me to deepen my love and study of scripture and solidify my Presbyterian roots. The community of Christian friends I formed in Pasadena has provided fulfilling and authentic life-long relationships for me.”

While attending seminary, Rev. Skidmore met his wife, Dr. Erica Skidmore, a clinical psychologist specializing in autism and developmental disorders. Dr. Skidmore now works with pediatric cancer patients and their families at Hatch's House of Hope located in the Erlanger Medical Mall. The two have a 5 month old son, Jack, who will attend the Northside Learning Center during his preschool years.

During and after seminary, Rev. Skidmore worked in children’s ministry at La Caňada Presbyterian Church in La Caňada, California. Prior to coming to Northside Presbyterian, he served as associate pastor for Outreach at Bayside Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, Va.

Rev. Skidmore said, “In the movie Tommy Boy, the father character says of the auto parts industry, ‘in this business you’re either growing or you’re dying. There ain’t no third direction.’ I believe the business of discipleship is much the same. I have been amazed at the growth God continues to cultivate in my life. There are times when it’s real subtle, like a seed germinating, but I continually look forward to what God will do in and through me.”

Northside Presbyterian Church is located in North Chattanooga at 923 Mississippi Ave. Sunday school programs begin at 9:45 a.m. with a church service following at 10:55 a.m.

Reverend Ben Skidmore wife, Erica, and son, Jack