What’s a Benchmark?
Why are we called BENCHMARK? It’s not because we think this ministry is the standard by which all others should be measured. Whether in the wilderness or in the city, a benchmark is a known point, a permanent point of reference, which can help us better understand exactly where we are, almost anywhere in the world.
Our name is taken from this topographic map symbol, which is often a simple metal disc set in stone and inscribed with a triangle and a small mark in the center. A benchmark has two planes: vertical and horizontal. In this country, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) determines the location of each specific benchmark and its relationships to other features like roads, streams, or mountains. That’s the horizontal plane. Vertically, the USGA confirms its elevation in relationship to sea level.
BENCHMARK designs interactive adventures to help individuals assess their horizontal relationship with other people, their surroundings and Creation, and their vertical relationship with God. The small mark in the middle of the triangle symbolizes the high value of a Christ centered, Biblical worldview and how that emphasis affects the whole person. The three sides of the triangle represent BENCHMARK’s focus on the whole person: the mind, the heart, and the will.
A BENCHMARK experience helps you to better understand where you are and will challenge you to evaluate the way you think, feel, and act in light of Biblical principles.
-Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary
Mission Statement
BENCHMARK Adventure Ministries’ mission is to stimulate significant life change toward wholeness in Christ through interactive experiences and outdoor adventures.
MEET OUR TEAM
STAFF
James is a self-described “hard-headed, imperfect follower of Jesus Christ” and an experienced Bible teacher, backpacker, paddler, climber, college teacher, marathon runner, and wilderness wanderer. This Eagle Scout enjoys being outdoors under a full moon and getting his four adult children to laugh. As a do-it-yourselfer, he finds time for home improvement projects. James has lived in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Barbara, since 1988.
Chelsea combines 20 years of experience in corporate and church ministry with her passion for writing, to authentically convey the life-changing moments and journeys of those impacted by BENCHMARK. She is a New England native, wife, and mom of two. Chelsea loves to see what happens when nature and adventure create a setting for personal growth toward wholeness in Christ, including her own.
Julie is a devoted mother to her young son and is married to a former U.S. Army Soldier. A follower of Christ, she finds strength and inspiration in her faith, which guides her daily life and family values. Julie has a deep love for the outdoors. A passionate fan of the Green Bay Packers, family-oriented and active, she embodies a lifestyle filled with faith, adventure, and warmth.
Vacant Position
Operations Coordinator
Read the job description here:
To express interest, email james@benchmark.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jon Betts
Board Member
Old Harding Pediatric Associates
Joshua Eidson
Board Member
Handsome Financial Services
Louis Joseph IV
Board Member
Unaffiliated
Greg McLane
Board Member
Department of Veterans Affairs
TVHS – Nashville VA Medical Center
Kinley Winchester
Board Member
State of Tennessee
Statement of Faith
- We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
- We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
- We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
- We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
- We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
- We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Statement of Purpose
BENCHMARK Adventure Ministries exists to design intentional discipleship experiences in unique settings calling people to a thoughtful, purposeful Christian life of character, relationship and faith.
BENCHMARK offers opportunity to get your bearings in terms of your life purpose and commitment to Christ. As individual relationships to Christ are strengthened, His work in the world will be strengthened.
BENCHMARK provides seminar sessions, retreats for large and small groups, and extended wilderness expeditions.
