Dr. Ben Graham is a Trump-Vance appointee currently serving as Faith Director at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he helps lead national faith-based initiatives in collaboration with the White House. In this role, he is championing efforts to honor the spiritual heritage of the United States, particularly through initiatives that recognize and celebrate the role of faith in America’s 250th anniversary.
A fifth-generation preacher, Ben committed his life to Christ at age 14 and answered the call to preach shortly after. By age 20, he had entered full-time ministry as both an evangelist and pastor. Over the years, he has preached in all 50 states and in more than 40 countries, passionately sharing the Gospel across cultures and communities.
Ben’s influence extends beyond the pulpit. He is an engaging voice in media, hosting a podcast Real Talk with Pastor Ben, where he addresses faith, leadership, and current issues with clarity and conviction. He previously hosted a nationally syndicated radio program, and his message continues to inspire listeners nationwide.
An accomplished actor and producer, Ben has starred in films such as Fearless Faith, Pardon by Grace, and Christmas at Keestone. He also works in commercial production, bringing creative vision to faith-driven and inspirational content.
Dedicated to public service, Ben has served on the boards of more than 50 organizations, including SWAT (Sports World Against Trafficking) and LTI (Let’s Talk Interactive). He co-founded the Faith-Based Initiative App, aimed at supporting individuals battling addiction through faith-centered resources. He has also held chaplain roles with the Tennessee State Guard, the Roane County Sheriff’s Department, and the York City Police Department.
Ben served as a senior pastor for 24 years including in 2013, when he and his family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he founded and led a growing, vibrant church. Over a decade of leadership, he launched multiple ministries and planted new churches before transitioning from the senior pastor role in October 2023, passing the mantle to one of his pastors he ordained.
Ben holds a Doctorate in Temperament Counseling and is a licensed counselor. He is the author of several books, including Bring Back the Glory, 1948: Countdown to a Day of Reckoning, and his most recent release, Ignorance and Apathy: Two of America’s Deadliest Sins.
Above all, Ben is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Candice, have four sons—Jordan, Zach, Carson, and Cooper—and are proud grandparents to two granddaughters, Haisley and Hollyn, through their son Jordan and his wife, Brea.
