Staff Member since 2024
Personally speaking:
Tristen Bender holds a B.S. in Physical Education from Oklahoma State University from the University of Arkansas and resides in Stillwater, OK with his wife, Mary, and one child.
Getting to know Tristen Bender
Q: When/how did you become involved with Lightbearers?
A: When my wife Mary came on staff in the Fall of 2022.
Q: What excites you about the Lightbearers vision?
A: I look forward to getting to work with college students and the local church. It feels like the best of both worlds, being able to partner alongside the local church, as Lightbearers seeks to do.
Q: What has been the most influential book you've read this past year and why?
A: “To the Golden Shore” – a biography about Adoniram Judson’s life. This book reveals his endurance through suffering and trials, as he sought to share the Gospel overseas, which was deeply encouraging. Being able to see his wives’ willingness to die for the sake of the Gospel was also an encouragement to me as a spouse.
Q: How do you like to spend your time when you're not working?
A: I like to spend time with my wife and daughter. Getting to go on walks with them and our two dogs is always a refreshing activity. I love anything OU (yes, I said OU… not OSU). I grew up a big Sooner fan and so I really enjoy getting to watch OU athletics, and when possible, attend games. I am also a big Boston Celtics fan and so I really enjoy getting to watch them. Lastly, I have grown a love for reading over the past 2-3 years.