Our
Pastor: Reverend Dr. Ronald Benson
Pastor
Ronald Benson is a native of San Antonio and a 1967 graduate
of Sam Houston High School. He holds three degrees: a B.A.
Degree with Honors from St. Mary's University, 1970 (finishing
college in 3 years); a B.Th. from Guadalupe Theological
Seminary, 1973; and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University
School of Law, 1973.
He has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years.
He began his career with an appointment as a Civilian Attorney
with the Office of Judge Advocate General of the United
States Air Force assigned to Lackland AFB. He served from
1974 until 1989 as Procurement Attorney and Senior Labor
Relations Attorney and performed a wide range of legal duties.
He has received numerous awards and recognition for his
service to the Department of the Air Force, including the
Civilian Commendation Award for Excellence and sustained
superior performances from Headquarters Air Training Command,
as well as for community service.
He is the founder of the Bethany First Baptist Church and
he has served as pastor from 1980 until present. Pastor
Benson is a gospel preacher and teacher with over 30 years
of service. He has served on numerous boards, social and
civic, in the City of San Antonio. Most recently, he served
on the Board of Managers for the University Health System
for 2 years as secretary and chairman of the personnel committee,
and on the Bexar Appraisal District's Appeals and Review
Board for 2 1/2 years.
Additionally, Pastor Benson has chaired the political action
committee for the Baptist Ministers Union, which successfully
lobbied along with other community organizations for a State
holiday celebrating Martin Luther Kin, Jr.'s birthday. He
also serves as general counsel to the Guadalupe Landmark
District Association of Churches regarding church law as
well as serving several churches and businesses in his practice.
Pastor Benson is married to former Lillian R. Stain of San
Antonio who teaches first grade in the the San Antonio School
District's Neal Elementary School. He was a foster father
to two teenagers until the end of 2003.