Leadership
Chris Wilson is the lead pastor at Benchmark Bible Church. Chris started Benchmark in 2013 after serving in multiple churches and ministries since 1994. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas and his master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Chris is passionate about seeing people understand God’s Word, apply it to their lives, and join God in the amazing ministry He has for them. Apart from ministry, Chris enjoys coaching his children in sports, golfing, hunting, and game nights with friends. He and his wife, Joleen, have been married since 1999 and have two children, Cuin and Jovi.
Josh and his wife, Kristi, met in college as Resident Assistants at Midwestern State University and worked together in their local college ministry. They have been married for eighteen years and are the proud parents of Aidan, Abigail, Adelyn, and Amelia. The Lord has blessed Josh with a variety of experiences over these many years. After earning a Master’s in Christian Education and Administration with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling, he served as youth pastor for six years, as well as a business owner. His experiences in public education span more than eight years and include two years as a director and two years as a secondary school principal. Josh could not have successfully accomplished any of these endeavors without his amazing wife, Kristi, who is a former kindergarten teacher and executive assistant for a local pregnancy care center. She now stays busy homeschooling all four children, helping others homeschool, and serving in the youth and other ministries. Whether it be in youth ministry, youth worship team, children’s ministry, or other opportunities to teach and serve, Josh and his family constantly look for ways to bring people to a deeper understanding of Christ’s love, the value of a strong community of believers, and the importance of discipleship. They are excited to be a part of what God is doing through Benchmark.
John Ball is the Outreach Director at Benchmark Bible Church. At the age of seven, his family was shipwrecked by alcoholism and John entered into the foster care system. By the age of seventeen, he was quite a mess, but the risen Jesus still seeks and saves the lost! For the past forty-five years, John has been joyously telling how Jesus saves and loves. John is a graduate of Criswell College, having earned his degree in Theology and Psychology. He and his wife, Dana, have been married for over forty years. They have two married children and five fun grandchildren.
Margaret Ashmore provides many of our Bible study resources through writing as well as teaching in Women’s Ministry here at Benchmark. She is a frequent speaker at women’s retreats and conferences as well as an author, artist, and counselor on our Soul Care team. Margaret’s story of redemption from sin and multiple battles with cancer beats a well-trodden path to the cross of Christ, the only place of true healing and victory. For more information, please visit: www.margaretashmore.com
Chris Wilson is the lead pastor at Benchmark Bible Church. Chris started Benchmark in 2013 after serving in multiple churches and ministries since 1994. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas and his master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Chris is passionate about seeing people understand God’s Word, apply it to their lives, and join God in the amazing ministry He has for them. Apart from ministry, Chris enjoys coaching his children in sports, golfing, hunting, and game nights with friends. He and his wife, Joleen, have been married since 1999 and have two children, Cuin and Jovi.
Josh and his wife, Kristi, met in college as Resident Assistants at Midwestern State University and worked together in their local college ministry. They have been married for eighteen years and are the proud parents of Aidan, Abigail, Adelyn, and Amelia. The Lord has blessed Josh with a variety of experiences over these many years. After earning a Master’s in Christian Education and Administration with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling, he served as youth pastor for six years, as well as a business owner. His experiences in public education span more than eight years and include two years as a director and two years as a secondary school principal. Josh could not have successfully accomplished any of these endeavors without his amazing wife, Kristi, who is a former kindergarten teacher and executive assistant for a local pregnancy care center. She now stays busy homeschooling all four children, helping others homeschool, and serving in the youth and other ministries. Whether it be in youth ministry, youth worship team, children’s ministry, or other opportunities to teach and serve, Josh and his family constantly look for ways to bring people to a deeper understanding of Christ’s love, the value of a strong community of believers, and the importance of discipleship. They are excited to be a part of what God is doing through Benchmark.
John Ball is the Outreach Director at Benchmark Bible Church. At the age of seven, his family was shipwrecked by alcoholism and John entered into the foster care system. By the age of seventeen, he was quite a mess, but the risen Jesus still seeks and saves the lost! For the past forty-five years, John has been joyously telling how Jesus saves and loves. John is a graduate of Criswell College, having earned his degree in Theology and Psychology. He and his wife, Dana, have been married for over forty years. They have two married children and five fun grandchildren.
Margaret Ashmore provides many of our Bible study resources through writing as well as teaching in Women’s Ministry here at Benchmark. She is a frequent speaker at women’s retreats and conferences as well as an author, artist, and counselor on our Soul Care team. Margaret’s story of redemption from sin and multiple battles with cancer beats a well-trodden path to the cross of Christ, the only place of true healing and victory. For more information, please visit: www.margaretashmore.com
Matt serves as worship leader, and directs our worship team band and vocalists. He has led praise and worship in various ministries, including children’s ministry and young adults, since 2004. He has a passion for music and for nurturing relationships among musicians within the body of Christ. Matt also works as a paramedic. Whenever he has the opportunity, he enjoys writing and performing his own music, and taking long walks on the beach.
Nick is a Denton native with family roots deep in our local community. His passion for music and worship ministry began in middle school and has continued to grow through involvement in both youth ministry and worship team here at Benchmark. Nick also serves in our Soul Care ministry; he has a heart for those burdened by past trauma, the chains of addiction, and anyone desiring the freedom that only Jesus offers. After working in the marketing field for six years, Nick is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling with a view to licensure for work in a clinical setting. When he’s not studying or serving, Nick enjoys the mountains, snowboarding, and spending time with family and friends.
Mary Borges is the women’s ministry director at Benchmark. One of her greatest joys is hearing about the work of the Lord in the lives of women. Mary received her B.S. in psychology from Oklahoma City University in 1992 and her M.S.Ed. In deaf education from the University of Kansas in 1994. Mary taught early childhood deaf education in Fort Worth and Denton ISD for 6 years before staying home to raise her family. Mary and Mitchell have an adult son, Nathan, who has autism, and two teenagers, Anna and Aaron. Before coming to Benchmark, Mary was the Executive Director of The Little Light House-Denton, a non-profit ministry that served young children with disabilities and their families and pointed them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Mary has served in women’s ministry at Benchmark since 2013 and was hired in 2020 as our Women’s Ministry Director. Mary enjoys facilitating Bible studies, hosting fellowship with family and friends, laughing and playing games, story-telling and children’s literature, and searching for garage sale treasures.
Matt serves as worship leader, and directs our worship team band and vocalists. He has led praise and worship in various ministries, including children’s ministry and young adults, since 2004. He has a passion for music and for nurturing relationships among musicians within the body of Christ. Matt also works as a paramedic. Whenever he has the opportunity, he enjoys writing and performing his own music, and taking long walks on the beach.
Nick is a Denton native with family roots deep in our local community. His passion for music and worship ministry began in middle school and has continued to grow through involvement in both youth ministry and worship team here at Benchmark. Nick also serves in our Soul Care ministry; he has a heart for those burdened by past trauma, the chains of addiction, and anyone desiring the freedom that only Jesus offers. After working in the marketing field for six years, Nick is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling with a view to licensure for work in a clinical setting. When he’s not studying or serving, Nick enjoys the mountains, snowboarding, and spending time with family and friends.
Mary Borges is the women’s ministry director at Benchmark. One of her greatest joys is hearing about the work of the Lord in the lives of women. Mary received her B.S. in psychology from Oklahoma City University in 1992 and her M.S.Ed. In deaf education from the University of Kansas in 1994. Mary taught early childhood deaf education in Fort Worth and Denton ISD for 6 years before staying home to raise her family. Mary and Mitchell have an adult son, Nathan, who has autism, and two teenagers, Anna and Aaron. Before coming to Benchmark, Mary was the Executive Director of The Little Light House-Denton, a non-profit ministry that served young children with disabilities and their families and pointed them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Mary has served in women’s ministry at Benchmark since 2013 and was hired in 2020 as our Women’s Ministry Director. Mary enjoys facilitating Bible studies, hosting fellowship with family and friends, laughing and playing games, story-telling and children’s literature, and searching for garage sale treasures.
Kendra joins the Benchmark team with a passion for Christ, discipleship, and Bible teaching. She holds a BA in Bible and Family Ministry from Manhattan Christian College and a MA in Media and Communication from Dallas Theological Seminary. Her past serving opportunities include Children’s Ministry Secretary, Children’s Ministry Elementary Coordinator, and College and Young Adult Ministry Assistant at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Indiana. At Denton Bible Church Kendra served in ChurchLife, Adult Ministries, and later in Student Ministries. She and her husband, Brad, have two daughters, Jaelyn and Adele. Brad and Kendra love living in Denton, being involved in the community, gardening at Shiloh Field, and watching movies. Together they are learning how to build a home for God’s glory and consider it an honor to serve the Lord among the Benchmark family.
Kate is a native of Denton; locals may recognize her as the face of “Pie by Kate,” as she has supplied the greater Denton community with her delicious baked goods for several years. While an entrepreneurial spirit has fueled her thriving business, it’s her love for Jesus and her heart to serve that brought her to Benchmark. Kate has enjoyed serving in children’s ministry for many years. Her love for kids and delight in sharing Christ with them is evident in all that she does in KIDS Ministry.
Kate married her high school sweetheart, Trent, in 2020. The Alfreds enjoy caring for their menagerie of pets, including a thriving family of ducks! In their rare moments of free time, they enjoy the outdoors and spending time at the lake.
Kristi met Josh while they were both serving as resident assistants at MSU, and in their local college ministry. They have been married for over eighteen years and enjoy homeschooling their four children: Aidan, Abigail, Adelyn, and Amelia. Kristi has served in Benchmark’s KIDS Ministry for several years in the Snugglers and Climbers classrooms, as well as at the KIDS welcome table. She also currently serves in Student Ministry as jr. high girls’ small group leader. She loves to be wherever God is working, knowing that no matter the age or stage, the Lord uses every season of our lives to bring glory to His name. He is so good!
Serving in children’s ministry has been a passion of Katrina’s for many years. She began serving at a local church in Sunday School & Security, and eventually directed their VBS program. During this time, the Lord led Katrina to the ministry of coordinating childcare. Her desire is to ensure that children are safe, feel loved, and know who Jesus Christ is.
Katrina holds a degree in computer science, and a degree in business management and marketing. She and her high school sweetheart have been married for over 20 years and have 3 children.
Kendra joins the Benchmark team with a passion for Christ, discipleship, and Bible teaching. She holds a BA in Bible and Family Ministry from Manhattan Christian College and a MA in Media and Communication from Dallas Theological Seminary. Her past serving opportunities include Children’s Ministry Secretary, Children’s Ministry Elementary Coordinator, and College and Young Adult Ministry Assistant at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Indiana. At Denton Bible Church Kendra served in ChurchLife, Adult Ministries, and later in Student Ministries. She and her husband, Brad, have two daughters, Jaelyn and Adele. Brad and Kendra love living in Denton, being involved in the community, gardening at Shiloh Field, and watching movies. Together they are learning how to build a home for God’s glory and consider it an honor to serve the Lord among the Benchmark family.
Kate is a native of Denton; locals may recognize her as the face of “Pie by Kate,” as she has supplied the greater Denton community with her delicious baked goods for several years. While an entrepreneurial spirit has fueled her thriving business, it’s her love for Jesus and her heart to serve that brought her to Benchmark. Kate has enjoyed serving in children’s ministry for many years. Her love for kids and delight in sharing Christ with them is evident in all that she does in KIDS Ministry.
Kate married her high school sweetheart, Trent, in 2020. The Alfreds enjoy caring for their menagerie of pets, including a thriving family of ducks! In their rare moments of free time, they enjoy the outdoors and spending time at the lake.
Kristi met Josh while they were both serving as resident assistants at MSU, and in their local college ministry. They have been married for over eighteen years and enjoy homeschooling their four children: Aidan, Abigail, Adelyn, and Amelia. Kristi has served in Benchmark’s KIDS Ministry for several years in the Snugglers and Climbers classrooms, as well as at the KIDS welcome table. She also currently serves in Student Ministry as jr. high girls’ small group leader. She loves to be wherever God is working, knowing that no matter the age or stage, the Lord uses every season of our lives to bring glory to His name. He is so good!
Serving in children’s ministry has been a passion of Katrina’s for many years. She began serving at a local church in Sunday School & Security, and eventually directed their VBS program. During this time, the Lord led Katrina to the ministry of coordinating childcare. Her desire is to ensure that children are safe, feel loved, and know who Jesus Christ is.
Katrina holds a degree in computer science, and a degree in business management and marketing. She and her high school sweetheart have been married for over 20 years and have 3 children.
After more than 25 years in private practice, Efrain still finds his greatest satisfaction in discipling others and ministering the Words of Life to families and individuals in seasons of sorrow or brokenness. Born in Cuba, Efrain grew up in southern California where he would later meet the love of his life when they were both students at Biola University. Efrain continued on to earn his BA in French from CSU Fullerton in 1991, his MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in 1995, and ultimately licensure in Texas as a professional counselor in 1999. Efrain and Jamie have been married for over 31 years, and enjoy watching the Lord lead their three adult children into their own paths of meaningful work and service, and relationship with Christ. The Lord has been faithful, leading Efrain closer to His heart while reminding him in his personal walk, work, and ministry that, “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Jamie serves as communication director for Benchmark. Most days find her sipping coffee and chasing the next event or project coming up, writing the Weekly Update, editing the website or miscellaneous church documents, and dreaming about ways to infuse new content with unchangeable Truth. She also enjoys serving on the worship team, Soul Care team, and occasionally participating in women’s ministry leadership tasks.
A graduate of Biola University, Jamie followed a degree in music with New Testament studies at Talbot School of Theology, then ultimately earning her MA in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Jamie worked as communication supervisor at Biola for a couple of years then became a preschool coordinator at Mariner’s Church in Newport Beach until the challenges of graduate school, marriage, and new motherhood called her away.
Writing has always been a vital part of her life and ministry focus. Jamie currently splits her time between serving at Benchmark, writing for Lifeway Christian Resources, and working on various other projects, including a Christian fiction novel currently in the process of publication.
Jamie and her college sweetheart, Efrain, have enjoyed over thirty years of marriage, the blessings of three grown children, and the delight of serving the family of God together at Benchmark. The enduring faithfulness of God through the fire and flood is a foundational theme of their lives and family.
God has woven together many threads of both training and service throughout her life that comprise a dossier of experiences as unique as Delilah’s own person. She has served as leader, counselor, mentor, and coordinator for ministries such as Celebrate Recovery, Youth With a Mission (YWAM), and various local churches over the years.
We are thrilled that Delilah makes Benchmark her home church now. She serves as our administrative assistant, as well as coordinator for all-church events. She also continues to teach and counsel women through our Soul Care ministry. Delilah’s vision for ministry could best be summarized by the Lord’s desires expressed in John 17:20-26: Jesus prayed that the love His Father had for the Son would bond the body of Christ as one. In all that she does, her passion is to uphold the Word of God and support the growth and spiritual maturity of His people.
Delilah is mother to two children, a daughter and a son, now grown and each married to wonderful spouses who know and love Jesus. Her daughter also has two daughters of her own. Spending time with her children and grandchildren is one of Delilah’s greatest joys.
Ryan McDonald, also known as “Mac”, is a Denton native. He met his wife, Jessica, while attending Midwestern State University. They have been married for over twenty years and are the proud parents of Caden, Libby, and Matthew. Mac has led worship in a variety of settings including youth and college events, starting a contemporary service at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls, and assisted with starting a worship team at Sage Meadow Christian Fellowship in Justin. Mac feels called to grow a community of musicians that love the Lord and want to use their talents for His glory. He directs our worship ministry, as well as facilities management and tech operations.
After more than 25 years in private practice, Efrain still finds his greatest satisfaction in discipling others and ministering the Words of Life to families and individuals in seasons of sorrow or brokenness. Born in Cuba, Efrain grew up in southern California where he would later meet the love of his life when they were both students at Biola University. Efrain continued on to earn his BA in French from CSU Fullerton in 1991, his MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in 1995, and ultimately licensure in Texas as a professional counselor in 1999. Efrain and Jamie have been married for over 31 years, and enjoy watching the Lord lead their three adult children into their own paths of meaningful work and service, and relationship with Christ. The Lord has been faithful, leading Efrain closer to His heart while reminding him in his personal walk, work, and ministry that, “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Jamie serves as communication director for Benchmark. Most days find her sipping coffee and chasing the next event or project coming up, writing the Weekly Update, editing the website or miscellaneous church documents, and dreaming about ways to infuse new content with unchangeable Truth. She also enjoys serving on the worship team, Soul Care team, and occasionally participating in women’s ministry leadership tasks.
A graduate of Biola University, Jamie followed a degree in music with New Testament studies at Talbot School of Theology, then ultimately earning her MA in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Jamie worked as communication supervisor at Biola for a couple of years then became a preschool coordinator at Mariner’s Church in Newport Beach until the challenges of graduate school, marriage, and new motherhood called her away.
Writing has always been a vital part of her life and ministry focus. Jamie currently splits her time between serving at Benchmark, writing for Lifeway Christian Resources, and working on various other projects, including a Christian fiction novel currently in the process of publication.
Jamie and her college sweetheart, Efrain, have enjoyed over thirty years of marriage, the blessings of three grown children, and the delig
Originally a California native, Delilah has lived in the DFW metroplex since 1993. After working many years in corporate sales, she experienced a transformational work of the Holy Spirit through her relationship with Christ. She began seeking ways to grow, learn, and serve the Lord and His people.
God has woven together many threads of both training and service throughout her life that comprise a dossier of experiences as unique as Delilah’s own person. She has served as leader, counselor, mentor, and coordinator for ministries such as Celebrate Recovery, Youth With a Mission (YWAM), and various local churches over the years.
We are thrilled that Delilah makes Benchmark her home church now. She serves as our administrative assistant, as well as coordinator for all-church events. She also continues to teach and counsel women through our Soul Care ministry. Delilah’s vision for ministry could best be summarized by the Lord’s desires expressed in John 17:20-26: Jesus prayed that the love His Father had for the Son would bond the body of Christ as one. In all that she does, her passion is to uphold the Word of God and support the growth and spiritual maturity of His people.
Delilah is mother to two children, a daughter and a son, now grown and each married to wonderful spouses who know and love Jesus. Her daughter also has two daughters of her own. Spending time with her children and grandchildren is one of Delilah’s greatest joys.
Ryan McDonald, also known as “Mac”, is a Denton native. He met his wife, Jessica, while attending Midwestern State University. They have been married for over twenty years and are the proud parents of Caden, Libby, and Matthew. Mac has led worship in a variety of settings including youth and college events, starting a contemporary service at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls, and assisted with starting a worship team at Sage Meadow Christian Fellowship in Justin. Mac feels called to grow a community of musicians that love the Lord and want to use their talents for His glory. He directs our worship ministry, as well as facilities management and tech operations.
About Benchmark Bible Church
Benchmark Bible Church is a community of disciple makers who are living out the gospel of Christ in this dark world. Learn more about our vision, mission and values.
