Ben Duerksen is a student leader who is highly committed to his responsibilities. His youth pastor is impressed by Ben's strong work ethic, leadership potential, and ability to balance being a leader with being friendly. Ben often volunteers his time without being asked and follows through on all tasks. The pastor has come to rely on Ben to lead and prepare student activities. He believes Ben will be successful in any future pursuit because of his great qualities of integrity, responsibility, problem-solving skills and commitment to leadership.

1. February 10,2010
Senior Exit Portfolio Committee:
It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter of reference for Benjamin (Ben) Duerksen. As
Ben's youth pastor, I have constant contact with both him and his family. During these
encounters, I have grown to know Ben exceptionally well.
I am most impressed with Ben Dueksen for several reasons. In the year that I have had the
privilege of being Ben's youth pastor, he has joined the Igniter Student Leadership (ISL) team
where he is held to a higher standard of integrity than other students who are a part of the
ministry. Moreover, Ben often takes the initiative to volunteer his time for various functions,
thus taking on more responsibility than is expected of him. He is always willing to help wherever
he is needed, and he follows through on all tasks that he commits to doing. It is this stellar work
ethic that has prompted me to rely on him to lead and prepare many of the student-lead activities.
Not only is Ben Duerksen have great leadership potential, but he is also well liked by his peers.
While many student leaders tend to shy away from hanging around other students their age, Ben
balances being a leader in the ministry and being friendly very well. Furthermore, his ability to
listen well makes him an amiable member of our small group. It is also because of this ability,
that he has acquired good problem solving skills.
Throughout my career in youth ministry, I have worked with several students, but never before
have I worked with someone more committed to leadership than Ben Duerksen. Because of these
great qualities, I am confident that Ben will be successful in any area he chooses to pursue, and I
look forward to walking with him through the process.
-
Grace Community Church
1600 S. Anderson Rd
Newton, KS67114
Phone: 316.283.2554