Meet the Staff
Ben Alexander
LEAD PASTOR
After serving in ministry positions at Nazarene churches in Illinois, Florida, California, and Ohio, in 2021 Pastor Ben returned to his home church to serve as Lead Pastor for Springfield 1st Naz. In 2002, Pastor Ben graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in youth ministry.
Pastor Ben is married to Michelle, and father to Jackson and Natalie. He enjoys playing disc golf, coaching Illini Basketball from his couch, drinking overpriced coffee, and spending time with family.
Pastor Ben is loved by God, and he wants you to know that you, too, are loved by God.
Dorie Hall
CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR
Dorie is a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University where she received a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development. Dorie is pursuing her next level of education at Northwest Nazarene University to receive a Master’s of Pastoral Ministry. Dorie is passionate about building faith in the next generation and loves being a part of the Springfield First team.
Dorie is married to Johnathan. In her free time, Dorie is often starting new home improvement projects or exploring the downtown area. Dorie loves getting opportunities to meet individuals for coffee or join them on a walk.
Harrison Ford
YOUTH DIRECTOR
Harrison was raised in the church and has always had a hand in ministry. He served as an intern and ministry assistant in Decatur, Illinois before Shortly receiving the call to work as the youth pastor for Springfield 1st Naz. He continues to pursue his call to ministry through bringing joy to the teens in Springfield and progressing through school to work towards gaining ordination.
Harrison is married to Bailee. They have 1 child (Lincoln) with another on the way! Harrison enjoys many sports but spends most of his time playing disc golf and volleyball. Harrison loves to get coffee and talk with people so do him a favor and reach out!
Tim Tripp
WORSHIP LEADER
Tim has a vision that everyone openly recognizes and embraces that we were created by God for one purpose, to worship him through the way we live our lives. It’s not just an opportunity, but our biblical responsibility to worship and serve Christ! Tim along with his wife, Peggy, have all been active with the music portion of worship along with several other ministry areas of Springfield 1st Naz since 2009.
Peggy Tripp
OFFICE MANAGER
Although this is the first time Peggy has been an office manager, her attention to detail, organizational skills paired with a pleasant personality and a love for the Lord makes this a good fit for her.
