About Our Pastor

Welcome to Calvary Chapel Montrose! At the heart of our church family is our beloved Senior Pastor, Ben Gárate. Pastor Ben’s journey is one of inspiration and devotion, a testament to the transformative power of faith.

Meet Pastor Ben Gárate

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, California, Pastor Ben grew up attending a small Evangelical Pentecostal church with his family. At the tender age of 13, he experienced a pivotal moment, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. However, like many of us, Pastor Ben’s path wasn’t always straight. He spent his next years learning some of life’s tougher lessons.

At 26, a profound reawakening changed everything. Pastor Ben rededicated his life to the Lord, embarking on a journey of spiritual growth and discovery. His commitment and zeal led him to serve in various ministries at Calvary Chapel Vista, nurturing his faith and leadership skills.
The call of God then brought Pastor Ben and his family to the scenic town of Montrose, Colorado. What started as a humble home Bible study with four families in May 1996, has blossomed into our thriving Calvary Chapel Montrose, a spiritual home for about 400 believers today.

Pastor Ben and his wife, Judy, got married in 1981. Together, they have raised four wonderful children, all of whom are now married, and have been blessed with 13 grandchildren.

Pastor Ben’s guiding principle can be found in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.” His passion for sharing the Word of God, his long-suffering dedication, and his nurturing teaching style are what make him a cherished leader in our community.

Join us in celebrating and learning from the journey of Pastor Ben – a journey of faith, hope, and love.