About BeFree Alton

We are a Christ-centered family that glorifies God by loving him, loving others, and making disciples.

This mission statement tells you who we are, what we do, and how we do it. You can learn more about our church, what we believe, and our mission partnerships by following the links below:

Leadership & Staff

  • Headshot of Ben Ruhl, a young white man with a goatee wearing a blue and white plaid button down shirt

    Ben Ruhl

    Pastor/Elder

    Ben grew up in Houston, TX. After graduating from high school, Ben spent a year studying the Bible overseas and attended Moody Bible Institute where he met his wife, Olivia, before both attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Ben also serves as the Executive Director of Small Town Summits. Ben and Olivia have two kids: Davie and Cal.

    Contact Ben

  • Chris and Melissa Kane

    Chris Kane

    Elder

    Chris serves as an elder at BeFree Alton and has been a part of our church family since 2018. He has been married to Melissa for over 25 years, and the two of them have one child. The three enjoy cultivating flowers and serving the community on their flower farm near Rochester.

  • Tim Nielsen

    Tim Nielsen

    Elder

    Tim serves as an elder at BeFree Alton and has been a part of our church family since 2019. He and his wife, Adina, have been married since 2005 and have two girls. Tim serves as the Director of Ministry Services at Christian Camps and Conferences in Alton and has been involved in Christian camping ministries for decades. Tim has a master’s in Christian education from Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina.

  • Andy and Deb Smith

    Andy Smith

    Elder

    Andy serves as an elder at BeFree Alton and has been a part of the church family since October 2019. He and his wife, Deb, have been married for over 40 years and enjoy living family life with their seven children, their spouses, and 12 grandchildren. In addition to being actively engaged in church family life, they continue to run their property management business around Lake Winnipesaukee and enjoy active outdoor activities.

  • Gerrie Moriarty

    Gerrie Moriarty

    Administrator

    Gerrie serves as the BeFree Alton church administrator because she loves the Lord and wants to serve His church. Gerrie is married to Michael, has three sons, one daughter-in-law, three grandsons, and two pugs.