A Servant Leader, Innovator, and Friend
On September 29, 2025, our Smart Church Solutions family—and indeed, the Church at large—lost one of its brightest lights when our brother, Benjamin Paul Whitley, entered into the presence of his Savior at the age of 33. While his time with us feels far too short, the depth of his impact will echo through countless ministries, facilities, and relationships for generations.
A Heart for Family and the Church
Ben was first and foremost a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Sara, and a loving father to Elyse, Oliver, and Isaiah. To know Ben was to see how much he cherished them. As I have reviewed his personal calendar, I am reminded of his immense love for them by the time he carved out on his calendar to steward his family well.
Yet his heart didn’t stop with his family—it overflowed into his church. He served faithfully as an elder, preacher, teacher, and behind-the-scenes servant on the technology team. Ben lived out what it means to be both shepherd and steward, blending his faith, his skills, and his willingness to serve into a life of purpose.
A Builder of Tools and People
In his role as Director of Product at Smart Church Solutions, Ben helped shape eSPACE into what it is today. But let me be clear—Ben didn’t just help build software; he built opportunities for ministry. He understood that every work order represented a moment of service, every scheduled event a chance to welcome people, every maintenance task an act of stewardship. He led with vision, strategy, and empathy, but always with the Church in mind.
Nearly every week on our All Team Zoom meeting, Ben would say, “It’s a great day to be a Product Manager at Smart Church Solutions.” We would all chuckle…but it was not just a catchphrase or trite comment. He meant it. He loved his role, our team and the work he got to do. In fact, his wife, Sara, shared with me that he told her countless times that this was his “Dream Job.” But for Ben, it wasn’t just a job, more importantly, it was about people and ministries. He listened deeply, cared greatly, and worked tirelessly to equip others. His fingerprints can be seen in nearly every aspect of our company and our offerings.
A Legacy of Faithful Stewardship
Ben’s strengths, according to his StrengthsFinder’s Assessment were God-given: Strategic, Relator, Futuristic, Significance, and Responsibility. Those weren’t just words pigeonholing him from an assessment—they were his daily reality. He dreamed big, built strong relationships, carried responsibility well, and lived to make a difference.
And while his earthly journey ended too soon, his legacy lives on:
- In every church that runs more effectively because of eSPACE.
- In every facility manager who now sees stewardship as a ministry, not just a job.
- In every event that occurs at a church, without logistical issues.
- In every current and future team member at Smart Church Solutions.
A Faithful Servant
To Sara, Elyse, Oliver, and Isaiah—we thank you for sharing Ben with us. His impact on our team, our customers, and the broader church is immeasurable. He embodied what it means to be a faithful steward, a devoted husband and father, and a servant leader.
Ben will be remembered not only in our hearts but in every ministry that flourishes because of his work. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Ben was all of that, and more. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to serve with excellence, steward with faithfulness, and love with generosity.
I will miss you, my friend.
