Prior to joining The Signatry, I was never in a full-time vocational ministry role, although I could consider full-time vocational ministry as “the family business.” My dad’s parents were medical missionaries in China, my dad was a pastor, one uncle was an evangelist, and another aunt and uncle were Korean missionaries. I have several cousins and second cousins who have founded and operate ministries on a full-time basis.
Despite several opportunities over the years to move into a full-time vocational ministry role, usually as their COO or CFO, since that was my training and skillset, I never felt called to full-time ministry. I considered myself “in ministry,” but not in a vocational way. I knew my calling was in the secular business world as a Christian witness, and I have always thought being a Christian witness in the secular business world was and is a very noble calling.
How were you introduced to The Signatry?
In 2018, I got the call to full-time vocational ministry at The Signatry. It followed a long period of soul-searching, reaching out to friends, and seeking the Lord’s guidance before I had ever heard about The Signatry. This period of seeking the Lord extended through my discernment process. I was not seeking to leave the business world. In terms of analyzing the opportunity at The Signatry, I wondered whether I’d enjoy it and if I would be any good at it. It was entirely different from my daily routine, experience, and skillset, so naturally, I had questions. But then the Lord told me to join The Signatry in the clearest way possible – that is all I needed, and all my analysis stopped. I joined the team three weeks later.
I am passionate about transformation, spiritual growth, serving, and the discipleship generosity brings. There is a direct link between the “things” that we so often treasure and the Lord who gave them to us. Our relationship with our earthly possessions is critical to our own transformation, spiritual growth, service, and discipleship, and giving (or not giving) is the frontline of that battle – a battle which has eternal implications.
There is a direct link between the “things” that we so often treasure and the Lord who gave them to us.
What do you enjoy about doing full-time ministry with The Signatry?
There are two aspects of The Signatry’s ministry, which are personally meaningful to me. First, The Signatry partners with and ministers to ministries. As mentioned earlier, I was raised in the church as a preacher’s kid, and my extended family is heavily involved with several ministries, so funding ministries, which is part of The Signatry’s stated purpose, has a very personal and familial connection for me.
Second, after 30+ years in the competitive, secular, business world, I was used to the pace and excellence required to succeed. That same pace and excellence are part of The Signatry’s culture. I work with awesome transformed believers to help awesome transformed donors give to awesome, transforming ministries. I have the privilege of helping and serving in God-honoring ways every day at The Signatry.
And that is what we’ve all been called to do.
Ben Bell serves as the President of the Southwest Region of The Signatry out of Dallas, Texas. With a passion for family-owned businesses, Ben works to build lasting legacies by educating business owners and inspiring families to live out biblical values through generosity.
About The Signatry
The Signatry seeks to inspire and facilitate revolutionary biblical generosity across generations. Through donor advised funds and other innovative tools and resources, families are empowered to live generously, modeling biblical values for future generations and making a greater impact for causes that align with their passions. Since 2018, The Signatry has facilitated sending over $2.8 billion to organizations around the world that are dedicated to solving the world’s greatest problems.
Start your journey towards a lasting legacy
Bring your family together around shared values and goals for generosity through a donor advised fund.
Start a Fund
Together we’re redefining generosity.
Join the conversation and get our newsletter.