Bener Baysa Agtarap — Director of Conference and Ethnic Church Stewardship, GBOD

The Rev. Dr. Bener Baysa Agtarap was born on February 17, 1962. He is originally from Manila, Philippines. Before coming to the United States, he served The United Methodist Church in the Philippines as a new church developer, local pastor, and and district superintendent. In the USA, he served as a local pastor for Cicero and Seymour United Methodist churches in Wisconsin from July 2002 to December 31, 2006. Currently, he is serving as Director of Conference and Ethnic Church Stewardship for the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church (GBOD).

Bener received his bachelor of science degree and masters' degree in business administration from Philippine School of Business Administration, his masters in divinity (with honors) from Union Theological Seminary, Philippines, and his Doctor of Philosophy in development administration from Philippine Christian University.

Bener and his wife Clarita have been married for twenty years, and they have three children: Sola Kristie, Katriel Kairos, and Kiyah Karmia. All their children were born in the Philippines. They enjoy doing many things together — from serving God to traveling to re-sale shopping.

Bener has been an active leader in the area of building healthy churches and starting new faith communities for more than twenty years. He has an humble spirit, knowledgeable desire, strong passion, and total commitment to enhance the vital ministry of the people of God called United Methodists.

    Text Only Version