A Journey of Leadership, Trust, and Kingdom Impact
Life has a way of confronting us with moments that test our resilience, faith, and ability to lead. Tragedy and hardship can either break us or shape us into the leaders we are meant to be. In this episode of The Kingdom Leadership Advantage, I(Dionne Van Zyl) had the privilege of speaking with Ben Kormenek, an entrepreneur and ministry leader whose journey is a powerful testament to trusting in God’s goodness even in the midst of loss.
Ben’s story is one of profound transformation—from the sudden loss of his brother and business partner to stepping into a leadership role that he never anticipated. Through tragedy, he discovered the power of surrender, faith, and partnership with God in both his business and personal life.
This article explores his journey, the lessons he learned, and the keys to leading with faith even in the face of uncertainty.
A Foundation in Hard Work and Leadership
Ben’s leadership journey began long before he ever took on a formal leadership role. Growing up in the small town of Alta Vista, Kansas, he was raised in a family where hard work was a way of life. His father owned a construction company, and from the young age of five, Ben was already working on job sites—pulling nails and stacking lumber in exchange for an old mini bike.
While his friends played, Ben worked.
At the time, he resented it. But as he grew older, he realized that this upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a deep sense of responsibility—qualities that would later define his leadership.
His professional path initially led him away from the family business. After attending college, he pursued a career designing conveyor systems for Ford and GM. However, despite the stability and opportunities his job provided, Ben felt an unsettling sense that he wasn’t where he was supposed to be.
That’s when an opportunity arose—his brother needed help with the family construction company. Trusting his instincts and feeling God’s prompting, Ben left his corporate job and returned home to work alongside his brother.
What he didn’t know was that this decision would soon lead him into one of the most difficult seasons of his life.
Tragedy Strikes: The Loss of a Brother and Business Partner
Two years after returning to the family business, Ben’s brother was killed in a car accident.
The loss was devastating. Not only did it create an emotional void, but it also left a major leadership gap in the business. His brother had been responsible for operations, and suddenly, Ben was faced with the overwhelming reality that the future of the company rested on his shoulders.
His brother’s wife didn’t believe the business could survive without him. Others doubted whether Ben was ready to lead. And in his own heart, he wrestled with the same question.
Could he do this?
Was he supposed to do this?
Where was God in all of this?
In moments like these, leaders face a defining choice:
- Turn away from God in frustration and disappointment.
- Turn toward Him in faith, even when nothing makes sense.
Ben made a deliberate decision—to trust in God’s goodness, even in the midst of pain.
A Divine Encounter: “I Will Make a Way”
About a week after his brother’s passing, Ben and his father were driving to check on a job site. As they talked about the future of the company, uncertainty loomed over them.
Then, as they turned a corner, something extraordinary happened.
The clouds from an earlier storm had cleared, revealing a golden wheat field illuminated by the sun, with a rainbow stretched across the sky.
In that moment, Ben heard God’s voice in his heart:
“I will make a way.”
Instantly, peace flooded over him.
This wasn’t an explanation for why his brother had died—it was a reassurance of who was in control.
Ben knew in that moment that God wasn’t done with him, his family, or the business. The loss was real, but so was God’s promise to lead him forward.
Rebuilding Through Faith and Radical Generosity
In the wake of his brother’s passing, something unexpected happened—Ben and his family received a $100,000 life insurance payout.
For a family who had never seen that kind of money in one place before, it was a significant amount. But instead of holding onto it, they made a radical decision.
They gave it away.
At the time, their church’s children’s ministry had outgrown its space. The church needed a new building, but resources were limited.
Ben and his family sowed the entire $100,000 into the building project.
What happened next was a miracle:
The total cost of the project was $274,000.
Every dollar needed came in—without any debt.
By the end, the original $100,000 had been fully replenished.
God didn’t just provide—He multiplied.
This experience reinforced a powerful truth:
God is the provider, not us.
Trust leads to provision.
Generosity releases Kingdom impact.
From Business to Ministry: A Kingdom Assignment
Ben’s journey didn’t just transform his business—it ignited a calling into ministry.
After attending Men’s Encounter, a powerful spiritual retreat, he experienced a radical transformation—including freedom from addiction.
For the first time, he truly understood that Christianity wasn’t about trying harder—it was about living in freedom.
That revelation led to action:
He invited 30 men to attend the next retreat with him.
He saw employees and friends encounter God in life-changing ways.
His church experienced revival—salvations, breakthroughs, and renewed faith.
Sometimes, the most powerful ministry begins in the marketplace.
Today, Ben has helped lead Men’s Encounter events all over Kansas, touching thousands of lives.
Leadership Lessons: Trust, Surrender, and Partnership
Ben’s journey has provided powerful leadership insights for both business and ministry.
1. Trust First, Not Last
Many leaders make people earn trust. Instead, Ben starts with trust—just like God does with us.
- Assume the best in people.
- Give them responsibility and let them lead.
- Encourage instead of micromanaging.
2. Use Mistakes as Learning Moments
Failure isn’t fatal—it’s a chance to grow.
- Let people own their mistakes.
- Coach them instead of rescuing them.
- Turn every failure into a stepping stone.
3. Listen for God’s Strategy
One of the biggest lessons Ben has learned is that God provides strategy in His timing.
- He didn’t receive the next step for his business until he first let go of control.
- The moment he did, God downloaded a clear transition plan.
- Obedience always precedes clarity.
Is God Really Good?
After everything—loss, uncertainty, breakthroughs, and leadership challenges—Ben has one unwavering conviction:
God is good.
His plans are greater than ours.
True leadership starts with surrender.
If you’ve been struggling with uncertainty, feeling the weight of leadership, or questioning God’s goodness, remember this:
Your next breakthrough isn’t in figuring it all out—it’s in trusting that God already has.
Are you ready to lead differently?
Listen to the full podcast episode here: Rebuilding After Tragedy: Is God Good?
For more insights and leadership strategies from Dionne Van Zyl, visit dionnevanzyl.com.