Benjamin van Rensburg received a BA in Theology and Psychology and a BTh at the University of the Free State, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Missiology at the Bible Institute of South Africa and a MA in New Testament studies from North-West University in Potchefstroom. His dissertation focused on the concept of witness in 1 Peter 2:9. Benjamin was ordained with the Dutch Reformed Church, but became a minister of the Free Church of Scotland in 2013.

Benjamin served for 26 years in Istanbul, Turkiye. During that time he served for 14 years as Senior Pastor at the Union Church of Istanbul, a multicultural church with services in English, Turkish, Amharic and Mandarin as well as lecturing at a small Turkish Bible college. He has also served in a Turkish church. While in Turkiye, Benjamin established a tour operating company focusing on biblical tourism. He organised and led numerous tours in Turkiye, Greece and Israel.

Benjamin also spent four years in Scotland as Pastor for the Free Church of Scotland and three years in Mauritius as Principal of the Mauritian Bible Training Institute. 

Ben is also a lecturer and part of the faculty of the Bible Institute of South Africa, continuing his passion for theological education and pastoral mentorship.

Benjamin’s hobbies include street photography and scuba diving. He is interested in languages and speaks English, Afrikaans and Turkish fluently.

Benjamin is married to Elaine and they have two daughters, Sarah and Rachel who live in Edinburgh, Scotland.