About Dr. R. Benton Ruth

Learn about our founder’s expertise and vision.

Rev. Dr. R. Benton “Ben” Ruth

President, Director, and Founder of COMMUNITY Christian Counseling

B.A., M.Div., M.A., D.Min., D.D., Ph.D.

Professional Roles

Pastoral Counselor, Psychotherapist, Marriage Counselor, Motivational Specialist, Lecturer, and Trainer.

Certified Life Coach, Certified Executive Coach, Certified Career Consultant / Coach

Dr. Benton Ruth has served in pastoral ministry since 1966 and in counseling since 1975.

The overlap of pastoral leadership and clinical counseling has provided Dr. Ruth with a rich legacy of experiences across many denominations and a profound appreciation for the synergy between theological and psychological training.

He has served with six denominations since 1966: Evangelical United Brethren, Independent Christian, United Methodist, Evangelical Presbyterian, Church of God, and Church of the Nazarene. His focus has always been on healing the common struggle for spiritual and emotional wholeness.

Guiding Philosophy

“What competent counseling produces, and all that Psychology aspires to achieve, is precisely what the Bible teaches.” (Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 5:9-11) – Rev. Dr. R. Benton Ruth

Ordained in 1978, Dr. Ruth has promoted a unified approach integrating teaching with spiritual and emotional growth. His counseling ministry serves many individuals who have experienced trauma, specializing in helping clients grow in grace and achieve emotional maturity.

After working with the Center for Mental Health (1978–1983), Dr. Ruth founded multiple counseling initiatives:

Counseling Center at the Crossing (1983–1991)
The Alpha Pastoral Counseling Center (1991–1998)
Career Designers (1999–2001)
CrossRoads Counseling Center (2001–2007)
Community Christian Counseling (2007–Present)

As a professional pastoral counselor, Dr. Ruth has provided over 50,000 hours of counseling and more than 1,500 hours of clinical supervision for other counselors.

Selected Awards and Honors

- - Member, World Society of Motivational Scientists & Professionals
  - Administrator, Reiss Motivational Profile: Ohio State University
  - Cambridge International Who’s Who, Business Leaders (2010)
  - Life Member, Who’s Who Worldwide, Business Leaders
  - Member, International Who’s Who (2000–2010)
  - Co-Director, NIMH National Workshops for Clergy (1976–1983)
  - Board Member, Madison County Mental Health Association (1978–1980)
  - Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Anderson University (1978–2003)
  - Instructor of Psychology, Ivy Tech State College (2003–2008)
  - Certified Professional Training Consultant, Ball State University (1994)
  - Founding Member, American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) since 1988
  - Clinical Member, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) since 1982
  - Member, International Coach Federation (Executive Coaching, Life Coaching, #9008138/Indiana)
  - Graduate School Professor 23 years

Connect With Dr. Ruth

Portrait of a smiling older man in glasses and a suit.

Steve Menifee

CERTIFIED ADDICTIONS COACH

CERTIFIED LIFE COACH

Cozette Myers, LCSW

WOMENS COUNSELOR

MARRIAGE COUNSELOR

Dr. Ted R. Bitner

TESTING PHYCOLOGIST

MARRIAGE COUNSELOR