From Platform to Pilgrimage: Pastor Ben, Cleave to Antiquity, and a Journey to the Apostolic Faith

Faith over fame. Conviction over career. What would you give up to follow truth where it leads? These questions sit at the center of Pastor Ben’s move from Protestant ministry into Eastern Orthodoxy—a decision he announced on his YouTube channel, Cleave to Antiquity.

For years, Cleave to Antiquity was a thoughtful Protestant apologetics channel engaging Catholics and Orthodox Christians. So when Pastor Ben posted his conversion announcement on Cleave to Antiquity, many were stunned. The cost was immediate: he resigned his pastorate, lost followers, and faced criticism from former allies. As he admits, “It would be much more lucrative for me to remain Protestant.” Yet he chose faithfulness over familiarity.

In this episode, Mario Andrew and Jeremy Jeremiah of Cloud of Witnesses react to Pastor Ben’s announcement video from Cleave to Antiquity—pausing to consider what his story means for Christians wrestling with questions of unity, authority, and continuity. They highlight how Ben’s journey combines heart and mind: a moment in prayer with Orthodox elements where he sensed a holy presence (a fragrance of incense, a gentle warmth), and an intellectual crisis where he could no longer defend certain Protestant positions in good conscience. Integrity demanded he follow the truth—even when it led away from comfort.

Ben’s path raises the questions many of us ask:

• Unity: How do we pursue oneness in Christ amid denominational fragmentation?
• Authority: Is it Scripture alone, or Scripture within the apostolic tradition?
• Continuity: Can today’s faith and worship be traced to the early Church?

As Pastor Ben enters the catechumenate—a season of learning before reception into the Church—he’s reframing Cleave to Antiquity from teaching to learning, inviting his audience to explore the Fathers, the Creeds, and the liturgy with him. Mario and Jeremy reflect on how this posture of humility models the kind of discipleship the whole Church needs.

If you’ve ever felt drawn toward Orthodoxy or the apostolic faith, or you’re simply curious what’s moving thoughtful Protestants in this direction, join us. Watch our reaction and discussion of Pastor Ben’s Cleave to Antiquity announcement, pray for him in this transition, and consider exploring the ancient paths for yourself.

Wherever you are on the journey, may Christ lead us all deeper into truth, unity, and love.

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