About

Our Story

Crossfire Christian Ministries is an organization created to serve a specific group of people who find themselves under immense pressure today - Christian business leaders.

In his practice of spiritual direction, Dr. Ben Pickett discovered through his conversations with leaders the isolation, loneliness, and anxiety they often felt. He heard the stories about how their God-honoring decisions sometimes led to difficult circumstances that brought real challenges and even suffering. He discovered how these leaders, in their isolation, had few friends to talk to who truly understood their predicament or were present to support them in their struggle to remain true to their faith and loyal to their context.

So with the commitment of an amazing team of leaders, a ministry was prayerfully created with a simple goal in mind: To nurture and equip Christian business leaders.

Our desire is to create spaces for leaders to find others of like mind to talk, encourage, and exchange ideas. Spaces where the calling of faith enfuses every conversation and where people are nourished by meaningful community. Our desire is to bring expert resources and insightful, experienced, counsel in Christian discipleship to help leaders grow stronger in their faith so that challenges at work - or anywhere else - are faced boldly and fearlessly.

We hope you will join us in this life-changing effort. Christians need each other now more than ever. Christian business leaders need communities to encourage and support each other in their great calling to lead as Christ-honoring exemplars in a rapidly changing world.

Dr. Ben Pickett

Founder/Executive Director

Dr. Ben Pickett served in congregational ministry to adults for 21 years. The last four years he served as an Executive Minister in Houston, Tx. His education includes a Doctor of Ministry degree from Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX(2013) and an Adv. Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University, Bronx, NY(2018). Ben lives in Lubbock with his wife of 33 years (Kerry) and devotes his time to CCM and to teaching as an adjunct at the undergrad and graduate level.

Manuel Calderon

Regional Director - Nashville

Manuel Calderon, born and married in Puerto Rico, embarked on a transformative journey alongside his beloved wife, Yvina, and their daughter, Sofia. In February 2001, they moved to Wilson, NC, where Manuel began his role as a Technology Lead for BB&T Bank. Over the past 24 years, Manuel has exemplified Christian leadership in various senior positions within the financial services and technology sectors. His distinguished career includes roles such as Senior Consultant for Equifax, Delivery Manager for CMSI, Business Development Director for Sparkhound, Vice President of Professional Services for Cypress Software Systems, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FlexManage (later acquired by New Era Technologies), Senior Vice President for Overactive (acquired by Perficient USA), Chief Business Officer for Acklen Avenue, and currently, Managing Director at Qubika, a Next Generation Modern Digital Service Provider.

A true servant at heart, Manuel loves serving Christian organizations like Faith Family Medical Center in Nashville, TN, where he leverages his business and ministry experience as a board member to help others. At his core, Manuel is a devoted father to three children—Sofia, Natalia, and Sergio—and has cherished 25 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart. Despite his imperfections, like many, Manuel is wholeheartedly committed to following Jesus and advancing His kingdom. He embodies the true spirit of Christian leadership and servanthood, inspiring those around him to live a life of purpose, faith, and love.