STAFF
Meet our team.
Lakewood Ranch
Ministry Staff
Caleb Free
Pastor
A message from Pastor Caleb Free
Welcome to Risen Savior! My name is Caleb Free and I have the privilege of serving as Risen Savior's Pastor. My wife Kristin and I have been married since 2010, and we have three wonderful children: Clay, Aaron, and JoJo. We love calling Lakewood Ranch home and are very grateful for our church and school family at Risen Savior Church and Academy.
Besides watching sports and playing golf, I have a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus with one and all. I am a firm believer that God loves all people, and that his gift of salvation is a gift he gives to you. My priority and focus as Pastor at Risen Savior is clearly sharing God's love with all who come through our doors. I hope and pray that includes you! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have about the Bible, or our Church and School. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Dan Schmidt
Pastor
A message from Pastor Dan Schmidt
Welcome to Risen Savior! My name is Dan Schmidt, and I have the privilege of serving as Campus Pastor at Risen Savior in Lakewood Ranch. I spent much of my life in the Midwest before accepting the call to serve here in the summer of 2026.
My wife, Camryn, and I have two sons—Liam, who is a little over two years old, and Ezra, who is three months old. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, settling into a good book or podcast, exercising, and watching all kinds of sports.
I’m looking forward to getting to know the people of Risen Savior Church and Academy and becoming more familiar with the Lakewood Ranch community.
PARRISH
Ministry Staff
Ben Balge
Pastor
A message from Pastor Ben Balge
Hi! My name is Pastor Ben Balge. My wife, Erika, and I moved to Parrish in the summer of 2023. We have loved getting to know all that the area has to offer. You can find us discovering the best places to eat, trying out a new beach, or out for a walk with our dog, Marley.
The opportunity to start a church in Parrish is such an exciting blessing. I can’t wait to tell more people the good news about Jesus.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sin - it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5) I look forward to meeting you!