Written by Johanna Allen
Interview by Doreen Nelson
 
Some people find Mitchell by chance. For Ben and Maria Payne, it was a calling, one that led them to a place they now proudly call home.

Married for 27 years, Ben and Maria raised their two children, James and Kathryn, in Mitchell after moving to the community in 2011. Originally from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Ben accepted the role of Lead Pastor at Northridge Baptist Church after serving in Sioux Falls. Encouraged by friends connected to the church, they made the move, trusting it was the right step.

Although Ben had once visited Mitchell and remembered the Corn Palace, he never imagined he would one day build a life here. But from the start, Mitchell was exactly what their family needed, a strong school system, great teachers, quality retail, and a wide range of restaurants.

What truly made the difference, however, was the people.

The Paynes quickly discovered that Mitchell is a community that invites involvement. Through Northridge Baptist Church, they became engaged in local and global outreach efforts, while their children’s participation in sports, band, and choir helped build lasting friendships. Over time, those connections turned into a sense of belonging.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys reading, playing guitar, working on vehicles, and rebuilding motorcycles. He’s also developed a strong appreciation for Mitchell’s motorcycle culture, along with a passion for umpiring local softball.

Today, Ben continues to serve as Lead Pastor at Northridge, where the church has grown significantly, including an expansion to better serve children and youth. Maria is also an active part of the community through her work at Dice Financial.
From gathering at the Corn Palace to attending performances at the Mitchell High School Performing Arts Center, the Paynes have embraced all that the city has to offer. They also appreciate the outdoor lifestyle, including hunting and time spent exploring the region.

For Ben and Maria, Mitchell represents more than just a place to live, it’s a place to build a life.

“Mitchell felt like home more quickly than any place we have ever lived,” Ben shared. “The past 15 years have flown by—and if we’ve been here this long, why would we ever leave?”

That sense of belonging is what makes Mitchell special. It’s a community where people are welcomed, encouraged to get involved, and given the opportunity to create a meaningful life.

For the Paynes, what started as a step of faith became something far greater. Mitchell became home.