Hello My Name Is...
Mr. Troy Benton
Advisement-Homeroom Teacher, Riverdale High School - Riverdale GA
Subject focus: World History/Social Studies
ABOUT ME:
Troy Mel Benton was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was educated for a short time in the Cleveland Public School System, and the Shaker Heights School System. He graduated from Shaker High School in 1987.
Troy continued his education at Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he focused his attention on philosophy and religion, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion with an emphasis on African American Religious Studies in 1992. While at Morehouse, Troy cultivated other talents and interest, performing as a member and officer in the world renowned Morehouse College Glee Club. In addition, Troy was also a founding member, and eventually president of the Xi Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity, in 1991. Troy also served in the Metropolitan Atlanta Big Brothers' program.
During his tenure at Morehouse, Troy received honors such as a Bishop James S. Thomas Scholar, and an NCJBMCR scholar. Troy was privileged to serve for six consecutive summers various churches in the East Ohio U.M. Conference within the Bishop James S. Thomas Internship Program. Troy has also served as Administrative Assistant, Worship Leader, and Teacher for the Ministerial Recruitment Institute of that same conference.
Troy sensed his call to ordained ministry at age 13, and answered the call three years later during a Mother's Day service. Troy is a 1995 graduate of Garrett-Evangelical, obtaining a Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis on the African-American church.
While attending Garrett, Troy served as Student Associate Pastor of Sherman U.M.C., in Evanston, IL, and
Student Assistant Pastor at St. Mark U.M.C. in Chicago, IL. Troy was also named a Crusade Scholar of the United Methodist Church. Troy also served as the first Intern Coordinator for the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions.
Troy was ordained a deacon of the East Ohio Conference during the 1995 Annual Session, elder in full connection during its 1999 Annual Session. Troy has served as Senior Pastor of the East Glenville United Methodist, and The Master’s United Methodist churches in that conference. Troy is also a founder, and former leader of a new, innovative ministry for East Ohio named "Meeting Place Ministries", targeting young adults.
In addition, Troy served as chairperson for the Young Adult Division of the North Central Jurisdictional-Black Methodist for Church Renewal. Troy now serves as the Jurisdictional representative of this same organization.
In July 2000 Troy and family moved to the metropolitan Detroit area, and served as Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries at Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, Michigan. In March 2003, Troy launched and was named the Vision Leader and President of the National Coalition of Young Adult African-American Pastors.
In July 2003, Troy moved to his heartfelt home of Metropolitan Atlanta, and now served as the Associate Equipping Pastor of Ousley United Methodist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. In July 2004, Troy was granted a gift by his North Georgia Conference to launch and become Founding/Lead Pastor of a new church named, “I.S.A.I.A.H.” in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
In June 2009 Troy became the Lead Pastor of Flat Rock-Isaiah UMC in Lithonia, Georgia through a merger process that was engaged through the North Georgia Conference. Troy led this merged congregation through October 2010.In November 2010, Troy continued serving in ministry as the Lead Pastor of both the St. Luke & Bethlehem United Methodist Churches.
In 2011, Troy became the Associate Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Fairview Heights, IL. Serving the largest and fastest growing United Methodist Church in the Midwest, Troy led the missional and connectional efforts of Christ Church.
In July 2016, Troy was appointed to serve as Senior Pastor of St. John's United Methodist Church in Edwardsville, IL. Troy has also served in churches in Northern Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Georgia.
In July 2018, Troy began serving as Executive Pastor at the St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. Troy continued in this role until July 2019, when he returned to Georgia. Troy continues to serve as coach for church planting efforts across the country in concert with denominations and parachurch ministries, leadership, cultural diversity, and strategic operations as Leader of Vision 360. Troy maintains a busy speaking schedule nationally.
Currently Troy is a doctoral student at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky with a concentration in Church Planting and Faith Community Development. Troy is in the active work of completing two books. In the future, Troy is scheduled to author several works, including a work focusing on Howard Thurman & Mysticism with an emphasis on African-American Liberation and its' Theology. Troy also is a sought-after consultant for non-profits and church settings.
Troy is married to his college sweetheart and wonderful wife of 28 years, Emma. Together they nurture their daughters Taylor and Autumn, and endeavor to serve God faithfully.