Troy Benton will be speaker at INFUSE IV, January 28-30, 2011.
Bio: 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 NCJ-BMCR scholar.
Troy was privileged to serve for six consecutive summers as Student Assistant, Student Associate, Coordinator of Youth Ministries, and Chaplain Intern in 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. 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 the future, Troy hopes to author several works, including a work focusing on Howard Thurman & Mysticism with an emphasis on African-American Liberation and its Theology.
In July 2003, Troy moved to his heartfelt home of Metropolitan Atlanta, and 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.” to eventually be located in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Troy is married to his wonderful wife Emma. Together they nurture their daughters Taylor and newborn Autumn, and endeavor to serve God faithfully.