Biography
Dr. Darius M. Benton is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina where he graduated from Harding University High School. He then attended Norfolk State University where he participated in many campus organizations and received his Bachelors of Science degree in Mass Communications with honors. Dr. Benton earned his Master of Divinity Degree with a certificate in Religious Education and Youth Ministry from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He later completed his Ph.D. from Regent University's School of Business and Leadership in the area of Organizational Leadership.
While at Norfolk State he accepted his calling to ministry and later became an Associate Minister and Director of Youth Ministries at St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in Suffolk, Virginia while serving as Chief of Staff of the Varick International Christian Youth Council of the A.M.E. Zion Church and an Associate Minister at Walls Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following graduation he moved to Atlanta, GA and served as an Associate Minister at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia under the leadership of Bishop Eddie L. Long. At New Birth he shared in the New Birth Student Ministries, Christian Education Department, Father's House Ministry, was dedicated to the Worship & Arts Ministry as Spiritual Development Coordinator, and served as a Team Leader for the Ministers in Training Program. Dr. Benton returned home to Charlotte, NC and served as an Associate Minister at Steele Creek A.M.E. Zion Church (formerly pastored by his grandfather) in Charlotte, NC under the direction of Dr. Elvin Sadler prior to being appointed as Pastor in Charge of Walls Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Houston, TX and later Presiding Elder of the Houston-San Antonio District by Bishop Mildred B. Hines.
Dr. Benton has contributed to several websites and print media. He is in the process of writing books and performing research that will empower people to live free and fulfilled lives. Dr. Benton founded and served as the director of "Transforming Generations," an organization dedicated to providing programs, opportunities, and experiences that enhance the lives of people around the world, enabling them to mature in all areas of life. Much of its offerings were arts based but included other avenues for personal development and growth, specifically for youth.
Public service is a personal call and where Dr. Benton finds much of his purpose. He has and continues to be active in and hold leadership positions in Faith-Based, Professional and Civic organizations. As educational personnel in Atlanta Public Schools, he has empowered students on a daily basis to identify their purpose, fulfill their destiny, set goals, and develop strategic plans to success. He has also served as an educator in Charlotte, NC and in Houston, TX. Currently he is an Asst. Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown and Presiding Elder of the Dallas-Ft. Worth District of the A.M.E. Zion Church. Dr. Benton is also an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Benton has a passion for seeing people grow into an understanding of who they are in Christ and how to fulfill their life's purpose. He has an intense love for Worship & Arts, Liturgy of Worship, Youth Ministry, Christian Education, Leadership & Organizational Development, and Media/Communications Ministry. His favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 which states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and Proverbs 3:3-5 saying, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
While at Norfolk State he accepted his calling to ministry and later became an Associate Minister and Director of Youth Ministries at St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in Suffolk, Virginia while serving as Chief of Staff of the Varick International Christian Youth Council of the A.M.E. Zion Church and an Associate Minister at Walls Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following graduation he moved to Atlanta, GA and served as an Associate Minister at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia under the leadership of Bishop Eddie L. Long. At New Birth he shared in the New Birth Student Ministries, Christian Education Department, Father's House Ministry, was dedicated to the Worship & Arts Ministry as Spiritual Development Coordinator, and served as a Team Leader for the Ministers in Training Program. Dr. Benton returned home to Charlotte, NC and served as an Associate Minister at Steele Creek A.M.E. Zion Church (formerly pastored by his grandfather) in Charlotte, NC under the direction of Dr. Elvin Sadler prior to being appointed as Pastor in Charge of Walls Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Houston, TX and later Presiding Elder of the Houston-San Antonio District by Bishop Mildred B. Hines.
Dr. Benton has contributed to several websites and print media. He is in the process of writing books and performing research that will empower people to live free and fulfilled lives. Dr. Benton founded and served as the director of "Transforming Generations," an organization dedicated to providing programs, opportunities, and experiences that enhance the lives of people around the world, enabling them to mature in all areas of life. Much of its offerings were arts based but included other avenues for personal development and growth, specifically for youth.
Public service is a personal call and where Dr. Benton finds much of his purpose. He has and continues to be active in and hold leadership positions in Faith-Based, Professional and Civic organizations. As educational personnel in Atlanta Public Schools, he has empowered students on a daily basis to identify their purpose, fulfill their destiny, set goals, and develop strategic plans to success. He has also served as an educator in Charlotte, NC and in Houston, TX. Currently he is an Asst. Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown and Presiding Elder of the Dallas-Ft. Worth District of the A.M.E. Zion Church. Dr. Benton is also an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Benton has a passion for seeing people grow into an understanding of who they are in Christ and how to fulfill their life's purpose. He has an intense love for Worship & Arts, Liturgy of Worship, Youth Ministry, Christian Education, Leadership & Organizational Development, and Media/Communications Ministry. His favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 which states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and Proverbs 3:3-5 saying, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
