The Reverend Dr. Robert T. Benton was born in Cheraw, SC to Mr. Robert and Rev. Dr. Sandra K. Benton, the Presiding Elder of the Cheraw-Bennettsville District. He is family oriented; happily married to and fully supported by his lovely wife, the Rev. Melissa S. Benton.  Their union has been blessed with two miracle sons, Timel Alexander and Robert Kenneth.  

Dr. Benton has earned Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Hood Theological Seminary. He earnestly believes that regardless of the degrees and accolades that one may receive, only what you do for Christ will last. Under his pastoral leadership souls have been saved, delivered, restored, and healed; however, much work is yet to be done for the Kingdom of God.  Throughout his ministry Dr. Benton has been intentional about providing a blended worship experience to be inclusive of the diversity within the congregation. Dr. Benton has served the Pleasant Hill AME Zion Church in Heath Springs, SC and the Foundation AME Zion Church in Rock Hill, SC.  Dr. Benton was appointed to the historic Antioch AME Zion Church of Eastover, SC in July 2006. 

Dr. Benton is encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:38-39 when he insists that “nothing shall separate him from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Therefore, he remains, God focused, Christ centered, Holy Spirit Led.

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Rev. Melissa S. Benton is the oldest daughter Bishop Joseph and Deborah Stringfellow. She was educated in the Chester County School District. She furthered her education by earning an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and her Master of Education from Columbia College. She is happily married to the Rev. Dr. Robert T. Benton and they share two sons, Timel Alexander and Robert Kenneth. Rev. Melissa has always had a passion for helping young people. She served as the Executive Director of Teens United For the Future (TUFF), which was a nonprofit teen pregnancy prevention organization in Chester County. She currently serves at the South Carolina Department of Education helping all South Carolina school districts secure funding for their Career and Technology programs.

She is the Christian Education Director and Youth Minister at the Antioch AME Zion Church. Anyone that knows her can attest to her high energy, creativity, and willingness to try something new to spread the gospel message to all ages, especially the youth. Her creativity afforded her the opportunity to serve as the South Atlantic Episcopal Youth Director for Christian Education. Her gifts have made room for her as a member of the Fellowship Committee for the Assembly of Christian Educators (ACE) for the AME Zion connection where she has been instrumental in implementing the first virtual Poetry Slam, Members Only Bash, and other virtual events that are schedule for the very near future. 

Rev. Melissa loves to sing, event plan, shop online, and spend as much time as she can with her family. She is a lot of fun to be around and has the uncanny ability to find the humor in even the most somber moments.  She lives by the motto, “If you can dream it, you can do it!” One of the scriptures that keeps her motivated in spite of the challenges she faces is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”