Bishop Antonnio Benton
Our Pastor
School teacher, school administrator, coach, author, chief administrator, father, husband, and overseer, Antonnio Benton is a man of many gifts and talents. He and his wife are currently serving as Sr. Pastor and overseers of the Salem Baptist Church of Paulding, Mississippi and International City of Light Ministries of Mansfield, TX.
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Pastor Benton was born on October 14, 1969 in Meridian, MS. His father, a military veteran, brick mason, Azzell Benton and his mother, retired teacher and elementary principal, Maudie Benton, set an example of servitude to whom Pastor Benton credits for his own spirit of service, ministry, and love for God and His people.
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He is a 1987 graduate of Kosciusko High School. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of MS in 1991 and a master’s degree in chemistry education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1996, he has taught chemistry, biology, AP Chemistry, and physics in public and private schools in south Mississippi for 20 years. He has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching including being recognized by the MS legislature as an outstanding teacher in the field of science. In addition, he coached basketball, football and track throughout his years as a teacher.
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During the month January 2014, Salem Baptist Church began fasting and praying under the unction of the Holy Spirit to “enlarge the place of our tent” in accordance with Isa. 54:2. Consequently, the International City of Light Ministries was birthed and held its first service on July 27, 2014 in Mansfield, TX.
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The heartbeat of the International City of Light Ministries is simply stated as being a place where we are called to be “Night Lights” to shine into the lives of others the glory of God through Jesus Christ. The City of Light is called to be a “repairer of the breach and restorer of paths” in this world for people from all walks of life, ethnicity, race, and beliefs so that they can discover their God-given purpose and the fulfillment of it. From its birth, numerous souls have been saved and countless lives have been changed for the better and the glory of God. There is a place for all in the “City”.
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Pastor Benton is the author of several books entitled, The Fish are biting, but where are the fisherman, Good Ground-Are You?, 7 Things Necessary to receive a Breakthrough, Changing Directions: Making A U-Turn, Living In Prophetic Sayings, The Power of Revelation- From Revelation to Transformation, and Secrets From The Upper Room, The Voices of the Vine, and nearly completed-The Hidden Ones-Hiding in Plain Sight. Each of these books are designed to help believers reach their destiny and overcome the obstacles Satan uses to divert or hinder them from fulfilling God’s purpose. He has been invited to speak at schools, churches, and community events throughout the United States.
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Pastor Benton currently resides in Hattiesburg, MS and Kennedale, TX. They have four children- Antonnio (II), Timothy, Alyssa, and Christian. His wife was a former educator and an evangelist with over 20 years of educational and ministerial experience.