Podcast Preview
In this episode of 12-Minute Convos with Jesus Believers, Engel Jones connects with Pastor Irving Benjamin Jr. Pastor Irving shares his incredible 30-year journey of ministry, from preaching at his first church, Wayside Baptist Church, and hosting packed services at a Brooklyn event center, to now reaching the masses through his online Empowered to Excel Ministries.
Listen in as Pastor Irving discusses his upcoming book birthed from a sermon he preached over two decades ago and unpacks the profound truth that every believer is "impregnated with purpose". He explains why life often feels frustrating when we try to do things outside of God's specific design for us, and the vital importance of connecting with the right people to help push that purpose out of you. If you are feeling lost or unfulfilled, Pastor Irving's powerful reminder that you must be empowered in order to excel will boldly ignite your pursuit of God's calling!
Guest's Bio
Prophet Irving Benjamin, Jr. was born on February 14, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Irving Benjamin, Sr. and the late Vivian Ann Samuels. He was educated in the New York City Public School System and, in 1988, was accepted into Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers. That same year, he and his family joined Wayside Baptist Church in Brooklyn under the leadership of the late Rev. Joe L. Parker.
During his time at Wayside, Prophet Benjamin recognized the call of God on his life through the preaching and teaching of Rev. Parker. He became actively involved in the ministry, serving on the Junior Usher Board and eventually becoming its president. He also served as President of the Youth Ministry for ages 17–19. On Youth Sundays, held on fifth Sundays, he would often preside over the service. Prophet Benjamin remained faithful to the Wayside Baptist Church throughout his formative years.
In 1992, he graduated with a High School Diploma in Accounting. Shortly afterward, he was accepted to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. During his time at Shaw, Prophet Benjamin was a light and an inspiration to faculty, staff, and students. In 1995, he joined Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church under the legendary Gospel artist Pastor Shirley Caesar. It was here that Prophet Benjamin was further nurtured in the Gospel and began to be molded for greatness.
On Friday, November 15, 1996, he preached his trial sermon and was appointed by Pastor Caesar to lead the Youth Ministry. Under his leadership, Friday Night Youth Services began to thrive through his faithfulness and dedication.
In 1997, Prophet Benjamin graduated from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. By the year 2000, the Lord began to shift his path, and the prophetic mantle on his life began to manifest more clearly. He joined Resurrection Tabernacle of Praise Full Gospel Church (later known as Greater Life Tabernacle of Praise Full Gospel Church) under Apostle Mary Baxter. Through this divine connection, Prophet Benjamin fully embraced his identity as a Prophet and Prophetic Psalmist.
His obedience and faithfulness led to the birth of his own ministry originally named Apple of Thine Eye Outreach Ministries which was rebranded in 2004 as Empowered 2 Excel Ministries, Inc. In 2002, he recognized the pastoral calling on his life and entered a year-long period of training. He was ordained in June 2003 by Apostle Mary Baxter, who at the time led Faith and Praise Tabernacle of Deliverance Full Gospel Church, later known as Pool of Bethesda Tabernacle of Praise Life-Changing Church, Inc., and now Empowered 2 Excel Ministries, Inc.
Currently, Prophet Benjamin is engaged in evangelistic work and serves as the President and CEO of Empowered 2 Excel Ministries, Inc., a ministry committed to empowering humanity to excel in every area of life. He also leads Men Excelling Toward Excellence Ministries, which seeks to uplift and equip men of all ages to thrive both spiritually and naturally.
In addition to his ministry work, Prophet Benjamin is the founder of Pristine Image Enterprises, Inc., a Christian and non-Christian talent and gift development agency. This initiative helps individuals pursue their God-given dreams and aspirations by unlocking and refining their unique talents.
Prophet Irving Benjamin, Jr. remains steadfast in his commitment to following Christ and fulfilling His will with his whole heart. Truly, he is a servant of God marked by grace, humility, and divine ability. Hear ye him for the grace of God is upon his life.
Here's My Website Info: https://prophet-ibj.my.canva.site/empowered2excel/