Faith & ministry

Rooted in the Word.
Called to serve.

Pastor, Church of God of Saint Petersburg • Serving as a pastor since 2002

Pastor Gordon standing beside a minister, with young Troy seated at the end of a pew
Pastor Gordon visiting the Joliet work in the 1990s. I am seated in the foreground.

The foundation of my calling

I learned by watching
lives devoted to God.

My mother and grandmother taught me the Word of God. The ministers around me showed me prayer, conviction, and service in everyday life.

Pastor Gordon was deeply influential. I watched how he memorized scripture and preached the gospel. One day, as he walked by me at church, I stopped him. When he bent down, I asked for a double portion of his anointing.

I don’t know whether this photograph was taken on that occasion. But it brings back the hunger I had to serve God. Pastor Gordon helped shape me; God gave me the calling.

People who helped shape me

Faith passed from
one life to another.

Young Troy with Eddie Hodges
With Eddie Hodges during my early years in Illinois.

Pastor Eddie Hodges

As a child, I heard him praying in the apartment below my grandmother’s. His prayer life stayed with me. He later supported the Joliet work and became its pastor in 1996.

Bobby Banks on the left with young Troy in the center and another minister
Bobby Banks, left, with me during the early Joliet years.

Minister Bobby Banks

I watched his careful artwork as a child. Later, he came to Joliet to preach and brought people from Chicago to support the outreach.

Sandra Allen on the left, young Troy in the middle, and Sister Rogers on the right
With Pastor Sandra Allen, left, and Sister Rogers, right, in the early 1990s.

Pastor Sandra Allen & Sister Rogers

Both influenced my upbringing. Years later, I had the privilege of pastoring and caring for Sister Sandra Allen during a season when illness prevented her from continuing as a pastor.

Saint Petersburg, Florida

A congregation.
A place to grow.

I have served as a pastor since 2002. My desire is to preach the gospel, encourage faith, and help people live what they believe.

If you came here through my testimony, an old friendship, or our community work, you are welcome to learn more about our congregation.

Visit our church website

A personal invitation

I welcome your connection.

For a conversation about faith, ministry, or serving our neighbors, you can reach me directly.