Bennie Wilkerson

Bennie R. Wilkerson Jr. is a native of Buffalo, NY, where he was born and raised. He obeyed the Gospel in 1980 under the preaching of Dr. John A. Smiley, Minister of the Linwood Avenue Church of Christ. Brother Wilkerson received his initial biblical and administrative training from Dr. Smiley, who walked alongside the legendary Evangelist Marshall Keeble. He later attended and graduated from Great Lakes Bible College.

Throughout his ministerial journey, Brother Wilkerson has been mentored by the late Evangelist Dr. Robert Woods for over 16 years prior to his death. Early in his ministry, he recognized that all people face challenges, including hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, the world’s Master Teacher, he sought to deepen his impact on those he serves by furthering his education. He holds a master’s degree in social work and is a contracted therapist with ACE Community Support Services. In addition to preaching the Gospel of Christ, he serves as a school social worker for the Cobb County School District, where he works closely with children and their families.

As a dedicated and active member of the community, Brother Wilkerson is a member of the Drug-Free Coalition and Gang Task Force in Cobb County. He is the owner of Young Einsteins Academy, Inc., an early childhood learning center located in Marietta, GA and the founder of the Kids R’ First Foundation, which was committed to supporting the well-being and development of children. In addition, he owns It's a Wilkerson Thang Counseling, LLC providing essential mental health and counseling services to individuals and families in need.

Brother Wilkerson served for 10 years as the Assistant Minister under the oversight of the Elders at the Huntington Church of Christ in Long Island, NY. He continued his ministry at the Camp Creek Church of Christ, where he served as Assistant Minister and Deacon for 14 years. And he is currently serving for the last 6 years, alongside Brother Marcus T. Watkins as his Associate Minister of the Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA.

A sought-after speaker, Brother Wilkerson has participated in numerous regional and area lectureships. He has served congregations across the brotherhood by conducting Gospel meetings, marriage and family workshops, and leadership and men’s empowerment workshops. Committed to preaching God's word and defending the faith, he has dedicated over 30 years to ministry, standing firm against challenges from both within and outside the church.

Brother Wilkerson has been married to his wife, Tonya, for 33 years. They have two sons, Alexander (30) and Nicholas (29), as well as a daughter-in-law, Yorelle and 2 beautiful grandchildren, AJ (6) and Laila (4). Together, they are a family of faith, devoted to serving the Lord.