Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Irving Benjamin Jr
Pastor & Motivational Speaker
Prophet Irving Benjamin Jr. was born on February 14, 1973, to the late Irving Benjamin Sr. and the late Vivian Ann Samuels in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the New York City Public School System. In 1988, Prophet Benjamin was accepted to and attended Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers in New York City. That same year, he and his family joined Wayside Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, under the pastorship of the late Rev. Joe L. Parker.
During Prophet Benjamin’s tenure at Wayside Baptist Church, he recognized the call of God on his life through the preaching and teachings of Rev. Parker. During this time, he joined the Junior Usher Board and became President for a term. He also served as President of the Youth Ministry for ages 17 to 19. On fifth Sundays, which were designated as Youth Sunday, he would occasionally preside over the Youth Day Service. Prophet Benjamin was faithful to Wayside Baptist Church. In 1992, he graduated from Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers with a high school diploma in Accounting.
A few months later, Prophet Benjamin was accepted to and attended Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina. During his matriculation at Shaw, God used him as a light, inspiration, and encouragement to the administration, faculty, staff, and student body. He was respected both on the Shaw University campus and in the community. While at Shaw, he joined Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church under the pastorship of the legendary gospel singer Shirley Caesar in 1995.
It was under this ministry that Prophet Benjamin was introduced to the Gospel Ministry. Through the unadulterated Word that was being preached and taught by this great vessel, God was molding and shaping him for greatness. On Friday, November 15, 1996, he delivered his trial sermon. Pastor Caesar appointed Prophet Benjamin over the Youth Ministry, and through his faithfulness, God began to bless and manifest the Friday Night Youth Services.
In 1997, Prophet Benjamin graduated from Shaw University with a B.A. in Sociology. In 2000, the Lord began to shift the life and spirit of Prophet Benjamin, and the birthing and manifestation of the prophetic mantle began to come to pass. God was moving him further into his destiny and true calling as a prophetic voice in this end time. Prophet Benjamin joined Resurrection Tabernacle of Praise Full Gospel Church, later known as Greater Life Tabernacle of Praise Full Gospel Church, under the pastorship of Apostle Mary Baxter.
By obeying God, the prophetic anointing began to flourish in his life like never before. As he connected with this great and anointed woman of God, he recognized his identity as a prophet of God and prophetic psalmist. He remained faithful, and God blessed him with his own ministry, Apple of Thine Eye Outreach Ministries, later renamed Empowered to Excel Ministries in 2004.
In 2002, Prophet Benjamin recognized that God was further calling him into pastorship. He trained for a year before being ordained in June 2003 by his overseer and pastor, Apostle Mary Baxter, over Faith and Praise Tabernacle of Deliverance Full Gospel Church, now known as Pool of Bethesda Tabernacle of Praise Life-Changing Church, Inc., in Brooklyn, New York. In 2004, the ministry was renamed Empowered 2 Excel Ministries, Inc.
In this season of Prophet Benjamin’s life, he is engaged in evangelistic work. Currently, Prophet Benjamin is the President and CEO of Empowered 2 Excel Ministries, Inc., a ministry that empowers all humanity to excel in every aspect of life. He also leads Men Excelling Toward Excellence Ministries, a ministry for men, both young and old, encouraging and motivating them to become dominant in both the spiritual and natural realms.
He is also the founder of Pristine Image Enterprises, Inc., a talent and gifted agency for both Christians and non-Christians. The agency inspires individuals to pursue their aspirations, dreams, and visions through the use of their gifts and talents.
Prophet Benjamin is determined to follow Christ and do His will wholeheartedly. Hear ye him, for he walks in grace and ability.
For Booking Prophet Irving Benjamin Jr
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CREA Global Awards presented to
Irving Benjamin Jr
Pastor & Motivational Speaker
The CREA Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition for their creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, or for their contributions to sustainability and mental health projects.

Caroline Winkvist
Editor-In-Chief
Daniel Ålund
Selection Committee



Brainz 500 Global Awards presented to
Irving Benjamin Jr
Pastor & Motivational Speaker
Brainz 500 Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition of their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others.
Caroline Winkvist
Editor-In-Chief

Fredrik Elfqvist
Selection Committee

