Derrick L. Bentford
Metropolitan Archbishop Derrick L. Bentford—born February 22 in New York, New York—was adopted as an infant and set apart by God from the very beginning. Even in childhood, it was evident that the call of God rested heavily upon him. Marked by unusual spiritual sensitivity, he pursued the presence of God early and developed a deep hunger for Scripture, prayer, and authentic ministry.
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Endowed by the Holy Spirit with gifts of prophecy, healing, and miracles—a portion of the “Gifts of the Spirit” outlined in I Corinthians 12:8–11—Archbishop Bentford began ministering at a young age. His heart quickly turned toward souls, burdened by the reality that many churches were “swapping sheep but not saving souls.” His conviction for purity in ministry drove him into seasons of fasting, prayer, and preparation for a greater apostolic assignment.
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Archbishop Bentford graduated from John Adams High School (Queens, NY) in 2007 and was baptized at age 18 by his godfather, the late Bishop Kevin A. Rogers. Over the course of his journey, he was licensed as a minister, ordained as an elder, and affirmed as a prophet in the Lord’s Church.
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In 2012, the Lord released the vision for Kingdom Gathering Ministries, which expanded and evolved into Kingdom Gathering Ministries & Covenant Churches, Inc. As the work grew, he was appointed General Overseer in 2014 and later consecrated to the office of Bishop and affirmed as an Apostle in 2017 by the Most Reverend Bishop Thomas W. Ridgley. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from The Greater Impact Ministry Academy.
Following the leading of the Holy Spirit, Kingdom Gathering Ministries & Covenant Churches was dissolved in June 2024, marking the close of a significant chapter in his apostolic assignment. In 2025, God birthed Kingdom Shifters Network (KSN), where Archbishop Bentford now serves as Visionary, Founder, and Metropolitan Archbishop, committed to equipping leaders, strengthening churches, and advancing the Kingdom with integrity and excellence.
He is also the Founding Senior Pastor of The Birthing Place Cathedral, Inc., established in Baltimore, Maryland (2016) and expanded into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2020). His ministry voice has impacted believers nationwide through preaching, teaching, intercession, prophetic ministry, leadership development, and apostolic covering.
Archbishop Bentford is known for his forward-thinking leadership, administrative precision, and unwavering devotion to the move of the Holy Spirit. His assignment is clear—to transform how the Church is experienced, raise healthy leaders, and declare boldly that Jesus still saves, heals, and delivers.
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He is joyfully married to Lady Arthesha Bentford, and together they parent Nyla, Nehemiah, Nova, Zola, Shye, and Jade. Above all titles and accomplishments, Archbishop Bentford remains a servant of God whose heart is to build people, empower leaders, and shift nations for the glory of God.