The Reverend Gregory L. Denton hails from the state of Maine, where in the farthest northern reaches, one
hunted, fished, grew potatoes, or wished for a quick escape. Well, not escape, but just dreaming of becoming
more than what one expected. Reverend Denton has always been involved in church activities since a child.
Attending sedate and staunch Baptist churches until High School, where he ‘strayed’ (as his mother would say)
into the emotionally-packed atmosphere of the Pentecostal church; this was a liberating experience that got him
through adolescence and puberty.
Some would say Greg is an accomplished pianist and organist, but he has not had one official lesson. He
credits his ability and talent as God-given. Later in life he would use this ability to perform in the secular world
with Starlite Rhythms, a musical duo that played throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties and would even
take him to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Reverend Denton was a student of Faith School of Theology, Charleston, Maine; graduating from the
Ministerial and Biblical departments with additional courses in Missionary concerns. Upon graduating theological
school he was married and accepted a position as Associate Pastor at an Assemblies of God church in South
Miami. After returning to Maine a year later, evangelistic work was done throughout New England and Eastern
Canada. Recognizing the reality of his sexuality identity, he ‘came out’ to his wife and basically was ostracized by
ministerial friends. His family never once forsook him and he is so blessed to have had their support and love.
Divorced in 1986, his move to Fort Lauderdale was a much needed new beginning. Sunshine Cathedral MCC
played a major role in the journey of self-discovery/understanding concerning spirituality and sexuality. The
wilderness wandering syndrome of being out of active ministry for years left a void that could only be filled by
trusting God’s irrevocable call to return to true fulfillment of a life dedicated to church service. Under the direction
and guidance of the Right Reverend Grant Lynn Ford and the Sunshine Cathedral, Reverend Denton gradually
was entrusted with ministerial responsibilities and duties, where he has been actively involved since 1999, as an
‘Associate In Ministry’. Greg is extremely grateful to Reverend Ford and the Cathedral for their unwavering
confidence, kind considerations, and great example of Christian caring- offered to him at a time when the term
‘damaged goods’ might well be applied to his situation.
Reverend Denton credits his sense of spirituality to a healthy balance of the charismatic and liturgical
traditions. He believes first and foremost that the genuine rationale for a local congregation is to be an authentic
living example and animating expression of Jesus Christ in our midst; in the same humility the Master exhibited
in serving others, by affirming their being, healing their sicknesses, raising their dead, and loving their souls
unconditionally. If the local church is less than this, Christ’s real presence is not fully represented.
A firm believer in the Bible as containing God’s inspired Word, he has come to appreciate the beauty and truth
in all creation, whether in other religious traditions and sacred texts, interfaith interaction, or simply living out the
creed of faith by self-less acts of love and compassion.
Reverend Denton was called to New Hope First Community Church in October of 2004. He was installed as
Pastor of the Church in January of 2005.
