The Rev. Troy K. Venning, MDiv, MBA, affectionately known as “Pastor Troy,” serves as the Senior Pastor of Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Chicago—the city’s first African American congregation, established in 1844. Appointed by Bishop John Franklin White at the close of the 139th Session of the Chicago Annual Conference, Pastor Troy returned to his hometown to lead the historic church where he was raised.
Prior to his current role, Pastor Troy served as Executive Pastor at Quinn Chapel beginning in October 2019. His previous pastoral appointments include Greater New Mount Zion AME Church in Homestead, FL (2018), Macedonia AME Church in Boca Raton, FL (2016), Bethel AME Church in Moore Haven, FL (2014), and Allen Chapel in Key Largo, FL (2013).
Pastor Troy holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, an MBA from the University of Phoenix-Fort Lauderdale Campus, and a Bachelor of Arts from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Under his leadership, Quinn Chapel has experienced significant growth and revitalization. In September 2023, the church received a $5 million infrastructure grant to restore its historic edifice and establish a museum dedicated to the Underground Railroad and the Great Migration. Additionally, as of June 2025, Quinn Chapel has been appropriated an additional $4.4 million to continue preserving and sharing its rich history.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to the Black church, Pastor Troy was honored as a recipient of the Faithful 50 Award by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in November 2024. He also serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Illinois Police Review Board, providing oversight and accountability within the state’s law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Pastor Troy is the current President of the AME Ministerial Alliance of Chicago and Vicinity, fostering collaboration and support among clergy in the region. He also contributes to community development as a board member of The Renaissance Collaborative, an organization dedicated to revitalizing Chicago’s South Side.
A native of Chicago, Pastor Troy is married to and serves alongside, Rev. C. Sheryll Brown-Venning and is the proud father of Alexis and Jayla. He is deeply committed to social justice, actively confronting systemic oppression, and advocating for peace and equity. Pastor Troy believes that love remains what the world needs most.