Marvin Wayne Benson was born on October 28, 1946 in Hannibal, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University of Michigan.

Benson served as an Assembly of God evangelist from 1964-1969 His next assignment was associate pastor, Brightmoor Tabernacle, Detroit. He then served as senior pastor at First Assembly of God in Grand Rapids.

In addition he has served the Michigan Assemblies of God as a presbyter, executive presbyter and assistant district superintendent. In 1986 he was elected a general presbyter for the General Council of the Assemblies of God in Springfield, Missiouri.

 Wayne served as the president of Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and is a former president and CEO of Emerge Ministries in Akron, Ohio. Benson is president and founder of Paraclete Ministries in Huntsville, Alabama. He and his wife Kathy Benson are considered spiritual “parents” to many in ministry, having launched over 300 into vocational ministry.