How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” ~Romans 10:14
Superintendent Bennie L. & First Lady Jean Toliver
(2005-2024)
Superintendent Bennie L. Toliver served as the assistant pastor of Progressive Church of God in Christ for 34 years, and served as pastor for 19 years, from April 2005 to August 2024. He was an anointed man of God and well-known for his powerful preaching of the Gospel and pastoral teaching. Well-learned through experience and education in biblical doctrine, Superintendent Toliver earned his Master's and Doctorate degrees in theology from North Carolina College of Theology.
Superintendent Toliver served in the Church of God in Christ ministry for over 70 years. His Christian walk began in Jefferson, Texas, on March 12, 1946. God called him to preach at the age of 13 years old. He received his minister's license in 1950. After receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1956, he moved to San Francisco, California. In 1966, he was ordained an elder in the Church of God in Christ and served as pastor of two churches in San Francisco before moving to Sacramento in 1972.
After visiting several churches in Sacramento, Elder Toliver, along with his wife and children, became members of the Progressive COGIC in 1973 under the leadership of Pastor Jesse E. Copeland. In 1974, he was appointed Assistant Pastor and to the Trustee Board. After many faithful years of service to Pastor Copeland, as Joshua was to Moses, once again, God saw fit to elevate Elder Bennie L. Toliver over His people. On April 2, 2005, the California Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop W. W. Hamilton, officially appointed Elder Bennie L. Toliver to pastor of Progressive COGIC. As assistant Pastor and Pastor, he instituted programs and ministries to strengthen God's kingdom, such as the Progressive Christian Training Institute, Ministerial Alliance, Men of Unity, deacon's training program, and risk management training. One major accomplishment under Pastor Toliver's leadership is the church's purchase of land adjacent to the church for an additional parking lot.
In 2006, Pastor Toliver was appointed District Superintendent of the Sacramento District, California Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He was a long-time member of the California Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction since its inception in 1956 under Bishop E. E. Hamilton. Superintendent Toliver served in various positions: Chaplain for the jurisdiction's first Sunday School, Evangelism Department secretary and treasurer, and Ordination Board member. He continued to serve under Bishop Nathaniel A. Bullock as an Administrative Assistant, Executive Board member, and 2nd Saturday Leadership Academy President.
Superintendent Toliver and First Lady Jean Toliver were married for over 67 years. They shared five children, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. On August 3, 2024, the Lord called Superintendent Toliver home. He lived to be 90 years old. Superintendent Toliver loved God, the Word of God, and he had a genuine love for people. He was a mentor and father figure to many and highly esteemed amongst his fellow clergy. His life had a positive impact on the body of Christ and the Sacramento community at large. His legacy will live on forever.