Reverend Richard Don Winn, Sr., the current beloved and always thankful Senior Pastor of Ben Hill United Methodist Church was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He is the fourth of six children and is an identical twin.

Pastor Winn completed his primary and secondary education in Chicago where he graduated from Parker High School. After high school, Reverend Winn received a B.A. in Sociology from Southern Illinois University. In 1976, Reverend Winn received the Master of Divinity from the Gammon Theological Seminary.

Reverend Winn’s practical approach to ministry began as he served the Maple Park United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois. In 1979, Bishop William Cannon invited Reverend Winn to serve in the North Georgia Conference. Since the transfer, he served the Bowen United Methodist Church, Clifton United Methodist Church, Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church and Warren Memorial United Methodist Church.

Over the years Pastor Winn has served on the Committee of Episcopacy in the North Georgia Conference, Chairperson of the District Committee on Superintendency, Atlanta-College Park District, Secretary to the North Georgia Conference for over 25 years and Secretary of Religion and Race.

For four consecutive years, Reverend Winn has presented at Rock Eagle United Methodist Men’s Retreat. He has preached in every region in the United States of America and is presently planning an African preaching tour.

Reverend Winn is married to the former Vernita K. Dixon, a graduate of the University of Chicago, and presently a Social Worker in the Atlanta Public School System. They have a 32 year old son, Richard, Jr., who is presently an Atlanta Public School teacher.

Professional/Civic Affiliations and Expert Panels

Reverend Winn is involved in the community through participation as a member of the Executive Committee - Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America, Chairperson C.A.S.C.A.D.E. (Community Drug Prevention and Education), a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes and has served on year long search committee for Chaplain at Clark Atlanta University

Honors and Awards