Sylvia Staten was born and reared in High Point, NC. She has four successful sons, Zevlin, Antley, Abram, and Abraham; one daughter-in-law; and three grandchildren.

     Pastor Staten attended Columbia International University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree. She served as a Pastor in the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) for 17 years in Winnsboro, SC, and has recently returned to pastoring at The Place of Grace, COGOP in Rock Hill, SC.  She also serves as the Director of Pastoral Care and is on the Ministerial Review Board for the SC COGOP. She was recently appointed the role of District Supervisor for District 9 - the first female in this role for SC.

     Her diverse occupations include being an instructor at Fairfield Central High School for 3 1/2 years and a Youth Camp Director for the COGOP for 36 years. Evangelist Staten is a Certified Prevention Specialist and has served as Functional Supervisor for a G-CAP project. In this capacity, she developed, implemented, and evaluated Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug Prevention Programs for youths and adults. Additionally, she served as a Prevention Specialist on the Fairfield County Substance Abuse Commission.

     Evangelist Staten is a published author. She contributed several devotions to the book Enjoying the Journey, published by the White Wing Publishing House. She also writes devotions for local newspapers in SC.

     Evangelist Staten has traveled internationally with her message of motivation, strength, and hope. She has spoken to people of all cultures and ages at seminars, retreats, conferences, revivals, and banquets. She enjoys seeing people grow spiritually and live up to their God-given purpose and calling. She feels that each human being, young and old, has a calling, and she wants to be a part of that growth process in as many lives as possible.