Rev. Troy C. Underwood is a recent addition to the ministerial staff of Covenant United Church of Christ. A native of Chicago, Illinois, he received his Bachelor of Arts  degree in English from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.  His matriculation at Morehouse College provided many unique experiences which have proven to be valuable in his growth. "Born and raised" in the church, his educational and religious foundation and development began with his parents, Janet and the late Deacon Charles Underwood. He credits his foundation as one of the significant aspects to his call to ministry. Rev. Troy was licensed in 2000 at Greater Bethesda Baptist Church by the late Rev. Dr. A. Lincoln James, Sr. Rev. Troy served in many capacities during his membership at Greater Bethesda. Namely, he served as one of the Associate Ministers, Assistant Director of the Sanctuary Choir, Director of the Male Chorus, Sunday School Teacher, Young Adult Ministry leader, and in many other leadership capacities.

In 2008, Rev. Troy and his wife, Katherine, became members of Covenant United Church of Christ in South Holland, Illinois under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith, Jr. Currently, Rev. Troy serves as pastoral liaison to Covenant's SHARE Food Pantry Ministry, Married Couples Ministry, conducts the Choral Ensemble, member of the music leadership team, and a member of Covenant Players drama ministry. He most recently taught a nine-week Bible Basics I Class consisting of more than 60 students.

Rev. Troy received his Masters of Divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary. Rev. Troy is Manager of Production and Curriculum Support for Kaplan Higher Education Campuses. A devoted husband to Katherine, he is also a loving step-father to Zecilia Ann Vantrease.

Rev. Troy values and is grateful for the support he receives from Rev. Ozzie, the Covenant ministerial staff and the congregation. In sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, his goal is to heal the hurting, reach the rejected, show compassion to the downtrodden and give hope to the marginalized. Rev. Troy applies his favorite scripture verse to his walk of faith: II Timothy 1:7: "For God does not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power and of love and of a sound mind."