Bishop Larry D. Trotter was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in one of its most disreputable housing projects. His mother, the late Dorothy Ernestine Trotter (the "joy" of his life), raised him and his three siblings as a single mother. Because of her guidance and prayers, Bishop Trotter accepted Christ at the early age of 12, and was baptized. In 1973, he was drawn toward a deeper relationship with Christ and received the fullness of the Holy Ghost. The following year, he accepted the Lord's call to preach the Gospel, and adopted the motto, "Have Message, Will Preach." During his teenage years, he was a sought after musician and minister of music. He organized many gospel choirs and also served as youth pastor in three Chicago area churches: Greater New Mount Eagle, New Faith, and House of Inspiration. In 1976, Bishop Trotter was licensed and ordained both by Baptist and Church of God in Christ leadership.
