Our New Pastor - Marci's Story

On August 25, our Elders and Pastors prayed over and commissioned Marci Worthy as a licensed Pastor through the Missionary denomination! Pastor Doug also shared an encouragement to Marci out of 1 Peter 5:2-4 about shepherding God’s flock.

Marci has already been ministering to our church family and community in so many ways, modeling a life that follows Jesus, teaching us from God’s Word, praying for us, and so much more, so it's not surprising that her calling to be a pastor began long before this summer Sunday in 2024. Below is a message from Marci about her new role at Ventura Missionary and how God led here:

Wow! It is such an honor to be a pastor at Ventura Missionary Church. I serve alongside a fantastic group of people who love the Lord and are passionate about what they do. Together, we are continually growing and learning as we shepherd, teach, serve, and care for the people at church, in our community, and around the world. I am blown away that God has called me to partner with Him in sharing the love of Jesus with so many people.

I remember after college, when I was working for a communications company in Santa Barbara, I began asking God if there was a way that I could make a living reading His Word, writing my thoughts, and talking about it. I didn’t think a career like that existed, and I couldn’t even imagine what that would be. 

Well, over the next 25 years, through leadership opportunities, small group dynamics, biblical classes, writing, speaking and life experiences…God continued to grow my faith in Him and my knowledge of His Word. People began to tell me that I should become a pastor, or that I already was a pastor, or that God’s anointing was on me, but it wasn’t something that I was pursuing. God continued to use prophecy from many people, prayers proclaimed over me, affirmation, and opportunities to encourage me…and a shift began in my heart. It was a stirring in my soul that I can’t deny was from the Holy Spirit. This shift led me to complete formal education to become an official pastor. I took three years of classes through our denomination and really enjoyed them. I have realized that God has gifted and prepared me for such a time as this, and I am really excited for this next chapter of my life.

 I so completely believe that life with God is better. Jesus is the reason we live, breathe, create, and have the capacity to love others. He makes living an exciting adventure of faith, trust, compassion, and joy and through all the ups and the downs, God is faithful. Sharing these truths is my favorite part of ministry. My prayer is that I can help as many people as possible to know the reality of God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion in their lives.

Just last Sunday, the same day I was being initiated as a pastor, a young man in our church accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. During the message, I felt the need to say that if anyone in the room did not have a relationship with Jesus yet…that they could come receive prayer and begin a life-changing relationship with Jesus today. This young man did. Thank you, Jesus! A brand-new beginning for him…and for me.

We look forward to seeing how God continues to use Marci to live and share the transforming love of Jesus as a Pastor of Ventura Missionary Church, helping people to grow closer to God and more like Jesus.