At just 16 years old, Reverend Wendell Martin stepped into a calling that many would avoid: ministry. Growing up as the son of a pastor, he witnessed firsthand the sacrifices demanded by this path. Despite his initial resistance, Martin’s unwavering commitment to his faith, family, and community has defined his journey as a leader and servant of the people.
Today, as the Senior Pastor of the historic Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Joliet, IL, Martin reflects on the trials and triumphs of his path. His story is a testament to the power of purpose and the courage to embrace a higher calling.
A Legacy of Faith
Reverend Martin’s journey began early, shaped by the examples set by his father, who pastored for over 36 years. As a teenager, Martin initially resisted the idea of following in his father’s footsteps, discouraged by the constant demands on his father’s time. “I saw what my dad dealt with—I grew up watching dinners get interrupted. I grew up watching vacations get interrupted plenty of times,” Martin recalls. However, by 18, he fully committed himself to ministry, realizing the importance of stepping into his purpose.
Martin’s extensive career includes time as a youth pastor at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Joliet, IL; Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood, IL; and The House of Hope Atlanta in Decatur, GA. He later served as Co-Pastor at CityPoint Community Church in Chicago, IL, before assuming his current role at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Each step of his journey has been guided by a clear sense of purpose and an unwavering faith in his mission to uplift his community.
Balancing Leadership and Family
As a pastor, Martin understands the delicate balance required to lead effectively while maintaining strong family connections. Leadership, for him, isn’t just about providing spiritual guidance but also addressing the social, emotional, and financial challenges that his congregation faces. He emphasizes the importance of knowing his own capacity—balancing time, skills, and willingness—to ensure he provides effective and focused support. “You need to know what you have the capacity to do. Capacity to me is time, it’s skill set, and it’s willingness,” Martin explains.
I'm crystal clear with people if I have the capacity to solve the problem. But, I'm also clear with people when your problem isn't spiritual, but your problem is social. Your problem isn't spiritual. Your problem is emotional. Your problem isn't spiritual. Your problem is financial.
Family remains central to Martin’s life, grounding him amid the demands of his ministry. Raised in a household where family and faith coexisted harmoniously, he strives to instill the same values in his children. Teaching responsibility, compassion, and the importance of purpose is at the heart of his parenting philosophy. “I explain why I’m doing what I’m doing and what the purpose is, so that they know that if Dad is gone, he’s actually doing something that’s going to help our people,” he expresses.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Martin is focused on building a legacy that empowers others and strengthens his community. His vision for the future is rooted in the belief that the Church remains one of the most powerful institutions in the African-American community. “I truly love the church. And I believe that the black church is still the most powerful institution in the African-American community,” Martin shares. “I think the church’s responsibility is to exude power that is rightly applied, because that is what Scripture says the advancement of the Kingdom of God is.”
Martin’s leadership is grounded in intentionality. Whether mentoring young leaders, advocating for social justice, or simply engaging with his congregation, he approaches every aspect of his role with purpose. He believes that the actions taken today lay the foundation for a stronger and more united future.
I truly love the church. And I believe that the black church is still the most powerful institution in the African-American community. I think, the church's responsibility is to exude power that is rightly applied, because that is what (the) Scripture says the advancement of the kingdom of God is.
Faith, Family, Future
Pastor Wendell Martin’s story is more than a tale of pastoral leadership. It’s a blueprint for living with authenticity and purpose. His journey challenges us all to reflect on how we can show up for our families, communities, and ourselves.
As we move into a new year, Martin’s example reminds us of the importance of embracing our calling, staying grounded in our values, and striving to leave a legacy that uplifts others. For those seeking inspiration, his message is clear: the time to step into your purpose is now.
Follow Pastor Wendell Martin and his ministry by visiting https://www.mtolivejoliet.org.
For the complete interview, visit https://youtu.be/br5ZcRQX2Xg .