Pastor Marc L. Mercer
Pastor Marc L. Mercer gave his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 13, and from that moment, a deep love for the Lord began to shape every part of his life. Even as a young man, he carried a servant’s heart, simply desiring to reflect the love of Christ to everyone he encountered.
A Life of Service
Pastor Mercer’s spiritual foundation was nurtured under the leadership of the late Rev. Julius B. Brown at Macedonia Temple Baptist Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. There, his faith was rooted in truth, humility, and a genuine love for God’s people.
In 1999, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he faithfully served for 21 years. During his military career, he completed four deployments, including two to Afghanistan, one to Iraq, and one to Kuwait. Even in the midst of military service, his devotion to Christ remained steadfast. God used him to lead Bible studies, encourage fellow soldiers, and bring hope in difficult places.
It was also during this season that he met the love of his life, Elder and First Lady Berlene Mercer, his partner in both life and ministry.
A Call to Ministry
In 2009, while stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Pastor Mercer was asked to begin a midday Bible study. In obedience to God’s voice, he said yes, and that moment became a doorway into deeper ministry.
While stationed at Fort Drum, New York, he was led to Bibleway Christian Fellowship under Bishop Robert Rease and Lady Denise Rease. There, he served faithfully in teaching and leadership, and in 2011, he was ordained as an Elder.
His ministry continued to grow through every assignment, including another deployment to Afghanistan, where he served in chapel ministry and led Bible studies, always following the leading of the Lord.
God later connected Pastor Mercer and his family with Bishop D. Orlando Moore and Lady Moore at Word Center Christian Fellowship. In a powerful demonstration of commitment and love for God’s presence, the Mercer family faithfully traveled over 300 miles round-trip to worship. In time, through divine alignment and spiritual covering, Pastor Mercer was affirmed under Word Center Global Ministries.
Direct Path Church
After retiring honorably from the United States Army, Pastor Mercer continued serving in ministry and outreach. He ministered as a chapel speaker with HiWay 80 Mission and partnered with Wiseman Ministries House of Disciples, carrying the hope of Christ to those in need of restoration.
In 2022, in obedience to God’s call, Pastor Marc and Elder/First Lady Berlene Mercer launched Word Center Christian Fellowship–Texas, which was later renamed Direct Path Church. The ministry was founded with a heart to lead people into healing, truth, hope, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Ministry Beyond the Pulpit
Pastor Mercer has also served at the East Texas Treatment Facility, where God used him to minister to individuals battling addiction. His compassion and dedication led to him being recognized as Male Treatment Counselor of the Year, reflecting his heart to see lives restored through the power of Christ.
He is a graduate of Regent University with a degree in Christian Ministry and is currently pursuing further education in Christian Leadership and Business.
A Shepherd’s Heart
Above all, Pastor Marc is a shepherd at heart. He loves Jesus deeply, and that love overflows into the way he serves, teaches, and leads. His life message is one of hope, restoration, and unwavering faith:
“The joy of the Lord is our strength.”
He is also a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather. He is the proud father of seven daughters and two sons, and is blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law and awesome son-in-law. Affectionately known as “Pops,” he treasures his role as a grandfather to six grandsons (aka Ham hocks) and one granddaughter( Munch). His legacy of faith, love, and service continues to grow through the generations.
Life Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…”
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men…”
Pastor Marc L. Mercer gave his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 13, and from that moment, a deep love for the Lord began to shape every part of his life. Even as a young man, he carried a servant’s heart, simply desiring to reflect the love of Christ to everyone he encountered.
A Life of Service
Pastor Mercer’s spiritual foundation was nurtured under the leadership of the late Rev. Julius B. Brown at Macedonia Temple Baptist Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. There, his faith was rooted in truth, humility, and a genuine love for God’s people.
In 1999, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he faithfully served for 21 years. During his military career, he completed four deployments, including two to Afghanistan, one to Iraq, and one to Kuwait. Even in the midst of military service, his devotion to Christ remained steadfast. God used him to lead Bible studies, encourage fellow soldiers, and bring hope in difficult places.
It was also during this season that he met the love of his life, Elder and First Lady Berlene Mercer, his partner in both life and ministry.
A Call to Ministry
In 2009, while stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Pastor Mercer was asked to begin a midday Bible study. In obedience to God’s voice, he said yes, and that moment became a doorway into deeper ministry.
While stationed at Fort Drum, New York, he was led to Bibleway Christian Fellowship under Bishop Robert Rease and Lady Denise Rease. There, he served faithfully in teaching and leadership, and in 2011, he was ordained as an Elder.
His ministry continued to grow through every assignment, including another deployment to Afghanistan, where he served in chapel ministry and led Bible studies, always following the leading of the Lord.
God later connected Pastor Mercer and his family with Bishop D. Orlando Moore and Lady Moore at Word Center Christian Fellowship. In a powerful demonstration of commitment and love for God’s presence, the Mercer family faithfully traveled over 300 miles round-trip to worship. In time, through divine alignment and spiritual covering, Pastor Mercer was affirmed under Word Center Global Ministries.
Direct Path Church
After retiring honorably from the United States Army, Pastor Mercer continued serving in ministry and outreach. He ministered as a chapel speaker with HiWay 80 Mission and partnered with Wiseman Ministries House of Disciples, carrying the hope of Christ to those in need of restoration.
In 2022, in obedience to God’s call, Pastor Marc and Elder/First Lady Berlene Mercer launched Word Center Christian Fellowship–Texas, which was later renamed Direct Path Church. The ministry was founded with a heart to lead people into healing, truth, hope, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Ministry Beyond the Pulpit
Pastor Mercer has also served at the East Texas Treatment Facility, where God used him to minister to individuals battling addiction. His compassion and dedication led to him being recognized as Male Treatment Counselor of the Year, reflecting his heart to see lives restored through the power of Christ.
He is a graduate of Regent University with a degree in Christian Ministry and is currently pursuing further education in Christian Leadership and Business.
A Shepherd’s Heart
Above all, Pastor Marc is a shepherd at heart. He loves Jesus deeply, and that love overflows into the way he serves, teaches, and leads. His life message is one of hope, restoration, and unwavering faith:
“The joy of the Lord is our strength.”
He is also a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather. He is the proud father of seven daughters and two sons, and is blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law and awesome son-in-law. Affectionately known as “Pops,” he treasures his role as a grandfather to six grandsons (aka Ham hocks) and one granddaughter( Munch). His legacy of faith, love, and service continues to grow through the generations.
Life Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…”
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men…”