Meet Pastor Martin

We are excited to announce our new Lead Pastor, Rev. Dr. Martin Lifer

will be joining our congregation on Sunday, May 4

About Pastor Martin & Nancy

God has clearly shown us His favor by calling Pastor Martin to Eastminster Church. What began as conversations has turned into a clear calling that both Pastor Martin and our congregation have recognized as the work of the Holy Spirit. We stand in awe of how God has brought us together, and we look ahead with great anticipation to what He will do in and through Pastor Martin’s leadership.

Pastor Martin Lifer comes to us with over 30 years of ministry experience, including 26 years as a Senior Pastor. Most recently, he served the congregation of First Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Starkville, Mississippi, where he faithfully shepherded his congregation and led them through a successful transition from PCUSA to EPC.

With his educational background—including degrees from Vanderbilt University (B.A., magna cum laude), University of Florida (Doctor of Law, magna cum laude), and Columbia Seminary (M.Div., summa cum laude)—Pastor Martin brings both theological depth and strategic vision to his ministry.

His journey began at First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, Florida, where he served as Associate Pastor and then Acting Co-Interim Pastor from 1994-1997. This experience prepared him for a formative chapter in his ministry: leading a church plant at South Forsyth New Church Development in Georgia. Under his guidance, this new congregation grew from just fifteen people into a vibrant church of 525 members with a talented, diverse staff. Pastor Martin then went on to serve as Senior Pastor at Parkway Presbyterian Church in Cumming, GA (1998-2007) and Providence Presbyterian Church in Hilton Head, SC (2007-2013) before his most recent ministry in Starkville.

Throughout his pastoral career, he has demonstrated not only a deep knowledge of Scripture but also a genuine pastor’s heart for people and an ability to be a leader of leaders. His ministry has been shaped by these diverse experiences, from church planting to revitalization, giving him unique insights that will serve Eastminster well.

Pastor Martin’s call to ministry began during a mission trip, and he has maintained a deep passion for world missions ever since. This global perspective enriches his ministry and vision for the church.

On the personal side, Pastor Martin has been married to his wife Nancy for 40 years. Together they have raised two daughters, Grace (31) and Faith (29).

We are blessed to welcome Pastor Martin, with his wealth of experience, pastoral heart, and clear calling from God, as he begins this new chapter of ministry at Eastminster.