Rev. Dr. Yancy & First Lady Joan Martin

Rev. Dr. Yancy Carlos Martin, Sr., was born the sixth of eight children to the late Reverend Karen Martin and the late Deacon Charles Martin of Columbia, South Carolina. He is the husband of Joan P. Martin, also of Columbia, South Carolina, and the proud father of three children (Ciera, Yancy Jr., and Cha’Mar) and three grandchildren (Karena Wages, Yancy III, and E’mory Grantt).

Reverend Martin received his education through the public school system in Richland County and served in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1994. His educational accomplishments include a Ministerial Certificate from Morris College in 2003, a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University in 2013, a Master of Arts in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry from Grand Canyon University in 2015, a Master of Divinity from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2022, and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Liberty University in 2024.

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In addition to his pastoral ministry, Rev. Dr. Martin serves as the Second Vice President of the South Carolina Baptist Congress of Christian Education and Assistant Secretary of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Association, where he continues to demonstrate his commitment to Christian education, leadership, and service within the Baptist community.

Rev. Martin encourages his congregation to translate their faith into tangible efforts that contribute to positive change. Through community outreach programs, and partnerships with local organizations, he leads by example, demonstrating that faith and social responsibility are inseparable. 

Reverend Martin's motto for life, which was inspired by his late mother, Rev. Karen N. Martin, is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."