‘Born again’ pastor focuses on diversity

For the past year and a half Marc Jefferson has been building a new congregation that nearly fell apart prior to his arrival. And now it’s time to celebrate the rebirth at a new location.

On Sunday, Owatonna Christian Church will have a celebration open house at its new church. A picnic will take place after the 9 a.m. service.

In recent months, the church has been converting the former library on the Pillsbury campus at 330 Academy St., into a sanctuary along with a new stage for worship. Other parts of the building have been renovated into apartments and recovery rooms.

When Jefferson came to be pastor in Owatonna, the church formerly known as Destiny, had been struggling and dropped in membership to about 20. Today the church has grown to about 100 members in what he describes as a multi-ethnic congregation of various backgrounds.

“It’s a new church,” Jefferson said. “It’s a different church with different leadership than Destiny.”

Jefferson, who is African American, has been focused on using his background to create a church where the people may not look like each other.

“We want to reach diversity in one of the most segregated times of the country,” said Jefferson. “Come as you are, regardless of who you are, we have a place for you. I believe in diversity. Everyone is welcomed—yellow, black, white, Caucasian or Asian.”

Jefferson has been involved in church plants around the country throughout his 30 years of ministry. Prior to Owatonna, he had been in large urban areas like Atlanta, Denver, Minneapolis and the East Coast. He has mentored at least 30 people as worship leaders and pastors across the country.

He said he never lived or worked before in such a rural area like Steele County.

“We fell in love with the people. We love the people. They are great people,” Jeffersons said. “They have a heart for God and for people.”

Jefferson offers a “colorful past” to the congregants. Prior to turning 30, he had a rough background with gangs. “I was involved in music around the county and with that comes sex, drugs and rock-and-roll,” he said, noting he was never involved in street gangs like the Crips.

While Jefferson said he has never been locked up, he admits to using marijuana and cocaine while traveling on the road and having disposable cash. “You thought you had everything and were free, but you were in extreme bondage,” he said about his former life.

Jefferson said he was “born again” at the age of 30 when he came to the Lord to rid himself of his unsavory lifestyle. Until that time, he had not gone to church except for maybe a couple holidays every year. He recalled having a prayer based on Romans 10:9 at a friend’s wedding that ended up transforming his life.

“I saw things different after I had that prayer,” Jefferson said. “It was like the scales had been removed from my eyes,” he added.

He quickly emersed himself in the Bible and attended Bible college. “All I did 24/7 was study the word of God,” said Jefferson. “I started with a children’s Bible with all the pictures and then went to a regular Bible.”

In his preaching, Jefferson tries to base everything on the word of God. He credits God’s word for changing the hearts and minds of his current church members.

Naomi Jirele and her husband, Robert, serve as lay pastors for the congregation. They appreciate what Jefferson has done at Owatonna Christian. “He is real, and he says it like it is,” said Naomi. “He has strong leadership and has a gift of faith to share with everyone.”

Robert said Jefferson has the ability to help people find the Lord. The Jireles also like how Jefferson is willing to share the leadership role with others in the church. “He’s not threatened by other leaders,” Robert said.

As for Jefferson’s background, the Jireles find that it makes him for relatable and creditable. “He may have done some terrible things in his past, but his humility shows along with his serving heart,” Naomi said, adding the church needed strong leadership that he provides.

Jefferson said he offers Owatonna Christian a “more mature pastor” to help the church strategize its vision. “I want them to see the vision of God. The last thing Jesus said is to make disciples of all nations and reach people that may not look like you,” he said.

He is also impressed with what the members bring to the church. “Their love for God and for their community. It amazes me how people love their community as much as they do. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he added.