“Energetic!” “Dynamic!” “Insightful!” These are just some of the words used to describe the ministry of Pastor Lester W. Wormley. He was born and raised in Newark, NJ and began his leadership journey by operating in the music ministry. Prior to becoming a pastor, he strengthened the music ministries of churches as a musician and director for over 15 years starting with his home church, the Randall Chapel Freewill Baptist church. In addition, he established or assisted several gospel choirs of academic institutions including Science High (Newark, NJ), Elizabeth High School (Elizabeth, NJ), Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) and Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ).
In August 1991 Rev. Wormley began to preach the Gospel and build a reputation as a capable preacher as well as a musician. His talent and commitment to ministry carried him to churches, schools and performing arts venues around the country.
Rev. Wormley served as Pastor of the St. Mark Unified Free Will Baptist Church from 2001-2010. In May 2010, he answered the call to serve as the Senior Pastor of the Liberty Baptist Church. During his pastoral tenure, he has demonstrated passion for ministry and compassion for people. He is driven to impact the community through engagement, advocacy, and organization. He leads the church to continue to engage in programs to distribute food, clothing, school supplies, and other items and services that have a practical positive impact upon the lives of those in the community at-large. Under his leadership Liberty has also undergone dramatic repairs, renovations and enhancements to the entire LBC campus to better facilitate service to the congregation and community. His mission is to present ministry that imparts the Word, empowers the witness and impacts the world. He accomplishes that mission as a Pastor, community leader and as a proud brother of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Dr. Wormley is a great advocate of education. He is a graduate of the New York Theological Seminary Christian Ministry Program. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Somerset Christian College (now Pillar) in Biblical Studies, a Master’s degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in Biblical Studies, a second Master’s Degree from Liberty University in Theological Studies and Doctoral degree in Ministry from the New York Theological Seminary where he also served as an adjunct professor.
However, his most treasured accomplishment was his marriage to Shamika Wormley for 20 years before she passed away in 2022. Together they were blessed with three wonderful children: Markus, Shanice and Zariah.