“Energetic.” “Dynamic.” “Insightful.” These are just a few of the many words used to describe the impactful ministry of Pastor Lester W. Wormley. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Pastor Wormley began his journey in ministry through music, serving as a gifted musician and choir director for over 15 years. His foundational experiences began at his home church, Randall Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, and extended to forming and supporting gospel choirs at academic institutions such as Science High School (Newark), Elizabeth High School, Rutgers University (Newark), and Seton Hall University.
In August 1991, Pastor Wormley embraced his call to preach the Gospel. He quickly gained recognition as both a compelling preacher and a passionate musician, taking his ministry to churches, schools, and performing arts venues across the country.
From 2001 to 2010, he served as Pastor of St. Mark Unified Free Will Baptist Church. In May 2010, he was called to serve as Senior Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, where he continues to lead with vision and compassion. His pastoral leadership is marked by a deep commitment to community engagement, social advocacy, and meaningful service. Under his guidance, Liberty Baptist has expanded outreach efforts in food and clothing distribution, school supply giveaways, and other community-focused programs that meet practical needs.
Pastor Wormley has also overseen significant renovations and upgrades across the entire Liberty Baptist Church campus, ensuring the facilities reflect the excellence of its ministry and support the growing needs of both congregation and community.
His mission is simple yet profound: to impart the Word, empower the witness, and impact the world—a calling he fulfills not only as a pastor but also as a civic leader and proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
A lifelong advocate for education, Dr. Wormley has an impressive academic background:
- Graduate of the New York Theological Seminary Christian Ministry Program
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies – Somerset Christian College (now Pillar College)
- Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies – New Brunswick Theological Seminary
- Master’s Degree in Theological Studies – Liberty University
- Master’s Degree in History – Liberty University
- Doctor of Ministry – New York Theological Seminary (where he also served as an adjunct professor)
Despite his many achievements, Pastor Wormley considers his greatest blessing to have been his marriage to Shamika Wormley, his beloved wife of 20 years, who passed away in 2022. Together, they were proud parents to three wonderful children: Markus, Shanice, and Zariah.