Pastor Marc's Bio

Pastor Marc is a native of Virginia Beach, VA and the youngest son of the late Rev. Thomas Jennings, Jr. and Roberta G. Jennings. He was baptized at age 9 at The New Light Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA by the late Rev. Elijah B. Gibson. As a young member he served as The Baptist Training Union President, member of the junior Usher board, Gospel choir, Boy Scouts, Sunday School Union Representative, and any other position that he could possibly serve in.

He is a 1981 graduate of Green Run High School in Virginia Beach and joined the United States Army in 1983. That same year he married his lovely wife, Cynthia. From this union came TJ, Quisha, and Nicki.

Pastor Marc served 6 out of his 8 years of Military Service overseas in the world’s largest digital communications facility, in Pirmasens, Germany, as a Circuit Activations Officer and a Communications Supervisor. He served 2 years with The 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kansas, as the Primary Technical Control Supervisor. He is a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1991 he and his family returned to the Hampton Roads area and joined The Mount Bethel Baptist Church, in Virginia Beach in 1992. While there, he served as Youth Pastor, Worship Leader, Teen Church Director, and was instrumental in setting up a computer network, computer lab, and video system during the construction of the new facility. He was licensed to preach in 1991 at Crossroads Baptist Church in Riley Kansas by Pastor David VanBebber, and became an ordained minister in 2006 at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, Chesapeake VA under the leadership of Pastor Donald F. Taylor.

Pastor Marc and family united with The Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in December, 2001. While at GMZBC he served as morning Worship Leader, Sunday school teacher, Wednesday night Youth Bible Study teacher, and Youth Assembly Fellowship Director.

In December of 2007 Pastor Marc became interim Pastor of Woodland Ave Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA., where he begin to put his more than 17 years of ministerial experience to good use. On September 17, 2008 he was elected the 5th Pastor of Woodland Ave Baptist Church, Norfolk VA. He was installed as Pastor of WABC on November 30th 2008. Woodland Ave Baptist Church motto is that they are a Real Church, Serving the Real God, Reaching Out To Real People, To Effect Real Change.

Since his installation at WABC nearly four years ago WABC has started a Childrens Church Ministry, remodeling projects have been completed in the fellowship hall, church office, kitchen and womans bathroom. A computer network, and media system with projectors and screen were installed. An annual Backpack Drive, Mens Suit and Coat drive was established along with an annual Fall Fest.

He has attended The University of Maryland, Kansas State University, Virginia Wesleyan College, & Saint Leo University. He holds a Certificate of Completion from The Army Logistics College, has Continuing Education Units from Penn State University & Virginia Union University. Pastor Marc was recently accepted into the Masters Program at Virginia Union University. Pastor Marc is the owner and operator of his own Tele-Communications Company.

Pastor Marc and Lady Cyndi reside in Virginia Beach along with their three children.

Favorite verse: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1st Peter 3:15, NIV)

Truth Matters

I began the year 2010 preaching from the subject: “It’s time for a change”. For the whole month of January, I emphasized the fact that everyone comes to a place in their lives where they realize that something has to change in order to reach certain goals. In other words, if a desired end has not been achieved by current practices, then at some point one reaches the conclusion that something has to change.

If an alcoholic or drug abuser really wants more from life than the acquisition of drugs and alcohol then something has to change. If the sex addict or the power addict wants more from life than the exhilaration of the ill-gotten moment then something has to change. If an individual constantly fails to reach admirable goals, if they want the good but live the bad, and if they desire the truth but live a lie then by all means something has to change!

The reality is that you cannot wholeheartedly expect different results by doing something the exact same ole way every time! For we all know that practice makes perfect! But if you want a different result, then something has to change!
After reading several articles on various subjects, which all dealt with the human desire to be accepted in various circles in society, I noticed a very common thread which was woven in the fabric of each position; that the quest for truth was nowhere to be found!

Blaise Pascal said it best when he said that “Truth is so obscure in the times in which we live and falsehoods so established that unless we love the truth we cannot know it”! In other words, you have to love the truth in order to find it! You have to love the truth more than your life style! You have to love the truth more than your bank account! And you have to love the truth above everything else; otherwise, you will never find THE TRUTH and real fulfillment!

In every article that I read, there was the consistent search for justification for their “plight” in life. The liar, the thief, the adulterer, the homosexual, the murderer, the corporate swindler, the prostitute, the atheist, the pagan, and idol worshiper, all from different socio-economic backgrounds, found support
for their condition of existence even from those with very noteworthy scholarly achievement.

But yet, what was very conspicuously missing from their utterances was a desire to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; and to accept it no matter if it supported their position or not.They were very expressive about anything AND EVERYTHING that supported their position; but they never stated even once that their quest in life was ultimately to know the truth!

The fact of the matter is that the truth is the truth no matter what! Trees are made of wood, water is wet, and fire is always hot, no matter whom you are or how you feel! Cars all have wheels, computers have processors, fish live in water, and the moon is NOT made of cheese! As a member of the human race, our greatest endeavor in life should be the quest to know the truth! Because knowing the truth will bring us the greatest satisfaction in life!

As we go about our daily affairs throughout the rest of the year, let us work diligently to know the truth! Let us learn to separate truth from error, and let us be wholly committed to making a difference in the world by standing on what we know to be the truth! Let this be the year that we search the scriptures for ourselves, like we never have before, so that we can know what God has said instead of relying on what someone else has said! Let this be the year that we say: “That sounds good, but is that the truth of God’s word?” and let this be the year that we daily make a concentrated effort to be better this year then we were last year in our knowledge of the word of God.
Truth really does matter! Truth makes all of the difference! And Truth will give you TRUE direction and purpose in life!

Jesus said (John 14:6) “I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE” … “AND THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE”! (John 8:32)

Praise God!

Have you ever wondered about the many marvelous things that God has done for you?

Have you ever stopped long enough to consider the fact that perfect JUSTICE DEMANDS perfect JUDGMENT?

In other words, a sentence MUST BE IMPOSED for EVERY INFRACTION of the law.

Can you imagine HOW you would pay for all of your sinful deeds?

David understood very well the depraved human condition with out the forgiveness of God.

As he penned the words to Psalm 103, it is evident that he knew that he had not dotted every “I” or crossed every “T”.

He understood the fact that he was forgiven for all of the wrong things that he had done.

Knowing that HE SHOULD HAVE been punished, but yet he was forgiven, created in him an “attitude of gratitude “and a reason to praise!

So he made up his mind that he would “Bless The Lord” and praise his Holy Name!

When we consider the fact that God sent Jesus to atone for OUR sins on the cross, it should be easy for us to give him praise also.

Knowing that Jesus actually had a choice in the matter of the cross and could have said no, ought to make you praise!

Knowing that GOD OWES US NOTHING, but sent his son Jesus to pay our debt, ought to be a reason enough to praise!

Realizing that we COULD NOT purchase this forgiveness with any earthly treasure ought to be reason enough to praise!

Knowing that you still have reasonable health, clothes on your back, shoes on your feet, food on the table, and GOOD FRIENDS & FAMILY, ought to be reason enough to praise.

Praise God for allowing you the privilege and opportunity to come to him in prayer and praise.

Praise God for keeping your household together when it seems that so many others have fallen apart!

Praise God for the job that you DO HAVE? It may not be the one that you want right now, but it is paying the bills!
Praise God for your wonderful church family!

Praise God for FRIENDS, FAMILY, and a wonderful church family!

What condition would you be in right now if Jesus had not paid the price for your sins in full!

Just where would you be and in what condition would you be in if Jesus had decided NOT to die on the cross?

The reality is that without the sacrificial death of Jesus, every one of us would be doomed and DESTINED to spend eternity in hell, continuously paying for every sin that we ever committed.

PRAISE God for Jesus!

PRAISE God that my name is written in the LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE, because of JESUS!

That should be enough to give him praise!

(JOY) Jesus, Others, & You

JOY in its most basic sense is defined as: “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good”.

To each and every Christian, we realize that the cause of our JOY is Jesus Christ, who actually lives and dwells within each and every one of us. We know that having Jesus in our lives really makes all of the difference.

It is Jesus living on the inside that gives us Joy in the midst of stressful situations. It is Jesus who lives in us that causes us to view “the glass as half full” and not half empty. It is Jesus who lives in us that enables us to have hope even when the rest of the world says that all hope is gone. Jesus said: “…I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (matt. 28:20,KJV)

As we reflect over the events of our past and appreciate the phenomenal difference that Jesus has made in our daily lives, we are forced to ask ourselves the question, why don’t others feel the same Joy that I do? Why do people during the holiday season especially, seem to forget about the JOY that Jesus brings?

As we wrestle with our response to these questions, I want to personally challenge every one to think of Jesus, Others, then You during this holiday season. Starting with Thanksgiving, instead of just thinking about having the day off or all of the delicious food that you can’t wait to over indulge in, remember the purpose for which the day was set aside. It was set aside as a day to thank God for saving the lives of the early settlers through a very rough and terrible winter.

After barely surviving the 2 month trip across the sea to this strange new land in Dec. of 1620, many of the settlers perished during that winter and had little means to prepare for the next winter. But in 1621, they could celebrate because they knew that it was only by God’s divine providence that they survived through the previous winter and that it was God who blessed them with such a bountiful harvest in 1621.

Just as the early settlers took the time to Thank God for where he brought them from and what he had brought them through, we too need to reflect back over our lives to see how far God has brought us. When we really think about it, we have much to be thankful for.

Take the time to thank God for what he has done for you. You may not drive a Mercedes Benz, but thank God that your hoopty does get you back and forth to work every day and that you don’t have to walk like you used to! You may not like the people that you work with and you may not even like your job, but thank God for having a place to go to work every day! Where you live may not be the gated community that you dreamed of, but thank God that you do have a roof over your head, peace in your heart, and love for mankind!

Take the time this Thanksgiving to thank God for having Jesus in your heart! The hymnologist wrote:” When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that he has done for me, my soul cries out hallelujah, I thank God for saving me.” Thank God for Jesus! Thank God for the change in your life! Thank God that you know that you are not the same person that you used to be!
Let us be thankful and communicate to others the fact that Jesus makes all of the Difference!

As we approach the Christmas season, please remember the JOY that this day truly should bring. This is the day that God sent his son into the world to commune with us. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, The Savior of the world, The Prince of peace.
Although we do not know the actual day that Christ was born, we celebrate the undeniable fact that he was born! We celebrate the fact that God sent his son into the world to save the world from their sins!

So, during this Christmas season, instead of thinking of gifts for all the people on your Christmas list, think of The Gift that keeps on giving.

Take the time to remind others that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”.

Celebrate the life of Jesus by not taking “Christ” out of “Christmas”. Let us think of others by giving cards that say “Merry Christmas” instead of “happy holidays”. Let us cheerfully remind others that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. Let us plan to give just like Jesus gave. By giving to people who we know can’t give back to us. Think of Others this year who are not normally on your Christmas list and give them a little more JOY. Make it a point to give others the Christmas message as the opportunity presents itself. Think of Others by sending out a few more Christmas cards than you normally would. Think of others by increasing your donations to the various charities this year. Think of Others by making it a point to make a difference in someone else’s life by taking the time to volunteer some of you time to them. Plan to Be a Big Brother or a Big Sister or just plan to be a volunteer. The world is full of people who just want someone to spend some quality time with them. Plan to share the love of Christ by planning to give the gift of your time.

Finally, as the New Year dawns, I challenge you to make a resolution to be “better this year than you were last year”; a brand new year with new opportunities to be better and to do better for The Lord. Think of it as an opportunity to thank God and to praise him more, for the JOY that he has brought into your life. Remind yourself of the fact that You are truly blessed! You don’t talk like you used to talk. You don’t walk like you used to walk! You don’t act like you used to act! You are a different person now. You are blessed to be a blessing to someone else! You have been blessed to see another year! You have been blessed to make a difference. The Lord did not bring you this far to leave you!

Since The Lord has been so good to you, then make a vow to be a better giver of your time, your talent, and your treasure. Be better in your service to the Lord by devoting more time to the study of his word, by spending more time with him in prayer, and by leading others to Christ by the good example of a living testimony.

JOY; Jesus, Others, & You really means being thankful for the greatest gift ever given, which is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ Our Lord, sharing this gift with Others by spreading the gospel of this good news, and enjoying the benefits of living a life that counts when You vow to “make a difference” by being a living testimony of the goodness and mercy of God.
JOY, Is it in you? Are you up to the challenge?

Thank You

Cyndi and I would like to thank everyone who came out to support us on Friday night at Messiah Presbyterian. The overwhelming support was greatly appreciated. May God be praised for all that you do for him.

New Begginnings

With the passing of summer comes the excitement of the beginning of a new school year.

Coupled with the joy of meeting new friends is the long awaited anticipation of picking up where we left off with the old ones.

Catching up on old times and filling in the gaps with the many competing stories about the summer, seems like the greatest thing in the world.

But with all of the excitement about the New Year, comes the added responsibility to do better this year than we did last year. We should do all that we can do NOT to repeat the mistakes of the past!

The New Year, then, should be viewed as a new beginning and a new opportunity to be all that you can be. You should give every class and every task your absolute best.

Know that you have an entire family behind you who loves you for who you are and who will not accept anything less than your best!

Know that you have an extended family, the church, who is there for you, to help guide and assist you so that you can achieve your best

Know that God loves you UNCONDITIONALLY and always expects you to do your best!

With your family behind you, the church beside you, and The Holy Spirit living inside of you, you can not fail at anything!

The only thing that is required of you is to ALWAYS give your BEST effort.

You can achieve great things as long as you never, ever give up!

Pastor Marc


When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you are trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but do not quit. Life is tough with its twists and turns, As everyone of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about,When we might have won had we stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow -You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out,The silver tint of the clouds of doubt. And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far. So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Author Unknown