The Staff Parish Relations Committee of Marvin Methodist Church is pleased to announce that we will have a new associate pastor joining our staff on June 1, 2026. Rev. Diego Mercado will be joining our clergy team to provide ministry leadership and oversight to our evangelism and assimilation ministry, while also relating to and equipping our younger adult demographic of the church. His official introduction day and welcome reception will be Sunday, May 31 in Horton Place between worship services.

Below is a greeting from our new associate pastor:

I am truly grateful and excited for the opportunity to join you in ministry at Marvin Methodist. As I prepare to step into this new season, I already find myself looking forward to the rhythms of East Texas life and to becoming part of what God is doing in and through your church in Tyler.

I grew up in The Woodlands, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University, where the Lord first began to clarify His call on my life in a deeper way. Following graduation, I stepped into student ministry, where I have spent the past three years investing in discipleship and spiritual formation—walking alongside students as they grow in their faith, learn to recognize God’s presence, and respond in lives of holiness and mission.

I am currently completing my Master of Divinity at Truett Theological Seminary (just have to get through Hebrew!), where I have been shaped both theologically and pastorally for ministry in the local church. My heart for ministry is rooted in helping people encounter the transforming presence of God, grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and live faithfully in their everyday contexts.

I am especially excited to share this season with my fiancée, Emma. She is also from The Woodlands and is finishing her Master’s degree at Auburn University to be a Child Life Specialist. We will be getting married this September and are eager to begin our life together in Tyler. We are both looking forward to building relationships in the church, especially with young adults and families.

Outside of ministry, I enjoy spending time outdoors, playing sports like ultimate frisbee, and gathering with friends over board games or good coffee. These are often some of my favorite ways to build meaningful relationships.

I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside you and look forward to meeting each of you soon. Please know I am praying for you and excited to see how God continues to move in this next chapter.

In Christ,

Diego Mercado