Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlow McGuire.
Hi Marlow, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always lived my life grateful, because my story begins with both loss and love. I was born in New York City. I was orphaned just three days after I was born and placed in foster care until a family chose to take me in. That experience shaped everything about who I am today. From the very beginning, I learned the power of community, the gift of being welcomed in, and what it means to live with empathy toward others.
As I grew, so did my passion for faith, people, and building bridges between communities. I pursued education in music at Morgan State University and Master’s and Doctoral education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and United Theological Seminary, determined to equip myself to serve others well. Along the way, I discovered a calling not just to preach, but to lead, plant, and nurture churches where people from all backgrounds could find belonging.
Over the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of pastoring congregations of every size—from small church plants to serving on the staff of communities of over 10,000. I’ve also been blessed to serve beyond the local church, consulting with the Dallas Baptist Association to support hundreds of churches, and developing Bible-based curriculum with Bible League International to equip believers in more than 80 countries.
But just as important as what I do is why I do it. My life has always been about people—listening, encouraging, and creating spaces where real growth and empathy can happen through ongoing conversations. Whether it’s leading a book club in my neighborhood, volunteering in local initiatives, or serving on boards like the YMCA of Mansfield, Dallas International University, and Dallas Bible Theological Institute, my goal has never changed: to enrich the lives of others, just as my life has been enriched by those who chose to invest in me.
Today, I’m grateful to serve as a pastor, scholar, consultant, and leader—but my greatest joy is at home. I’ve been married for 17 years to my wonderful wife, Dr. Rhonda, a local middle school principal, and together we’re raising our two incredible children, Alexis and Marlow II. They remind me daily that life is about faith, family, and community.
Looking back, I see how every step—every challenge, every opportunity, every act of kindness from others—has brought me here. And looking forward, I’m excited to keep building, serving, and walking alongside others as we create stronger, more compassionate communities together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey started with loss, being orphaned just three days after birth and spending my earliest days in foster care. That experience left me with deep questions about identity, belonging, and purpose. But it also taught me early on the power of community and the difference it makes when people choose to step in and care.
In ministry and leadership, there have been plenty of challenges as well—navigating different expectations, leading diverse groups of people, and managing the pressures of balancing family, work, and calling. Planting churches, for example, is always both rewarding and difficult—there are seasons of excitement and growth, but also seasons of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Personally, one of my greatest challenges has been learning to manage myself—to stay aware of my own limits, to ask for help when needed, and to set realistic goals. I’ve had to grow in patience, perseverance, and the ability to celebrate small wins along the way
Those obstacles haven’t always been easy, but I can honestly say they’ve shaped me for the better. Each challenge has stretched my faith, deepened my empathy, and prepared me to serve others in more meaningful ways.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Epic Fellowship Church?
Epic Fellowship Church is more than just a place to gather on Sundays—it’s a community where people from all walks of life can encounter God, grow in faith, and find family. We launched with a vision to be a church that reflects the diversity of our community, and we are committed to creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and equipped to live out their calling.
What sets Epic apart is our heart for multi-ethnic ministry and authentic community. We’re intentional about bridging cultural, generational, and social divides so that people can truly worship and serve together. Our services are designed to be both spiritually rich and practically relevant, combining biblical teaching with opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and life-giving relationships.
We specialize in creating environments that foster growth at every level—whether that’s through Sunday worship, small groups, youth and children’s ministries, or outreach efforts that meet tangible needs in our city. Beyond our local presence, we also believe in equipping people to serve globally, and we partner with organizations that are advancing the gospel and providing resources worldwide.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Epic Fellowship has already become known as a caring and connected church. People often tell us they feel like they belong the first time they walk through the door, and that’s exactly what we want—for every person to feel seen, heard, and loved.
At the end of the day, what I want readers to know is this: Epic Fellowship Church is a place where you can come as you are, grow in your faith, and join a family on mission together. We’re here to help people become rooted in Christ, strong in community, and bold in their calling.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is seeing people grow and thrive—especially when they begin to believe in themselves, deepen their faith, and discover the beauty of community. Because of my own story—being orphaned, adopted, and shaped by the kindness of others—I know firsthand how life-changing it is when someone invests in you.
I also find joy in simple moments with my family. Time with my wife, Dr. Rhonda, and our two kids, Alexis and Marlow II, grounds me and reminds me of what really matters. Whether it’s laughing around the dinner table, cheering at a game, or taking a quiet walk, those moments recharge me.
And on a personal level, I’m happiest when I’m creating or building—whether that’s planting a new ministry, writing curriculum, or volunteering locally. Seeing ideas become reality and lives touched along the way gives me a deep sense of purpose.
Why? Because each of these things connects back to gratitude. I’m living a life I didn’t have to have, surrounded by people I didn’t have to know, and every day feels like a gift. Helping others experience that same sense of belonging and purpose—that’s what truly makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.epicfellowship.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlow.mcguire/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlow-mcguire-bb50151a
