When we received more than 50 applicants in just the first week after posting the worship pastor position last November, I knew the team and I were in for a journey! We were so fortunate to get to speak to some of the most delightful and talented leaders across the country (and even one in Canada!). But from the beginning, there was something drawing us back time and time again to Pastor Marshall Hall.
As each member of our team spent time speaking with Marshall, we uncovered more and more reasons we wanted him here with us at Northland. Pastor Sean Cooper and I stayed after vocal rehearsals one night the weekend after Marshall had guest-hosted worship and asked the vocal team members what they thought. The heartfelt responses, the overwhelming love, and the pastoring they felt after spending just two days with Marshall were undeniable.
I could not be more excited to welcome Marshall as our worship pastor! Not only have we gained a pastor who fills our sanctuary with the beautiful sounds of worship, but we’ve gained a brother in Christ, a friend and an entire family to weave into our Northland community. I chatted with Marshall to get to know more about him.
Jackie: First things first, where are you from originally?
Pastor Marshall: I was born in Lexington, Kentucky.
Jackie: How does that influence your hobbies?
Pastor Marshall: Sports! Basketball and football, mainly. I love the Kentucky Wildcats. I also consider myself a movie buff.
Jackie: Favorite meal?
Pastor Marshall: Dessert! Carrot cake is my favorite.
Jackie: Who are your worship influencers?
Pastor Marshall: My worship music influences have mostly been my friends and colleagues. I have had the privilege of partnering with an incredibly diverse group of worship leaders over the years. I do listen to all of the current music, but also I love hymnody, and I love the joy that is expressed in traditional gospel, and I grew up “Because He Lives.” I consider myself very fortunate to be all over the place.
Jackie: Introduce us to your wonderful family.
Pastor Marshall: My wife, Lori, is a worship leader who is deeply passionate about taking the gospel to people who have never heard of Jesus. She loves deep conversations and helping others to feel seen. She formerly served on staff alongside me as Willow Creek’s artist care pastor.
Our youngest daughter, Sela, was born in Barrington, Illinois. She’s 2 years old, and her name means “pause and consider what God has done.” She loves playing make-believe and freeze dance, and being with the family. She also may have a slight obsession with Daniel Tiger!
Our middle daughter, Reese, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She’s 11 years old and in sixth grade this year. She’s our family comedian and loves Disney, musicals, singing and gymnastics.
Our oldest daughter, Presley, was born in Nashville as well. She’s 13 years old and in eighth grade this year. She left a little bit of her heart behind at Willow Creek, as she was a passionate small group leader for second-graders there. She also loves musicals, acting and reading.
Jackie: Tell me a few things you are most excited about right now.
Pastor Marshall: We are so excited and grateful to be invited into what is happening next at Northland. Lori and I both sense that the way God has created us and gifted us meets Northland’s vision in a wonderful way.
I am excited about connecting with my teammates here – I really love this staff. So far I’ve interacted most with Michelle, Scotty, Matt, Sean, Sydney – there are just amazing folks in this house. I’m looking forward to learning from each other and becoming family.
Also, I am looking forward to getting to know our congregation! This is going to be an “everyone together” kind of endeavor. I hope that we see God move in ways none of us have ever dreamed He would. My prayer is that we call each other to “better” over and over again.