Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Bakare Sherifdeen
Introduction
Joby Martin is an American Christian pastor, Bible teacher, author and conference speaker best known as the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, a multisite church based in Jacksonville, Florida. He is recognized for his direct preaching style, strong emphasis on biblical authority, and commitment to helping people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Since founding The Church of Eleven22 in 2012, Martin has helped build a ministry that extends beyond traditional Sunday services. Through preaching, discipleship programs, books, podcasts and digital resources, he communicates Christian teaching to audiences across the United States and beyond. His ministry emphasizes surrendering to Jesus, making disciples who make other disciples, and transforming communities through the gospel.
Martin’s influence has grown through his ability to communicate biblical messages in an accessible and engaging manner. Rather than treating Christianity as a collection of religious traditions, he emphasizes the importance of personal transformation, obedience to Scripture, repentance, grace and practical Christian living.
He is also an author whose books explore subjects such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ, biblical miracles, God’s grace, Christian manhood and forgiveness. Several of his books were written in collaboration with bestselling novelist Charles Martin, allowing him to communicate theological ideas through a combination of biblical teaching and practical storytelling.
Away from the pulpit, Joby Martin is the husband of Gretchen Martin and the father of two children, JP and Reagan Capri. He frequently describes his identity in terms of his faith, family and responsibility as a pastor.
His journey from a local church leader to the founder of a growing multisite ministry illustrates how preaching, leadership and a clearly defined mission can shape a contemporary church movement.
Key Takeaways
- Joby Martin is an American pastor, author, Bible teacher and international conference speaker.
- He is the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida.
- He launched The Church of Eleven22 in 2012.
- His church’s mission is to help people discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Martin is married to Gretchen Martin, and they have two children, JP and Reagan Capri.
- His ministry emphasizes biblical preaching, discipleship, evangelism, repentance and spiritual transformation.
- His books include If the Tomb Is Empty, Anything Is Possible, Run Over by the Grace Train and Stand Firm & Act Like Men.
- In 2026, he published The Big Brave Choice, a children’s book about forgiveness written with Lori Newell.
- He participates in Christian podcasts and produces teaching resources for individuals, families and church groups.
- His preaching combines biblical exposition, practical application, personal illustrations and direct communication.
- His exact date of birth is not consistently documented in the official biographies reviewed for this article.
- His estimated net worth is approximately $1 million to $2 million, although this figure is an estimate rather than a verified financial disclosure.
At a Glance
Joby Martin’s ministry centers on a straightforward objective: helping people discover Jesus Christ and grow into committed disciples.
That objective is reflected in the mission of The Church of Eleven22, which describes itself as a movement for people to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Its approach combines weekend worship services with discipleship groups, children’s and student ministries, community outreach, digital resources and opportunities for service.
Martin founded the church in 2012 and has continued to lead its development across multiple locations. Rather than limiting its activities to a single congregation, the church has expanded into a multisite organization serving communities across Northeast Florida and beyond.
His influence also extends into Christian publishing. Books such as If the Tomb Is Empty and Anything Is Possible focus on the resurrection and miracles of Jesus, while Run Over by the Grace Train explores the transforming power of God’s grace. His book Stand Firm & Act Like Men addresses biblical manhood, and The Big Brave Choice introduces younger readers to the Christian principle of forgiveness.
Through these different platforms, Martin combines local pastoral leadership with broader Christian teaching. His work reflects a conviction that faith should influence not only what people believe but also how they live, relate to others and serve their communities.
Quick Facts
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joby Martin |
| Known As | Pastor Joby Martin |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Pastor, Author, Bible Teacher and Speaker |
| Church | The Church of Eleven22 |
| Position | Founder and Lead Pastor |
| Church Founded | 2012 |
| Ministry Location | Jacksonville, Florida, United States |
| Wife | Gretchen Martin |
| Children | Two |
| Children’s Names | JP and Reagan Capri |
| Known For | Gospel-centered preaching and discipleship |
| Notable Books | If the Tomb Is Empty, Anything Is Possible, Run Over by the Grace Train |
| Other Notable Book | Stand Firm & Act Like Men |
| Children’s Book | The Big Brave Choice |
| Main Teaching Themes | Jesus Christ, biblical authority, grace, repentance and discipleship |
| Age | Not conclusively verified from an official birth record |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1 million to $2 million |
Early Life and Christian Background
Joby Martin is best known publicly for his pastoral leadership and preaching, while detailed information about his childhood, parents and early family life is less prominent in his official biographies.
His public ministry identity is strongly connected to his Christian faith and his conviction that the gospel should transform a person’s life. This emphasis is visible in his preaching, books and leadership of The Church of Eleven22.
Martin’s teaching frequently challenges people to move beyond merely identifying as Christians and consider what it means to surrender their lives to Jesus. He emphasizes that faith should affect personal decisions, relationships, attitudes and priorities.
This emphasis on transformation has become a defining characteristic of his ministry.
Rather than presenting church attendance as the ultimate objective, Martin encourages believers to pursue spiritual maturity and become active participants in making disciples. This approach influences the structure of The Church of Eleven22 and the resources it provides for people seeking to grow in their faith.
Although some online biographies provide specific details about Martin’s birth and childhood, those details should be treated cautiously when they cannot be confirmed through reliable primary sources.
Joby Martin’s Christian Calling
A central theme in Joby Martin’s public ministry is the importance of surrendering to Jesus Christ.
His preaching emphasizes the gospel as the foundation of Christian faith and encourages people to respond to Jesus through repentance, trust and obedience. Martin regularly connects these principles with the everyday responsibilities of Christian life.
His approach also stresses that Christian discipleship is an ongoing process. A person’s initial decision to follow Jesus should lead to a deeper understanding of Scripture, stronger relationships with other believers and a willingness to serve others.
This perspective became central to the mission he developed for The Church of Eleven22.
Martin’s ministry is therefore not limited to preaching sermons. It also seeks to create an environment where people can grow in their faith, participate in community life and learn how to help others follow Christ.
Founding The Church of Eleven22
One of the most significant milestones in Joby Martin’s career was the founding of The Church of Eleven22 in 2012.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, the church was established around the vision of helping people discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
The name Eleven22 reflects the church’s biblical emphasis, while its stated mission focuses on surrendering to Jesus, making disciple-making disciples and transforming communities.
From its beginning, the church sought to create an environment where people from different backgrounds could hear the gospel, participate in Christian community and grow spiritually.
Martin’s preaching and leadership helped shape its identity. His messages frequently focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture and the practical implications of following the Christian faith.
Over time, the congregation developed into a multisite church with physical locations, online services and additional ministry environments.
The Growth of The Church of Eleven22
The development of The Church of Eleven22 is closely connected to Martin’s leadership philosophy.
Instead of defining church growth only by attendance, the church emphasizes discipleship, service and community transformation. Its programs include ministries for children, students, young adults, families, senior adults and people experiencing difficult circumstances.
The church also provides opportunities for members to join discipleship groups, serve in ministry and participate in outreach.
Its multisite structure allows people in different communities to participate in church life without having to travel to one central location. Online services and home-based gatherings extend access to people who cannot attend a physical campus.
The church’s official website reports that it operates 15 physical locations, alongside online services and home-based outposts. These developments illustrate the scale of the organization Martin has helped lead since 2012.
However, the church’s growth should not be understood simply as the expansion of a religious organization. Its stated objective remains helping people follow Jesus and become disciples who contribute to the spiritual and practical well-being of their communities.
Joby Martin’s Leadership Style
Joby Martin is known for a direct and energetic preaching style.
His messages often combine detailed engagement with biblical passages, personal illustrations, humor and practical application. He aims to communicate Christian teaching in a way that people can understand and apply to their lives.
A recurring feature of his approach is the emphasis on personal responsibility. Martin encourages Christians to examine their beliefs, attitudes and behavior in light of Scripture.
He also places considerable emphasis on the centrality of Jesus Christ. His sermons frequently return to the gospel, the resurrection, grace and the importance of surrendering to God.
This approach has helped him connect with audiences who appreciate straightforward preaching that combines theological convictions with everyday application.
His books follow a similar pattern. Rather than presenting Christianity only as an abstract system of beliefs, Martin frequently explores how biblical truths should influence decisions, relationships and personal character.
Joby Martin as a Christian Author
Writing has become an important part of Martin’s ministry.
His books extend the teaching he delivers through sermons and provide readers with opportunities to explore biblical themes in greater depth. Many of the books also have companion reading guides designed for individuals, families and discipleship groups.
Martin’s writing covers several subjects, including the resurrection of Jesus, miracles, grace, biblical manhood and forgiveness.
His collaboration with Charles Martin has been particularly important in developing several of his titles. Charles Martin is a bestselling novelist, and their partnership combines Joby’s pastoral and biblical teaching with a storytelling-oriented approach to Christian themes.
The books are designed to encourage readers to examine Scripture, reflect on their relationship with God and apply Christian principles to daily life.
If the Tomb Is Empty
If the Tomb Is Empty: Why the Resurrection Means Anything Is Possible was published in 2022 and became one of Martin’s best-known books.
The book focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central doctrine of Christianity. Martin examines biblical passages and traces themes throughout Scripture to explain the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection.
He argues that the resurrection is not merely an event Christians remember during Easter. It is foundational to the Christian understanding of salvation, hope and the power of God.
The book also challenges readers to consider whether their everyday lives reflect the implications of the resurrection.
For Martin, belief in the risen Christ should shape how Christians respond to suffering, uncertainty and circumstances that appear impossible to overcome.
The book illustrates his broader teaching approach: beginning with a central biblical truth and exploring how that truth should influence the way believers live.
Anything Is Possible
In 2023, Martin published Anything Is Possible: How Nine Miracles of Jesus Reveal God’s Love for You, written with Charles Martin.
The book explores nine miracles recorded in the Gospels and considers what they reveal about Jesus and His relationship with humanity.
The selected accounts include the miracle at the wedding in Cana, the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda, the feeding of the five thousand and the raising of Lazarus.
Rather than treating miracles merely as extraordinary events, Martin examines their significance within the broader message of the Gospels.
The book encourages readers to look beyond the miracles themselves and consider the character and purposes of the One who performs them.
This emphasis is consistent with Martin’s broader ministry, which places Jesus Christ at the center of Christian faith and discipleship.
Run Over by the Grace Train
Published in 2024, Run Over by the Grace Train: How the Unstoppable Love of God Transforms Everything explores the Christian understanding of grace.
The book presents God’s grace as a transformative reality that affects how people understand salvation, forgiveness and their relationship with God.
Martin uses the image of a freight train to communicate the overwhelming nature of encountering the grace of Jesus Christ.
The central message is that grace is not simply a religious concept to be discussed. It changes how people understand their failures, respond to others and live in light of the gospel.
The book encourages readers to recognize that Christian transformation begins with God’s work rather than human effort alone.
It also connects grace with the responsibilities of discipleship, emphasizing that an understanding of God’s love should influence the way Christians treat other people.
Stand Firm & Act Like Men
In 2025, Martin published Stand Firm & Act Like Men: Becoming the Man You Were Created to Be.
The book addresses biblical manhood and the responsibilities associated with being a Christian man.
Martin examines masculinity through the lens of Scripture, emphasizing courage, sacrifice, strength, responsibility and love.
Rather than defining manhood exclusively through cultural expectations, the book encourages readers to consider the character and conduct that Christian teaching calls men to develop.
The subject also connects with Martin’s wider emphasis on discipleship. He presents spiritual maturity as something that should be reflected in a person’s conduct, relationships and willingness to serve others.
The book is intended to encourage men to examine their understanding of masculinity and consider how their lives can reflect Christian convictions.
The Big Brave Choice
In 2026, Martin added a children’s book to his growing body of work.
The Big Brave Choice: Forgiving Like Jesus was written by Joby Martin with Lori Newell and is designed for children ages four to eight.
The story follows twins named Daisy and Dylan who experience hurt feelings after being left out during recess. Their Papa helps them understand forgiveness through the example of Jesus.
The book introduces children to the idea that forgiveness can be difficult but is an important expression of Christian love.
Its approach combines an age-appropriate story with a biblical principle that families can discuss together.
The publication also demonstrates that Martin’s writing is not limited to adult readers. By developing a children’s book, he has extended his teaching into family settings where parents and caregivers can introduce younger readers to Christian values.
Joby Martin’s Podcasts and Digital Ministry
In addition to preaching and writing, Martin participates in podcast and digital teaching projects.
These platforms allow him to explore biblical subjects and Christian living outside the structure of a traditional Sunday sermon.
His digital ministry includes Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin, which features conversations and teaching connected to the church’s broader discipleship resources. His online platforms also provide access to sermons, reading plans and study materials.
These resources help people engage with Christian teaching throughout the week rather than limiting their participation to church services.
The church also uses digital platforms to support sermon series and provide material for group discussions.
This combination of preaching, books and digital resources reflects Martin’s wider commitment to discipleship. Each platform provides another opportunity for people to study Scripture and apply Christian teaching to everyday life.
Joby Martin’s Views on Discipleship
Discipleship is one of the central themes in Martin’s ministry.
In Christian teaching, discipleship involves learning from Jesus, following His example and helping others grow in their faith.
Martin’s approach emphasizes that becoming a Christian should lead to a continuing process of spiritual growth.
This includes studying Scripture, participating in Christian community, developing Christ-like character and serving others.
The Church of Eleven22 expresses this objective through its emphasis on making disciple-making disciples. The idea is that Christians should not only grow personally but also help other people develop a relationship with Jesus.
This approach influences the church’s discipleship groups, teaching resources and ministry programs.
It also explains why Martin’s books frequently move beyond explaining biblical events to examining their implications for daily life.
Joby Martin’s Preaching on Grace and Repentance
Grace and repentance are recurring subjects in Martin’s teaching.
Grace refers to God’s undeserved favor, while repentance involves turning away from sin and responding to God with a changed direction.
Martin’s books and sermons explore how these concepts relate to salvation and Christian transformation.
In Run Over by the Grace Train, he emphasizes the transforming nature of God’s grace. In his broader preaching, he also stresses the importance of responding to the gospel with genuine surrender rather than treating faith as a superficial identity.
These themes reflect his understanding that Christian faith involves both receiving God’s grace and allowing that grace to shape one’s life.
His approach seeks to communicate the seriousness of sin without separating that subject from the Christian message of forgiveness and redemption.
Joby Martin’s Family Life
Although Martin has a demanding pastoral and speaking schedule, his family remains an important part of his public identity.
His official biography describes him as a husband and father, placing family alongside faith and ministry as central elements of his life.
Martin has spoken about the responsibilities associated with Christian manhood, marriage and parenting, subjects that also appear in his teaching resources.
His approach to family life is connected to his broader belief that Christian faith should influence relationships at home as well as behavior within the church.
The details of his family’s private life are not extensively publicized, and a biography should respect that distinction between public ministry and personal privacy.
Joby Martin’s Wife, Gretchen Martin
Joby Martin is married to Gretchen Martin.
The couple have been married for more than 20 years, according to Martin’s official biography.
Gretchen is an important part of his personal life, although the couple generally keep many details of their relationship and family life private.
Joby’s public teaching frequently addresses Christian responsibility, relationships and family, themes that are relevant to his life as a husband and father.
However, it is important to distinguish between the subjects he teaches publicly and details about his wife’s personal activities or professional background that may not be independently documented.
Their marriage remains a central part of Martin’s identity beyond his responsibilities as a pastor and author.
Joby Martin’s Children
Joby and Gretchen Martin have two children: JP and Reagan Capri.
The family is occasionally mentioned in Martin’s public biography and ministry materials, but detailed information about the children’s private lives is limited.
Martin’s role as a father connects with his broader interest in family discipleship and the importance of helping younger generations understand Christian faith.
His 2026 children’s book, The Big Brave Choice, also reflects an interest in communicating Christian principles in ways that children and families can understand.
The book’s focus on forgiveness provides parents and caregivers with an opportunity to discuss relationships, hurt feelings and Christian responses to conflict.
Joby Martin’s Age
Joby Martin’s exact date of birth is not consistently documented in the official biographies reviewed for this article.
Some third-party websites publish a birth date and calculate his age from it, but these details should not automatically be treated as confirmed without reliable supporting documentation.
For that reason, his precise age cannot be stated confidently here.
What is clearly documented is his professional history as the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, which he launched in 2012, along with his work as an author and speaker.
Joby Martin’s Net Worth
Joby Martin’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1 million to $2 million.
His potential sources of income include pastoral compensation, book royalties, speaking engagements, publishing activities and other professional work associated with his ministry.
Martin has built a substantial public profile through his leadership of The Church of Eleven22, his Christian books and his participation in conferences and digital teaching programs.
However, the estimated figure should not be confused with the finances of The Church of Eleven22. A church’s donations, operating budget, property and other organizational resources belong to the organization and are not automatically the personal assets of its pastor.
The estimated net worth range is not based on a published personal financial statement and should therefore be understood as an approximation rather than a confirmed valuation.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Who is Joby Martin?
Joby Martin is an American Christian pastor, Bible teacher, author and speaker. He is best known as the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida.
2. How old is Joby Martin?
Joby Martin’s exact age has not been conclusively verified through a reliable official birth record. Some third-party biographies publish a birth date, but it should be confirmed before being presented as fact.
3. Who is Joby Martin’s wife?
Joby Martin’s wife is Gretchen Martin. The couple have been married for more than 20 years.
4. How many children does Joby Martin have?
Joby Martin and his wife, Gretchen, have two children, JP and Reagan Capri.
5. What church does Joby Martin pastor?
Joby Martin is the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, a multisite Christian church based in Jacksonville, Florida.
6. When did Joby Martin start The Church of Eleven22?
Joby Martin launched The Church of Eleven22 in 2012. The church was established to help people discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
7. What is The Church of Eleven22 known for?
The Church of Eleven22 is known for its gospel-centered preaching, discipleship programs, worship services, community outreach and multisite ministry structure.
8. What books has Joby Martin written?
Joby Martin’s books include If the Tomb Is Empty, Anything Is Possible, Run Over by the Grace Train, Stand Firm & Act Like Men and The Big Brave Choice. Several of his books were written with other collaborators, including Charles Martin and Lori Newell.
9. What is Joby Martin’s most popular book?
One of his best-known books is If the Tomb Is Empty: Why the Resurrection Means Anything Is Possible. The book examines the significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and its implications for Christian faith.
10. What is Anything Is Possible about?
Anything Is Possible explores nine miracles of Jesus and considers what they reveal about God’s character, love and power. The book was written by Joby Martin with Charles Martin.
11. What is Run Over by the Grace Train about?
Run Over by the Grace Train examines the transforming power of God’s grace and encourages readers to consider how the love of Jesus affects salvation, forgiveness and everyday Christian living.
12. What is Stand Firm & Act Like Men about?
Stand Firm & Act Like Men explores biblical manhood, emphasizing qualities such as courage, responsibility, sacrifice, strength and love.
13. What is The Big Brave Choice about?
The Big Brave Choice: Forgiving Like Jesus is a children’s book by Joby Martin and Lori Newell. It teaches young readers about forgiveness through a story involving twins who experience hurt feelings and learn from their Papa.
14. Is Joby Martin an author and speaker?
Yes. In addition to serving as a pastor, Martin writes Christian books and speaks at conferences and events. His teaching also reaches audiences through podcasts, sermons and digital resources.
15. What does Joby Martin teach about discipleship?
Martin teaches that following Jesus involves more than identifying as a Christian. He emphasizes studying Scripture, growing spiritually, serving others and helping other people become committed followers of Christ.
16. What is Joby Martin’s preaching style?
His preaching style is direct, energetic and centered on biblical passages. He combines Scripture, personal illustrations, humor and practical applications to communicate Christian teaching.
17. Does Joby Martin have a children’s book?
Yes. In 2026, he published The Big Brave Choice: Forgiving Like Jesus with Lori Newell. The book is designed for children ages four to eight and focuses on forgiveness.
18. Where is Joby Martin’s church located?
The Church of Eleven22 is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and operates multiple physical locations alongside online services and other ministry environments.
19. What is Joby Martin’s net worth?
Joby Martin’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1 million to $2 million. This estimate reflects his career as a pastor, author and speaker, but it is not a verified personal financial disclosure.
20. Is Joby Martin still active in ministry?
Yes. Joby Martin continues to serve as the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22. He also remains active as an author, Bible teacher and speaker through his books, sermons, podcasts and other ministry resources.
Conclusion
Joby Martin has developed a recognizable ministry through his leadership of The Church of Eleven22, his gospel-centered preaching and his work as a Christian author.
Since launching the church in 2012, he has helped establish a ministry that combines local church life with discipleship programs, community outreach and digital teaching resources. His emphasis on surrendering to Jesus and helping others become disciples has remained central to the church’s mission.
His books have extended that message to readers beyond his congregation. If the Tomb Is Empty explores the importance of the resurrection, Anything Is Possible examines the miracles of Jesus, and Run Over by the Grace Train focuses on God’s transforming grace. His work on biblical manhood and forgiveness has also expanded his teaching to different audiences, including men and young children.
His marriage to Gretchen and their two children remain important parts of his personal identity, alongside his responsibilities as a pastor and ministry leader.
As his ministry continues, Martin’s public work reflects a consistent concern with biblical authority, personal transformation, grace and discipleship. Through preaching, writing and digital resources, he encourages people to move beyond passive religious identification and pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Although his precise age and personal finances are not fully documented in official public sources, his ministry history and published works establish his place among contemporary American evangelical pastors whose influence extends beyond a single local congregation.
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References
- The Church of Eleven22 official website and ministry profile
- Joby Martin official website and biography
- The Church of Eleven22 books and resource library
- If the Tomb Is Empty official book materials
- Anything Is Possible official book materials
- Run Over by the Grace Train official book materials
- Stand Firm & Act Like Men official book materials
- The Big Brave Choice official book materials
- The Church of Eleven22 official mission and ministry information
- Joby Martin’s published sermons, podcasts and teaching resources
Bakare Sherifdeen is the Founder and Publisher of BelieversBio, a Christian reference platform dedicated to publishing well-researched biographies of pastors, evangelists, Christian authors, churches, ministries, and influential Christian leaders worldwide.
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