Marcus L. McFarlin was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 22 to Pastor Samuel McFarlin and Evang. Shirley McFarlin. While in his mother’s womb, she testifies that as church services would go forth in praise, she could feel Marcus kicking to the music until the rhythm ceased. Marcus was raised in the grand ole Church of God in Christ. Elder Samuel McFarlin and his family attended Christ Temple C.O.G.I.C. where the late Bishop P.J. Henderson was the prelate. At age 6, Marcus was astonishing saints with his musical gift of playing the organ. At age 11, Marcus’ interest turned to the alto saxophone and became a faithful member of the C.H. Mason Memorial Orchestra of the International C.O.G.I.C. under the direction of the world renown, legendary Dr. Vernard Johnson. It was then young McFarlin began to gain a love for the message within gospel music and began to utilize the gift God had given him by writing, composing, and playing his own songs.
At the age of 19, McFarlin yielded to the calling of preaching the Gospel on September 22, 2002. He received his license as a minister in the C.O.G.I.C. on February 3, 2005 and was ordained Elder on October 7, 2006. In April of 2006 Marcus was married to his wife, Melissa N. McFarlin, who stands beside him in ministry and sings soprano with his group known as “The Righteousâ€. Eld. Marcus McFarlin is a faithful member at Maranatha King of Kings and Lord of Lords C.O.G.I.C. under the teaching of his father and pastor, Eld. Samuel McFarlin. Ministering in song is not young McFarlin’s only focus. For that reason, Marcus stays busy in the ministry as the Sunday School Superintendent, musician, the In-reach/Outreach ministry and a member of the praise and worship ministry.
As God began to elevate young McFarlin, he began to endure great test and trials. Young McFarlin began to notice that it was before, during and even after these test and trials, God began to drop victorious lyrics and melodies in his heart.
Many of the songs that are written by Marcus are said to be simple testimonies, praises and words of encouragement that brought him through some of his toughest test. After God had taken Marcus through some obstacles in life, he spoke to Marcus saying, “It is time NOW, to share with the world what I have given unto you.†That is exactly what Marcus began to do.
In January of 2007, young McFarlin became the founder of Prayer Warrior Productions, a new record label in the city of Milwaukee. Elder Mac has proven to be a young, innovative, anointed musician who loves to exalt the Lord through the ministry of music and radical praise. Over the past eight years, Marcus has grown to be an inspiring writer, producer, and composer. His debut single, “He’s Coming Back†was released in 2007 under his own indie label, Prayer Warrior Productions. In the song, his goal is clearly to remind us that Jesus Christ is soon to return. This song caught the attention of many listeners allowing him to gain national attention from Anointed Pages Magazine. Elder Mac was then nominated for two AP Awards and the winner of the “2008 Male Soloist of the Year†award.
His unique, powerful, and original style has allowed him to share the stage with many main stream gospel and R&B artist such as, Yolanda Adams, Mary-Mary, Eve, Fabolous, Rich Boy, Mario, Plies, Donald Lawrence, Fred Hammond, Tye Tribbett, Vickie Winans and many more. He has made appearances on the new local Trinity Broadcast Network, the world’s largest gig known as Summerfest, African World Festival, Jam4Peace 2007, and even in your local church. This is only the beginning of what God has begun to do in the life of Elder Marcus McFarlin.
