About The Founder
"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. - Romans 14:7-8 KJV
Sunrise: December 3, 1959
Sunset: April 23, 2020
Apostle Marvin Jackson
From Minister of Music
to Minister of El Shaddai
Pastor Jackson was satisfied with just being a musician, performer, writer and producer when God called him to do more.
Raised in the church along with his three brothers and younger sister, he developed a love of music while watching his older brothers play. It was this love of music that led him to master the piano and learn seven other musical instruments. His musical gifts opened many doors for him from being the lead Trumpeter and Drum Major of his High School Band to starting his own record company.
His interest would also lead him to other endeavors such as opening Kansas City’s first Christian nightclub, A Touch of Spirit, hosting radio & TV programs and operating the recording studio, Pearl Records. His skills allowed him the opportunity to work with all kinds of celebrities; the Winans, Kirk Franklin, Boys to Men, Bobby Jones from BET and many more. However, while he pursued his musical aspirations and entrepreneurial dreams, he never left the church.
Serving as the Sunday School Superintendent and adult teacher, YPWW (Young People Willing Worker) teacher, Trustee of the Church, Director of Christian Education and the Minister of Music at St. Paul Monument of Faith COGIC under his Pastor and biological brother Dr. Clifford A Jackson, he maintained his spiritual connection and continued his development into an “El (God) Man”.
Then in October of 1998, he could no longer run from his destiny. He answered the call and preached his first sermon in February 1999. In the year of 2000 with seven in attendance, he began a bible study in his home. The numbers would increase to where it became necessary to relocate the study to a local community center. And then on December 3rd, 2000, he would conduct the genesis Sunday Morning Worship service as the founding Pastor of the El Shaddai Family Worship Center in Grandview, MO. Pastor Jackson graduated as the Valedictorian of his ministerial class and today this ministry has received over 800 members on the roster with over 400 of these members receiving their salvation under this ministry.
The El Shaddai Family Worship Center is the home base of El Shaddai International Ministries, which maintains over 30 ministries. These ministries include the Now Faith Television Broadcast that reaches over 1 million homes weekly; and Feeding the Multitudes, which offers support to the local community as well as the church.
Pastor Jackson still maintained his entrepreneurial spirit with the launching of the very popular El Gear clothing line and the opening of Grandview, Missouri’s first Senior Care Facility. Also, because Pastor Jackson realizes the power of unity in the Christian community, he formed the Interdenominational Fellowship of Christian Churches. He was a song writer, recording artist, author, preacher and teacher with a vision from God. This multi-talented, spiritually strong, man of God took no credit for all his many gifts and blessings instead, he proclaimed all the glory and the praise belongs to “El Shaddai; God almighty, God the Blessor, the God that is more than enough!” And by following El Shaddai, he continued “Taking God’s People To A Higher Level of Living!”
Pastor Marvin Jackson transitioned to Glory on April 23, 2020. We cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy and lifelong commitment to his family, friends, church - and most paramount - the Lord!
Lifetime Service to God
"I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly." - Psalm 22:10 KJV
Honors & Awards
Community Leader and Scholar
Apostle Marvin Jackson has received over 70 musical, scholastic and community achievements
High School
Drum Major of his high school Band, the Lincoln High School Marching Band
Keys to the City
Received the key to the city of Kansas City, recognized as the youngest African American in the city at that time to receive this award (27)
Church Scholar
Valedictorian of his ministerial class of 1999 from the Jurisdiction of Western Missouri Church of God In Christ
Impact in Grandview
August 25, 2002 was proclaimed El Shaddai International Ministries Day in the City of Grandview, Mo by then Mayor Harry Wilson
Once A Cobra, Always a Cobra!
One of the 15 founding members of the world renowned Kansas City, Marching Cobras
Financial World
Named to the Bank Board of Union Bank and all of its affiliates, Pastor Jackson is the youngest member of this board and the only African American on the board
Loved By Many
“You were a remarkable person, a legend, a 'one-in-a-million' superstar whose life was cut too short... but before you slipped away, you made sure I was ok ... and I will always appreciate all you've done for me."
Eboney Jackson
“We were always together out eating, at a business meeting, at some church function or just hanging out. I'm truly going to miss my brother Marvin. He would take up for me and keep Cliff off my back”
Bishop CL Howard
“We called you the 'Prince of Gospel Music'. The makings and marks of a man who was ahead of his time in areas of his life many of us got to witness! I am glad to be in that number big bro."
Todd Neal
“Big brother we got the word today, we just can't believe it - don't want to believe it, but we won't forget him - Pastor Marvin Jackson - my brother."
Donall Nolan
Video Tributes
Servant, well done!
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." - Revelation 14:13 KJV