Rev. Gilbert Martinez

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The Rev. Gilbert Martinez brings together a rich heritage, deep faith, and a commitment to building communities where everyone knows they belong. A multi-generational Tejano and Chicano, Gilbert has lived and served in the Chicagoland area since 2015.

Gilbert earned his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas-Pan American, as well as two associate degrees from South Texas College. He was ordained in the United Church of Christ in October 2021.

Gilbert continues to make theological learning and spiritual formation central to his ministry. He is currently participating in The Playground, a year-long ministry formation program of Flagler College’s Center for Religion and Culture, through its Sabbath, Creation, and Communion Cohort. The cohort, led by theologian and farmer Dr. Nate Stucky of Princeton Theological Seminary, explores Sabbath, creation, rest, renewal, and communion as practices that can sustain both life and ministry. As part of the experience, the cohort will make a pilgrimage to The Farminary at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, where it will deepen its engagement with these themes through the rhythms of land, community, and theological reflection.

Gilbert began serving Christ Church United Church of Christ as Designated-Term Pastor in February 2021. On January 9, 2022, the congregation called him to serve as its Settled Pastor. Before coming to Christ Church, he served San Lucas UCC-Chicago in several ministry roles, including Digital Outreach Minister, Community Pastoral Care Minister, and Pulpit Supply Minister.

His ministry extends well beyond the walls of Christ Church. Gilbert currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ. He has also served as a member of the Conference’s Tuthill Commission and as Convener of the ANCHOR Governance Transitional Task Force. He serves on the Center of Concern Community Advisory Board and previously served on Advocate Aurora Health’s Mission & Spiritual Care Committee.

Gilbert is the founder and Board President of Camino Rising, a faith-rooted, nonprofit committed to walking alongside neighbors through practical care, community resources, and relationship. He also helped bring together a diverse group of local faith leaders that became the Des Plaines Clergy Alliance and is periodically called to serve on special committees and initiatives of the Illinois Conference of the UCC.

His previous service has included work as a communications consultant for the Colectivo de UCC Latinx Ministries; membership on the Boards of Directors of the UCC Mental Health Network and UCC Media Justice; service as Vice-Moderator of the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the Illinois Conference UCC; membership on the Chicago Metropolitan Association’s Church & Ministry Committee; and service on the Board of the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines.

At the heart of Gilbert’s ministry is a commitment to following Jesus through compassion, justice, and an expansive welcome. His ministry and advocacy have included community care, mental health awareness, immigrant and refugee justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and creating spaces where people too often pushed to the margins are recognized as beloved members of the community. He has completed Mental Health First Aid and Companionship training and is also a certified Companionship instructor.

Gilbert believes that ministry must be rooted not only in service but also in relationships, rest, and the ordinary joys of life. Outside of church and community work, he treasures time with his family.

Through his ministry at Christ Church and throughout the wider community, Gilbert seeks to help build a church that is faithful to the way of Jesus, engaged with its neighbors, willing to confront injustice, and committed to making room for all.