New Generation Church | Pastor Victor and Daysi Martinez
“Messy is okay,” says Pastor Victor Martinez of New Generation Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His journey, marked by trials and unexpected turns, powerfully demonstrates God’s faithfulness—even when the timing feels off.
Victor’s story begins in San Diego, California, where his mother brought him and his siblings to Victory Outreach. This church is dedicated to reaching the lost by serving those in need. This experience planted the seeds of ministry in young Victor’s heart. At the age of eight, his family moved to Minnesota and continued their faith journey in a local church.
As time passed, Victor became the Youth Director, a role that not only deepened his faith but also led to meeting his future wife, Daysi. Together, they embraced ministry, and Victor earned his pastoral credentials through the Minnesota School of Ministry. Their path seemed clear, but God had bigger plans.
The call to plant a new church came unexpectedly, and Victor and Daysi felt compelled to obey. They underwent training to launch New Generation Church, aiming for a generational and multi-cultural ministry. The early days were challenging, marked by slow growth and uncertainty. At times, they questioned if they had started too soon.
Despite discouragements, Victor turned to a network of fellow pastors, which reignited his passion for church planting. Attendance gradually grew, reaching up to 40 each week—a promising sign—until the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 disrupted everything. When services resumed, Victor and Daysi persevered, witnessing a return in weekly attendance.
Amidst these challenges, Victor sensed another calling: public service. He felt led to run for office in Minneapolis. Although his campaign was unsuccessful, the experience was transformative. “That was one of the hardest times of my life,” he reflects. “I felt like the Lord was teaching me, expanding me mentally and emotionally.” That season tested his endurance but ultimately strengthened it. “Now, when I face challenges in the church, I think of that time and tell myself, ‘This is easy.'”
Financial difficulties added another layer of complexity. The church needed a permanent gathering space, and Victor made the need known. Soon, support poured in from members and those touched by New Generation’s ministry, allowing the congregation to purchase their place of worship. During this time, the Martinez family achieved personal financial stability, enabling Victor and Daysi to commit fully to their ministry.
Pastor Victor encourages pastors in similar positions: “Messy is okay. Hold things loosely.” He emphasizes that while we can’t always see God’s plans in ministry, we can trust that by following His word, the results we see are part of it.
