Pastor Marilyn White

Rev. White is a retired Elder in Full Connection with the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. With a background in corporate America, she spent 22 years as an Executive Underwriter for Commercial Insurance before answering her divine call to ministry. Her journey began as Associate Pastor at Covenant Glenn UMC in Missouri City, Texas, and in 2005, she was appointed as Senior Pastor at her first church. Today, she serves as Senior Pastor at St. James UMC in Houston, Texas.

Throughout her ministry, Rev. White has been deeply committed to empowering individuals to fulfill their God-given purpose. She has always been passionate about the spiritual growth and well-being of others, and through her leadership, many have been inspired to live into their calling. Her heart for transformation extends beyond the walls of the church, as she believes in being a proactive change agent in every community God places her. Her guiding philosophy is rooted in the belief that “we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.”

Rev. White is a staunch advocate for community involvement. She currently serves as President of the Third Ward Community Cloth Fund Organization, Executive Director of the Trinity East Village Community Development Corporation (CDC), and Treasurer of the Emancipation Economic Development Council. She is also a board member of several community organizations, including the Third Ward Assistance Ministries Task Force, the Third Ward Health Collaborative, the Community Research Advisory Board for the Health Research Institute at the University of Houston, and the Third Ward Cultural Arts District Advisory Board. In the past, she served on the Third Ward Community Advisory Board for United Way.

In addition to her community work, Rev. White has held numerous positions on United Methodist Conference and District boards and committees. She is also an active member of the Clergy Leadership Team and a certified Clergy Coach within the denomination.

Her contributions to both the church and the wider community have been recognized with numerous honors. Among them are the 2021 and 2025 Community Advocate Award by the Association of Black Social Workers, and the 2025 Global "Lifetime" Legacy Award. In partnership with the Texas Mission of Mercy Smiles Foundation, Rev. White co-wrote and helped secure a grant to provide approximately $600,000 in charitable dental services to 500-600 patients in Houston’s Third Ward.

Rev. White holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from LeTourneau University and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She is honored to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Vineyard Seminary in December 2025.

Outside of ministry, Rev. White enjoys a rich family life with her daughter and four grandchildren, who bring her immense joy.