MEET OUR PASTORS

Pastor Larry Harts was born and raised in Sterling, IL. He is one of eight children born to the late Frank Harts Sr. and the late Bobbie “Mommy” Harts, whose legacy continues through their family.

While serving in the United States Marine Corps, Pastor Harts accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at 21 years of age in March of 1980. Prior to accepting Jesus into his heart, he struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, which led to a very dark period in his life. After a near death experience in an automobile accident, his father Frank pleaded with him to change his self destructive ways. It was at that point in his life that he began to call upon the name of the Lord.

In August of 1982, Pastor Harts experienced a deep calling from within to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A burning compassion to see the lost saved became his mission and goal. A love for people of every race, creed, nationality, and color was the driving truth that compelled Pastor Harts to seek a deeper understanding of who God is.

Honorably discharged from his seven year enlistment in the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant, Pastor Harts left Atlanta, GA and began his journey to answer the call to preach the Gospel and further his ministerial education. Several ministries helped shape Pastor Harts in his pursuit to understand the true meaning of walking with God. The churches and pastors God used to provide spiritual instruction and training were:

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, served under Pastor Coleman as Associate Minister in Sterling, IL from 1982 to 1983

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, served under Pastor Edwards as Associate Minister in Riverside, CA from 1983 to 1984

Faith Christian Center, served under Pastor White as Associate Minister in Moreno Valley, CA from 1984 to 1986

Word of Life Christian Center, served under Pastor Morrison as Associate Pastor in Moreno Valley, CA from 1986 to 1989

Pastor Harts studied leadership and ministerial training at Word of Life School of Ministry in Moreno Valley, CA and Agape School of Ministry in Yucaipa, CA from 1986 to 1999.

Saint Martin's College and Seminary

Master’s Degree in the field of Biblical Studies, Class of 2017

Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Biblical Studies, Class of 2016

After his discharge, Pastor Harts met his awesome, beautiful, wonderful, and faithful wife Marchet in Riverside, CA. “Her inner and outer beauty is second to none, I love her.” Pastor Harts. They were married and are now the proud parents of Yassminda, Gabriel, and Michael. All three children are passionately involved in ministry and serve alongside their parents at City of God.

Pastor Marchet is the Associate Pastor at City of God and serves as the Director of Pastoral Affairs. She was ordained as an Elder in January of 1992 and is an accomplished teacher of the Word of God. She also provides direct oversight of the Women’s Ministry, coordinates conferences, training, fellowships, and leads the Children’s Ministry.

In 1990, Pastors Larry and Marchet submitted to the call to return to Sterling, IL to pioneer a ministry. One year after moving to Sterling, they founded World Wide Christian Center. Per God’s instruction, the church would not cater to any specific group, race, or nationality, but would be a place where everyone feels welcome. City of God is a non denominational, Spirit filled, multi racial, multi cultural, family oriented evangelistic ministry.

Pastors Larry and Marchet have been intentional in creating the atmosphere God desired for the church, remaining unique and Spirit led. Jesus Christ remains the head of this ministry, and they continue to teach the uncompromising Word of God.

After much prayer and fasting, Pastor Harts was led by the Lord to change the name of the church to City of God in 2007. The Lord emphasized a new name and a new beginning. The scripture given was Psalms 87:1 to 7, which speaks of a city where glorious things are spoken. Truly, glorious things are spoken of this ministry, and Pastors Larry and Marchet remain committed to giving God all the glory.

January 2026 marked the 35th year of City of God. There is a growing excitement within the congregation as we patiently expect what the Lord will do next in our midst. Our vision is simple yet powerful, to go into all the world and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18 to 20.