A Little About Marty

Marty Vershel has always believed that holy things happen in ordinary places—and sometimes in the weird ones, too. A proud graduate of Melbourne High in sunny Florida, the University of Central Florida (BA in Political Science and Communications), and Perkins School of Theology (Master of Divinity), Marty is a retired Elder in the United Methodist Church. He spent decades serving congregations across Texas—from College Station to Bullard, Beaumont to Houston, with stops in Sugar Land, Van, and Missouri City—helping people find grace in pews, hospital rooms, kitchens, and unexpected conversations.

Today, Marty continues that sacred work as a full-time Celebrant with Dignity Memorial, walking with families through moments of grief and remembrance, crafting personalized services that honor life with love, honesty, and hope. He knows that the divine shows up not just at the altar—but also in eulogies, casseroles, laughter through tears, and the long embrace of goodbye.

Theologically, Marty is a grace-soaked, liberal Wesleyan who finds God in the Sacraments, community, and every corner where the marginalized get brought into the center. A passionate ally to the LGBTQIA community, he believes love is love, and that the gospel is best preached with open arms.

Marty is the proud father of two amazing sons—Dr. Connor Vershel and Zachary Vershel—both of whom married extraordinary women, Mary Ryan and Hannah. He also is the proud Papa to three beautiful grandchildren—Myer, Kara, and Charlie—who he doesn’t get to see enough!! 

When he's not leading services, you might find Marty cooking his legendary meatballs, biking Houston’s scenic trails, playing with his foster dogs, or screaming at the Mets (lovingly, of course). And yes, he’ll still tell you that even zombies have something to teach us about resurrection.

Unlikely Altars is Marty’s way of reminding us all that the sacred isn’t always dressed in robes and candles. Sometimes it’s in the mess, the margins, the laughter, the loss—and even in the leftovers.

He’d love to hear from you. Pull up a chair, stay a while, and let’s find the holy hiding in plain sight.