Little People, Big Callings: How Dan Marotta Went from Marine Biology to Church Planting in Richmond
We often think that the people who “go big” are the ones who start out chasing it.
But that’s rarely the case.
The more conversations I’ve had on this podcast, the more I’ve seen a pattern emerge: the people making the biggest difference didn’t begin with a five-point plan to change the world. They started with something small — a painful experience, a quiet sense of calling, a nudge from a mentor. And they said yes.
That’s exactly how it happened for Rev. Dan Marotta.
Dan didn’t go to college to become a pastor. In fact, he was planning to become a marine biologist. But during his freshman year at William & Mary, he experienced the kind of tragedy most 18-year-olds are spared — multiple close friends died. And suddenly, the questions of meaning, mortality, and calling weren’t theoretical anymore.
Dan’s life fell apart for a season. And that became the start of something new.
From Tragedy to Calling
After nearly flunking out, Dan found his footing through the quiet encouragement of parents, pastors, and mentors. He poured himself into Young Life — a Christian outreach program for high school students — and discovered a joy and energy in mentoring others that he hadn’t expected.
By senior year, he was fielding a job offer from his home church in Charlottesville. At first, he said no. But months later — after a short-lived plan involving bartending and car sales — he reconsidered.
That “temporary” job turned into six years of youth ministry. Eventually, Dan and his wife Rachel came to see it not as a detour, but a calling. They went on to seminary, and then, something remarkable happened.
Why Start a Church When So Many Are Shrinking?
In 2016, the Marottas moved to Richmond, Virginia to plant a new church. It might sound counterintuitive. Aren’t churches in decline? Isn’t it enough to just preserve what’s already there?
Dan’s answer was honest — and strategic.
“Is it easier to start a healthy new business,” he asked, “or to repair the broken, dysfunctional culture of an existing one?”
For Dan, church planting was simply another form of missionary work. He and Rachel hosted BBQs, held coffee meetings, and gradually built a community from the ground up. By Advent of that year, Redeemer Anglican Church held its first worship service.
Today, that single church has helped launch multiple new congregations around Richmond — all focused on the same quiet, humble vision: forming faithful communities rooted in love, service, and mission.
Finding Your Calling Isn’t About Waiting for Fireworks
In our conversation, Dan shared wisdom that applies far beyond the walls of a church.
Too often, people wait for a dramatic, unmistakable moment to discover their calling. But Dan says calling usually doesn’t come with flashing lights and a burning bush.
It comes, instead, by being faithful to what’s already in front of you.
“What business do we have asking God for a special calling,” he said, “if we’re ignoring all the callings that are already there?”
That perspective is rare. And it’s powerful.
Whether you’re launching a nonprofit, leading a business, or just trying to live a life of integrity and purpose, Dan’s story is a reminder that going big starts small. With faithfulness. With humility. With a heart for service.
Lessons from Dan’s Story
If you’re navigating questions of calling or purpose, here are a few takeaways from Dan’s journey:
- Start with what’s in front of you. Often, your future calling is hidden in your current responsibilities.
- Don’t wait for certainty. Very few people know their life’s purpose at 18. Or 28. Or even 38.
- Mentorship matters. Dan’s life was shaped by older leaders who made time for him — and now he’s doing the same for others.
- Growth doesn’t have to mean ego. Ambition can be sanctified when it’s tethered to humility, accountability, and love.
- You don’t have to go overseas to be a missionary. You can plant seeds right where you are.
This episode reminded me why we started the Going Big podcast in the first place. Not to spotlight people chasing fame — but to showcase ordinary people who stepped into extraordinary lives of service.
Dan Marotta didn’t try to go big.
He just kept saying yes.
