Martin Mallory was born and raised in Blissfield, a small town in southeast Michigan, amid influences of agricultural life and strong family values. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in 1985. Moving to Wilmore, Kentucky, in 1987 to pursue graduate studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, he married his wife Sharon that same year; she hails from the same Michigan hometown. Mallory completed his Master of Divinity from Asbury in 1991 and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 1992. In 1993, he founded Manna Counseling Service, providing private pastoral counseling for emotional, spiritual, and relational issues, later expanding to a second office in Shelbyville, Kentucky, in partnership with Living Waters Church. A charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, he has consulted for and served on boards of organizations like Great Commission Fellowship, Ichthus Ministries, GO International, and Cornerstone International, and was ordained by his local church in 2010. Since 2008, Mallory has served as an Affiliate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary (previously noted at Asbury University). As Director of Pastoral Care and board member at Frontier Alliance International, he is passionate about missionary care, traveling internationally to train indigenous pastors, church planters, and leaders, and alongside Sharon, supports Frontier Alliance International's Gateway Center leaders and field personnel through regular visits and calls. He has guest-preached at churches such as Living Waters Church in Shelbyville and has played drums for worship teams and bands since 1981. Residing in Wilmore, Kentucky, Mallory enjoys outdoor pursuits like hiking and fishing, and appreciates the Bluegrass region's culture.