Rafael “Macho” Lara grew up a pastor’s kid, surrounded by faith, family, and music. By two, he was learning instruments. By five, he was performing with his family’s ministry. By ten, he was leading worship in his local church. Music opened the door, but his calling reached further.

At twenty-three, he pursued that call through theological study at Nyack College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry and met his wife, Erica. He later completed a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Crown College and a Master of Professional Studies in Church Development from Alliance Theological Seminary.

For more than fifteen years, Macho has served in roles that have stretched beyond music. He has preached, taught worship at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and helped plant and renew churches. Mentoring and walking with others in their spiritual formation has remained the thread through it all.

Today, Macho serves as a Technology Instructor with Year Up United, a nonprofit closing the opportunity gap for young adults. He and Erica are also planting The Table NYC, a church community in Sunnyside, Queens, where they live with their children, Eliana and Elias.

His first book, Those Who Wait (July 2025), is a reflective guide through six biblical stories of waiting for those navigating delay and uncertainty. His next book, Ctrl+Alt➔Believe (2026?), explores how faith can be rebuilt from the ruins of spiritual disorientation.

Through his writing, teaching, and ministry, Macho helps people rebuild faith and leadership with honesty, integrity, and presence, making the way of Jesus believable again in the real world.