About Pastor Mark
Meet Pastor Mark!
Obviously, this is not my entire story. Hopefully, it is enough to help gain an understanding of who I am, and why I do this.
My Story
A Church Kid
My story begins where I think a lot of stories do. I was raised a “church kid.” What I mean by that is we attended a small country church (Whittier Missionary Baptist) and more often than not we were in attendance if the church was open.
I came to know Christ as Savior in June of 1992 through a small county revival at a church in Bryson City, North Carolina. My baptism was on Father’s Day of that year. At 14, I preached my first sermon, “Romans 8:31,” with a simple question: What does this mean for the person in the pew? What are we fighting against? And why should we do this thing called Christianity?
Education and Family
After graduating from high school, I attended Carson-Newman College (now University), where I met my wife, Cristy. While at Carson-Newman, I majored in Religion, minored in Psychology, and was involved in the preaching outreach ministry through the college.
Cristy and I have been fortunate to serve churches in North Carolina, Ohio, Louisiana, and Tennessee. We’ve attended and led mission trips, student trips, retreats, events, and many other opportunities.
A few years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to return to complete graduate work. I completed both a Master of Arts in Ministry and a Master of Divinity.
Practical Leadership so Others See Him
Philosophy of Practical Leadership
Practical Leadership is a term that I landed on a few years ago. With a lot of leadership in the church and through Christianity, people must determine what ultimately drives their preaching, teaching, and problem-solving style. The process that guided me to a focus on practical leadership fell into three primary fronts.
1. Teaching/Preaching
Many wonderful people (men and women) can wax eloquently about theology and the human need of our Savior Jesus Christ. Many of those same people have mastered speaking and writing about the topic. (I know because my library contains quite a few of them.) However, the question that bothers me is, “How do we get the person in the pew to care?” What does that congregant need to make it today? Maybe to be encouraged, challenged to grow spiritually, or understand a complicated scripture. As a result, my teaching and preaching style continues to ask the question, “So what?” The answer that I often reach is a practical one.
2. Writing
Writing is a practical way and another opportunity to lead. I have often found that writing out something typically lends itself to my understanding of a subject better than just talking.
3. Leadership
It may sound redundant, but Practical Leadership has to make its way into the actual leadership of the church. We cannot only talk about discipleship, evangelism, or church growth. We must step up and do it. Sometimes, it becomes a challenge because of the problems of trying to accomplish that task. I hope that through this website and the articles, this can be a resource for achieving those tasks.
Some Great Places Along the Way
Below are links to some great churches that are part of my story.
Scotts Creek
Mt Carmel
Tri-County
Lighthouse
All for the Glory of God - 1 Cor 10:31
Personal Interest
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Coffee – The subject of coffee makes its way into my sermons and lessons often. And while I may consume my share (and Cristy’s since she doesn’t like coffee) one of my favorite things is to try new locations with local rosters. Don’t get me wrong I like “Starbs” and some other big chains. But I like going into places that know coffee and not trying to sell you another dessert.
Family – I am fortunate that my family serves along with me. They all take on different roles and as they get older have begun taking on more responsibility. I understand that I am blessed to be in such a position.
Podcast – I love the idea of a podcast. Why? Because I don’t have to be the expert. Being the host allows me to ask questions and find out information from others, just as I hope the listener does.
Click the link below to head over to Light1031 for the latest podcast.
I would love to connect or answer a specific question? Please visit the contact page below.
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