The Zone Gathering

My official title is Pastoral Assistant. My job basically entails assisting Pastor Mark in any way possible. This could involve doing research for articles/sermons, answering e-mails, scheduling appointments, making phone calls, ordering silly putty, driving him to appointments, or a myriad of other things. My goal is to allow him the maximum amount of time for writing and sermon preparation.

Tell us a little about the small group that you lead (or participate in) and how that experience has impacted you.

I attended the East Falls Church small group led by Alan Alvarez for quite some time (I just moved to the Hill, so I have been going to the one at my house the Rick S. leads). Alan is a very good friend of mine who has been a huge support to me. I think that small groups are the “bread and butter” of NCC. It is really easy to get lost in the 800 plus people on Sunday mornings, but it is nice to be able to meet in a small group and build community.

Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?

I can normally be found with Pastor Mark on Sundays. We bounce back and forth between the different locations every other week, and it is always fun to see my friends at both locations.

When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?

I accepted Christ into my heart when I was 5 years old. I think the spritual turning point of my life came during a summer towards the end of high school. I attended a month long discipleship camp that really pushed me hard towards selling myself out to God. I think that summer was my spiritual “tipping point” and I haven’t been the same since. Up until that point I knew I was a Christian, but I think that summer was when I took my Christian walk to another level. I began to pursue an intimacy with God through prayer and reading the Bible. I won’t say that it has been easy though. There have been a few times when I have gone through seasons where I have wondered what was going on. It was in these times that God always seemed to show Himself real. I think that I would describe my Christian walk as “steady.” My goal as a Christian is to live a life of consistency (always trying to go to the next level)-as opposed to having mountaintop experiences followed by times in the valley. Sure, I have made a lot of mistakes, and I will be the first to admit that. The key though is to accept God’s grace/forgiveness and keep on plugging away. Don’t let your shortcomings take you out of the game!!!

On a side note-That summer was when I felt called to full time ministry-Through the ups and downs of my Christian walk I have been very fortunate to have great friends who were by my side encouraging me to pursue full time ministry (even when I was in the Army doing other things). I thank God for them (and praying parents).

Tell us a little about your background (where you are from, education, your family, etc)

I grew up in Auburn, CA, where I attended Forest Lake Christian from pre-school through high school. My parents (Stan and Joy) are both Christians, and they are a huge blessing to me. I just recently finished a four year enlistment in the Army where I attained the rank of Sergeant. People always ask me about my parents, so I will tell you a little about them. My mom (Joy) was a stay at home mom who was always kept busy by my crazy sports/church schedules. My dad (Stan) was a fireman with the Sacramento City Fire Dept. He just recently retired and they now live in Montana.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?

Philippians 4:13 is my favorite Scripture. It states, “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me”. (NKJV) Another version states, “I can do EVERYTHING THROUGH HIM who gives me strength.” (NIV) This verse has been something that I have relied on for years. It is a verse that I have been able to hold on to whether I was doing grueling exercises in the Army or just going through a tough time spiritually. To me it means I can take on anything through Christ. The key to me is my reliance on Christ….for without Him I can’t accomplish any task.

What are your favorite books?

This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti, God’s Armourbearer by Terry Nance, Annointing Fall on Me by T.D. Jakes, and Set the Trumpet to Thy Mouth by David Wilkerson are books that are on my all time good list.

Books that I have read recently include the following: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi, Friendlationships by Jeff Taylor, I Am Not But I Know I AM: Welcome to the Story of God by Louie Giglio, and God’s Blogs by Lanny Donoho.

What are your favorite movies?

Black Hawk Down, Braveheart

What is your favorite fast food?

Today’s Pizza (combination)-I blame Rick for even letting me know they exist!!!

What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?

I enjoy reading A LOT. (Pastor Joel-quit messing with my books and getting them out of order!!) Some people might be surprised to know that I play chess too.

If you were not working at NCC, your dream job would be…

Writing-I enjoy writing a lot. I have enjoyed writing for a long time, and I hope to someday write a few books.

Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)

My dad has been a huge influence in my life. He has shown by example how to act like a Christian man. I also appreciate the fact that I can call him at any time of the day to get advice and he will always take my call. (Despite the fact that Montana gets crummy cell phone reception!!) I also think he is my most loyal blog reader!!! (www.timelzea.blogspot.com) He is the one who prods me and tells me, “Son, never let your guard down. Don’t get complacent……it is in the time that you are most comfortable that the enemy will come in and try to blindside you”. (I think this was applicable both for Army life and my spiritual walk.)

What do you do in your free time?

I read a lot, watch ESPN, hang with my friends, think of ways to play pranks on others.

In NCC:THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Mark?

This was a tough question for me. After a lot of thought I decided to pick John Wayne to play me. He was a stubborn, hard nosed individual who stood up for what he believed. He was also kind of rough/not politically correct, and I think that pretty much sums me up. Pastor Mark would be played by Patrick Stewart. Patrick Stewart seems to convey an automatic presence of leadership in the roles he plays, and I like his Shakespearean bearing. He comes across as a philosopher, and I think that Pastor Mark is like that sometimes. Pastor Mark is always thinking, and I have learned to carry a notepad with me everywhere I go….you never know when PM is going to say something deep!!

What is your favorite Pastor Markism?

“For what it’s worth……” That phrase is something that he uses a lot when he speaks.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 29th, 2005 at 9:52 am and is filed under Spotlights, Staff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.