The Zone Gathering

Tell us a little about the small groups you have led or participated in and how that experience has impacted you.
I’ll never forget our first Bible study that meet at the Park cafe near Lincoln Park. I think our average attendance was three people, but our Sunday attendance was only about twenty-five at that point. I led several other Bible studies that met in our home early on. Most recently I led a Ministry Mentoring small group for NCCers who are considering full-time ministry as a vocation.

Where is your favorite sermon study/preparation spot?
Bagels and Baguettes is my second office. And everybody knows when I’ve been there because I “smell like bagels” the rest of the day. (**Editor’s note: Some of us on staff would characterize the smell more like bacon grease than bagels.)

I also frequent Starbucks at 3rd and Pennsylvania and the Barnes and Noble at Potomac Yard. I study best “offsite.” Less distractions. And I study best in the early AM. My mind isn’t cluttered yet

When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
I put my faith in Christ after watching a movie called The Hiding Place. I’ve always thought it was providential that I’d pastor in a place that shows movies. I love redeeming movie theaters and using them for God’s purposes! Theaterchurch.com seems so apropos.

I think my first year of college at the University of Chicago was a spiritual wake-up call. I knew what I believed at the beginning of that year. I knew why I believed what I believed at the end of the year. I really personalized and internalized my faith that year.

My “cow pasture” experience was definitely a turning point. That’s when I felt called to full-time ministry. And packing all of our belongings into a U-Haul and moving to DC was one small step, one giant leap for Lora and I.

Tell us a little about your background (where you are from, education, your family, etc)
I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a while. And I grew up in a suburb of Chicago called Naperville, Illinois. I went to Naperville Central and my wife, Lora, went to Naperville North. It’s a miracle I married someone from our cross-town rival But there weren’t any girls that were as good looking as Lora at Central I mean there weren’t any girls that had as great a personality.

Lora and I have been married thirteen years. We got married a couple weeks after graduating from college. And we have three kids. Parker is a 4th grader, Summer is a 3rd grader, and Josiah is three years-old.

I went to the University of Chicago on a basketball scholarship and enjoyed my time there. It was definitely a life-changing experience that I wouldn’t trade. I ended my undergraduate education at Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at CBC. It really laid the foundation for me to church plant. I did two masters degrees at Trinity International University. And I’m ABD (all but dissertation) on a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University. I have a feeling I may be ABD the rest of my life

What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Ephesians 2:10. It gives me such a sense of destiny! I also love Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 16:9; and Romans 8:28. I also love the maps in the appendix.

What are your favorite books?
I’ve got a top 100 list on my blog. I love to read and I read a lot so it’s really hard for me to pick favorites. I will post a 2005 “top ten” list on evotional.com next week.

What are your favorite movies?
I love movies that get the adrenaline pumping and have a hero. I love Epic films like Gladiator and Braveheart. I love sports movies like Hoosiers and Rocky IV. I’d put The Truman Show right up there. Not sure why. I just liked it. I also love animated movies for kids That’s one of the great things about being a dad. I get to watch movies like Monsters Inc, Ice Age, and The Incredibles. The sacrifices I make for my kids (**Editor’s note: You can see just how much Pastor Mark loves The Incredibles by going here and clicking on Mr. Incredible video).

What is your favorite fast food?
Taco Bell. It’s also the toughest to eat while you’re driving I hate it when a burrito comes out the back end and lands on your lap. There is that split second where you have to make a tough decision–crash the car or let the food stain your clothing.

What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?
I always set my alarm clock to an even number. Setting it to an odd number would throw my whole day off.

And I like Ruth’s Chris steakhouse. I’m sure no NCCer would know that subtle fact.

If you were not working at NCC, your dream job would be…
I can think of a few things I’d love to do. A hymn rapper Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. Just to take Him at His word up.

I’d love to own an NFL franchise, but there’s that money issue. I’d love to make movies. And I love comedians. They’re funny. That’s why they’re comedians.

Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)
My grandfather passed away when I was six years-old but not before having a tremendous influence on me. My father-in-law was a model and mentor in ministry. I think my mom and dad are parental heroes.

What do you do in your free time?
Free time? What’s that?

Right now I’m coaching Parker’s basketball team. I love wrestling with my kids. And I’m a glutton for a good football game!

In NCC:THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Joel? Who would play Dr. Foth? Anyone else you would like to cast?
Foth is easy. Sean Connery.

I think Joel and I would be played by Shaggy and Scooby-doo. Of course, Joel would need Arnold Schwartzenegger to body double for him.

We have asked others to tell us their favorite “Pastor Markism.” Perhaps you have a favorite Pastor Joelism? Any other quirky staff members you would like to comment on?
I never cease to be amazed at the way so many staff members mispronounce words, but I’ve learned to forgive them for their quirks (**Editor’s Note: Someone on staff is known to say “Win-sconsin.” But being from the South, I probably shouldn’t comment on other peoples’ pronunciations.)

One of our traditions is playing “Welcome Back“–a re-mix version of the Welcome Back Kotter show. I love that song. And I love singing it to any staff member that’s been gone more than 24 hours. Any excuse to sing that song. We’ll have to pull it out some Sunday and sing it as our “call to worship.” Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 20th, 2005 at 8:44 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.