Mark graduated from Crown College in 2012 with a degree in Youth Ministry and joined Hope Community Church in July 2013 after his wife, Lindsay, graduated from Crown as well. He and Lindsay have been married since 2011 and have three children—Ethan, Deacon, and Chloe—as well as a dog named Riley.
Mark is passionate about helping people of all ages take their next step with Jesus, with a special heart for students and the next generation. He first served at Hope as the Assistant Pastor of Youth and Young Adults before being called to serve as Lead Pastor in the summer of 2022.
Beyond the church, Mark enjoys investing in the community. He serves as a Kids Hope USA mentor at a local elementary school and as chaplain for the city's police and fire departments. As a pastor's kid, Mark spent his childhood in both Minnesota and Michigan. He's a loyal Michigan Wolverines fan, but when it comes to the NFL, he's cheering for the Vikings. Don't let his size fool you—he played high school soccer as a goalie and still enjoys talking all things soccer, especially Minnesota United.