In November I am starting a new chapter of ministry in Oklahoma as the Director of Pastoral Development & Regional Ministry Partner for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. For those who want to know a little bit more, keep reading.
LifeWay
Five years ago LifeWay’s CEO Thom Rainer asked me to start a new department for pastors, and I really had no idea what was on the other side of that “yes.” If I had known, then I would not have taken a whole month to pray about it! In those five years, I have had the privilege of encouraging roughly 20,000 pastors, spouses, and seminarians at roughly 150 events.
That. Is. Crazy!
Perhaps the best part was that Janet was by my side for half of those events. I am so proud of how God used her authentic, encouraging voice to cheer on pastors’ wives at 70+ date nights and conferences.
I look forward to seeing how LifeWay will serve pastors in fresh, new ways under the leadership of new CEO Ben Mandrell. He is an experienced church planting-pastor, and I’m optimistic about his emerging vision and LifeWay’s future.
Oklahoma Baptists
This post does not adequately capture my excitement about my new ministry to Oklahoma pastors and churches alongside new teammates Drs. Dilbeck, Ligon, Swain, Selby, and many others. In addition to my statewide assignment, I will live and serve in the northeast region of Oklahoma. We hope to move to metro Tulsa sometime around the end of the year.
Additionally, Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director, Dr. Hance Dilbeck has unselfishly encouraged me to continue speaking outside of Oklahoma, which I/we are happy to do, within reason. For example, Janet and I have several events already scheduled with other state conventions, associations, seminaries, and of course–LifeWay.
An article and podcast about my new role came out yesterday in the Oklahoma Baptist Messenger.
Those who know me well, realize what a great fit this is going to be, but I saved the best part for last…
FAMILY
One of our biggest blessings in moving to Oklahoma is that we will be moving much closer to our family who lives in Arkansas, Texas, and New Mexico. Holly, Brad, and Brandon (son-in-law) live in Arkansas, and my parents and siblings live in Texas. Janet’s parents will move to Tulsa also, which cuts the trip in half for their other daughter in New Mexico.
Oh, and I’m on a hunting lease in Kansas 2.5 hours north of Tulsa. What?!
Thank you for being interested enough to read all the way to the end!
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Press on!
mark
Will be praying for all of family the new adventure!!
Thank you Gwenda!
Glad to see you moving on up but hate to see you that far away. Love you and Janet, would love to see you ‘al Hope you have good hunting on your lease..
Thanks uncle Larry! I appreciate your voice of encouragement all these years!
God bless you and Janet!! I know that God will use you both in building His kingdom for His glory. I have been blessed by the short (too short in my opinion!) time you were here in MJ. I look forward to hearing of good things in OK. Does this mean you’ve gone from “TEN-N” to just “OK”?
Till we meet again,
Blessings,
Betty
HA! I’ve always been at “OK” (smile).
Sounds perfect! Congrats!
Thank you Margaret!
Best of luck in OK!
Thanks Beth!
Mark – I pastored in Oklahoma for twenty years. Okie’s are some of the finest people you will ever know! Most of my dearest friends are Okies! Congratulations on becoming a part of one of the two greatest conventions in the country (the other one is the SBTC 😁). I’m praying for The Good Lord to bless this new chapter of your life and ministry!
I didn’t realize you were in OK that long Mark – very cool. I appreciate your encouragement friend!
Mark- I just finished reading the article on the Oklahoma Baptist Messenger, as well. When I arrived at the bottom of the article to see you will be working with young ministers I could not have been more excited. I will forever be grateful for the encouragement and support you gave me in my early twenties. I keep the Bible you gave me on my book shelf, and I read your note to me on difficult days. I am so thankful, that you will be spreading your wisdom, compassion, grace, and love to the next generation of ministers in Oklahoma. Thank you for your ministry! Thank you for the impact you made in my life! I am so excited to see what the future holds.
Wow, thank you for this encouraging note Mark! Watching you mature and step into a pastoral role has been such a blessing. I look forward to meeting more people in that stage of life in this next chapter of ministry. Press on friend!!
am so glad to see you reaching many in the global.may God bless the work of your hands and the kind heart you have towards many.
Congratulations, Mark.
Thank you Mike. Boomer!
Excited for you…..and the pastors you will have the opportunity to serve!!
Thank you Heath! You are a good friend and advisor to me!