Mark was born in Hamilton, Ontario, but moved to Brazil when he was just 3 weeks old, as his parents were missionaries there. Since he grew up in Brazil, it was only natural that he was attracted to another “missionary kid” who grew up in Jamaica and Australia. She later became his wife! Mark and Faith have been at Summerside since 1992. They moved here from the little town of Brigden, Ontario, after their first seven years of ministry there. Mark completed a B.Th. at L.B.B.C. (now Heritage College in Cambridge) and an M.Div. (in Pastoral Studies) from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Michigan.
Faith and Mark are enjoying a new stage of life with five grown children, five spouses, and ten grandchildren. They enjoy spending time with their growing family, especially watching the grandkids grow and develop in the love of Christ. For vacations, they like to travel together, especially to places that involve mountains or beaches and a few good books.
Mark served as the Senior Pastor of Summerside for just over 24 years. As the church continued to grow, Mark recognized the church needed someone with different gifts, passion, and energy, to deal with the complexities of a growing congregation. In January 2017, the congregation approved a plan for Deven MacDonald to become the Lead Pastor of Summerside, and for Mark to continue serving full time as his Associate.
In January, 2020, the elders gave approval for Mark to begin serving our Fellowship of Churches one day a week, as the District Shepherd of South Western Ontario.
In August, 2022, Deven MacDonald accepted a call to Minneapolis and Mark was asked to serve as the Interim Lead Pastor.
Mark’s goal in life is to lead people in the direction God wants them to go. This involves everything from preaching, teaching, counseling, and encouraging people to head into full-time ministry. Mark also likes being involved in the broader church and in the community.
Favorite Bible Theme: The New Creation – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
Contact: mark@summersidechurch.ca