Mark was born in Holland, Michigan and grew up in Columbus, Ohio, the son of a dairy farmer and lay pastor. His mom worked outside the home, teaching pre-school, helping in the low income housing effort, and teaching in a trade school. He has an older brother who is a salesman; and a sister, now deceased, who was a pastor.

The family practiced an open house, generosity, and helping their neighbors. For example, perhaps bikers might drop in (although they would take care to leave their least desirable characteristics behind), and would be welcomed.

In high school Mark was active in track, running the hurdles. He also took to drama and during the summer would travel with a theater troupe. He would also visit Christian camps during this time.

For college, Mark entered Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in religion.

Choosing religion he entered Western Seminary in Holland, Michigan for his degree in ministry. After graduation he served 4˝ years as pastor of a small RCA church in Kalamazoo with approximately 125 members.

Mark then became Senior Pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. He says the church’s staff strength compared to HRC’s: 2 other full-time pastors plus some part-time staff. But he gradually came to realize that just being a full time pastor was not his calling. He wanted to bring new people to Christ, to do mission work and church planting within the United States. An RCA executive connected Mark and Taylor, and over coffee last spring a job was drawn up that allowed HRC requirements and Mark’s needs to converge.

He outlines part of his strategy. He will seek out new communities regardless where located. He and a “seed” group of people would extend Christian love and brother/sisterhood to the new community, helping their populations to become situated and holding get-togethers for fellowship and information. From this discipleship and fellowship, new churches will form. Mark put it this way:

“The focus of the church plants will be to build a welcoming community where people can ‘belong before they believe.’ Through fellowship, service and discipleship, a community will form that will then begin public worship as they also become part of the HRC family."

It appears that the Poughquag area may be a possibility for an HRC satellite church. Mark and a group of interested HRC’ers are meeting to plan. Services and some ministries could be held in a building in Tymoor Park. Youth activities for the area would initially be headquartered at HRC because of the strength of our youth group.

Mark is presently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry degree. His wife, Jill, is a Hope College graduate. She also obtained a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Grand Valley State University. She has been involved in the Young Life organization.

The couple has three children of their own: Alyssa, Courtney, and Kyle.