Mark’s whole purpose is to be in an intimate relationship with an incredible savior in Jesus Christ that is inspired by these words. “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ  and become one with him.” (Phil 3:8)

 Mark’s passion and ever increasing desire is to know and live for Christ Jesus in every aspect of his life through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. In the care of a loving, gracious God. Jesus Christ is Mark’s hero.

Mark’s passion is also to serve Christ’s church and Christ’s mission for the rest of his days investing for the glory of God and the benefit of others. (John 15:7,8)

Mark’s best understanding of how he serves the Lord is through intercessory prayer, pioneering leadership, sharing God’s word, faith for transformation and developing the next generation of leaders for the Kingdom of God.

I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Mathematics and Computing in 1993, but had a strong sense in my teenage years that God would eventually call me to a life of pastoral ministry. The first portion of my life was in the Salvation Army (St Mary’s and Springwood), and upon our family moving to Bathurst in 1982, we attended Bathurst Baptist Church, and I also attended an Anglican School. These multiple denominational experiences only fuelled my passion to know God and His Word deeply and personally.

Another passion in my life is worship expressed through music, and I have been involved in worship ministry teams for over 30 years. I served as a Worship Pastor at Imagine Nations Church (Orchard Hills) from 2001 – 2012.

In 2012, our family moved to Phoenix (Arizona, USA) to plant a church that was (and still is) mobilised around the cause of Christ. We moved back to Australia in late 2017, and I was introduced to Greater West For Christ and I began a part time role there in the commercial team. In conjunction with this, we were also a part of a new church plant in Glenmore Park called, Penrith City Chapel.

I am continually grateful for my wife Sam, the joy that she brings, and her ever-present love, support and encouragement.

We have three amazing young adult “children” (Matthew, Jessica, Josiah), each one so unique, and each one walking out their relationship with God.

One of my favourite verses is Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 

This verse has been an endless source of inspiration and revelation  – to continually grow in my relationship with Christ, and to grow in understanding the life that is found in Christ, and then… to know that “the abundant life” is Christ Himself. Thank you Jesus – you are truly amazing in every way!