Mark had the opportunity to study theology under the late Stanley J. Grenz while obtaining his Masters of Divinity Degree at Northern Seminary in Lisle IL (Chicago-land). Stan’s work THEOLOGY FOR THE COMMUNITY OF GOD and his many other works greatly influenced his theological perspective.  Dallas Williard, author of many works including DIVINE CONSPIRACY, has influenced Mark’s philosophical perspectives.

Mark became acquainted with Miroslav Volf while at seminary.   He continues to be challenged by many of Volf’s publications ( Exclusion and Embrace (1996); After Our Likeness (1998);  A Public Faith: On How Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good (2011).

Mark was raised in a Baptist Church and joined the Free Methodist Church. He currently serves ICCM of the Free Methodist Church as a Donor and Customer Representative.. He is an Ordained Elder with the River Conference of the Free Methodist Church.  Upon graduation from Northern Seminary Mark was ordained by the American Baptist Churches (local congregation), recognized by American Baptist Churches of Ohio and American Baptist Churches USA).

From the book, SALVATION ON SAND MOUNTAIN ….. My uncle’s death confirmed a suspicion of mine that madness and religion are a hair’s breadth away.  My beliefs about the nature of God and man have changed over the years, but that one never has.  Feeling after God is dangerous business.  And Christianity without passion, danger, and mystery may not really be Christianity at all (page 177).