Mark is originally from Baldwyn, MS. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in history from Millsaps College. He received his Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He has served churches throughout Mississippi and North Georgia and has been serving at Laurel First UMC since 2013. Mark has a passion for helping others meaningfully connect with Christ and then go to fulfill the Mississippi United Methodist Conference's mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world". He embraces Laurel First UMC's mission: As children of God we are the hands and feet of Christ; we must love one another, praise God, serve others, and spread the word of God." He and his wife Melinda have three children: Chase, Noel, and Lee, and a son-in-law, Garrett Dickerson. Mark enjoys all things outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and hiking.