Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCA)

At home in Dallas

By Jason McFarland

Published January 13, 2003 in This Week

A new location, a new ministry and a new life. Changes this extensive would make most people a little dizzy at best. But Mark and his family moved to Dallas only a month ago, and by God’s grace he, his wife, Kristina, and their three children, Kara (6), Madalyn (4) and Cayden (2), have had a wonderful transition into life in Dallas. Not only do they find their temporary home while they look for a permanent one a blessing, the kids already love their Sunday School Communities and are easily incorporating themselves into the PCPC church body. 

Mark came to Christ through Young Life just before his sophomore year in high school, and God immediately grabbed his heart for lost people. A few years later, as he labored through the architectural program at Oklahoma State, he discovered that he wanted to work with youth. Mark changed his major to Business and volunteered for a few years in Young Life, as well as interned at a church in Oklahoma City. After working for five years at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma, he went to Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, where he eventually taught classes on pastoring youth. Until his January move to PCPC Mark was the Youth Pastor of Chesterfield Presbyterian Church in Chesterfield, MO, a suburb of St. Louis.

Throughout their nearly 12-year marriage, Kristina, whom he met at a Young Life camp and went to college with, has partnered with Mark in youth ministry and delights in opening their home (and refrigerator) to students. Having three children barely slows her down, and it’s not uncommon for Kristina and Mark to pack up the kids and head off on a mission trip or summer camp. She delights in one-on-one discipleship and was a role model for many young girls in St. Louis.

When asked how he balances having three kids and a wife with his ministry responsibilities, Mark responded by recognizing that his life is ultimately God’s work and that God desires to use him to minister in the church and at home. And with that in mind, he also said that work never ends. He could always spend 10 more hours or 40 more at the office or with youth, and the need would still be present. At the appropriate point he needs to go home and shepherd his family. If his priorities are right, those moments come naturally. 

For the next few months Mark plans on asking a lot of questions of parents, students and staff to get a sense of what God wants to do with the youth ministry at PCPC, to see what works well and to find out what needs tweaking. His passion is to see youth get excited about God’s work in their lives, to see students hunger for the Word, to think about Him as they make every decision in life. Mark wants them to know that God is ultimately the One who will make their life complete. 

Please be in prayer for Mark and his family as they enter this new phase in their lives. Mark and Kristina have loved the move to Dallas and truly look forward to ministering to the PCPC youth. As Kristina said when introduced to the congregation a few Sundays ago, “We’re ready to love your kids.”