Thank You, Mark

By Matt Henslee

Editor’s Note: Next month, Mark Dance, former contributing editor for Lifeway Pastors, will begin a new role at the Oklahoma Baptist Convention serving as director of pastoral development. We are incredibly grateful for the role Mark has played at Lifeway in pouring into pastors and their families and are excited to see him step into this new role helping to serve and shape church leaders.

Dear Mark Dance,

This rural church pastor in the middle of nowhere is grateful for you, and I suspect there are countless urban church, suburban church, normative church, and megachurch pastors who would say the same thing.

I don’t know what you thought Lifeway Pastors would become when you launched it in 2014, but I do know what I’ve seen it accomplish over the last few years—first, by being a part of learning from it, and then by taking on a small role in helping it grow.

I know I can speak for many, many pastors in saying we’re more sanctified Christians, and better spouses, parents, leaders, and friends because of you and the work you did in and through Lifeway Pastors. Here’s a small representation of your investment into us:

You aimed to help us win at home:

• 6 Ways to Protect Your Marriage
• 10 Top Questions from Ministry Couples (Part One)
• 10 Top Questions from Ministry Couples (Part Two)
• 8 Simple Ways to Love Your Neighbors
• Where Can Ministry Couples Get Help?

You aimed to help us win at church:

• 7 Life Lessons for My Younger Self
• The One Key Required for Church Revitalization
• How to Transition Well Into a New Ministry
• 6 Ways to Lead Staff Meetings That Don’t Stink
• Who’s Your Spotter?

And at last count, you reached more than 20,000 pastors and spouses through 150 events across 29 states in churches and seminaries. I can’t fathom the multiplying effect of the wisdom imparted on each of these pastors, their families, and their churches.

So, thank you!

Dear Readers,

Take a moment to share a favorite insight or memory you have from Mark’s ministry in the comment section below. Then, join me in prayer for Mark and his wife Janet as he takes on his new assignment with the Oklahoma Baptist Convention as director of pastoral development.

Yours truly,