Celebrating Our Pastors This Month
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we are taking this opportunity to highlight the pastors who lead, teach, shepherd, and serve the Bay Life family so faithfully. Every few days, we will feature a different pastor through a personal Q&A, giving you a chance to get to know the hearts behind the ministry.
We are beginning the series with Pastor Mark Saunders, our Lead Pastor. Mark is a passionate teacher, a faithful shepherd, and a man who seeks after God’s heart in every season. Whether he is preaching the Word, writing music, or enjoying time with his family in Northern Maine, he brings a deep commitment to Christ and His Church.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Unfortunately, fajitas. Should be kale or something, I know.
Tell us one thing most people do not know about you.
I have written an album’s worth of songs on my guitar.
What Bible verse does God seem to continually bring you back to, sort of as a life verse?
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
What are you currently reading, aside from the Bible?
Reason for God by Tim Keller (again).
What does your ideal day look like? If you could do anything and go anywhere?
I would be in Northern Maine at Aroostook Valley Golf Course playing 18 holes with my buddies. Then I would meet my family for a cookout at Madawaska Lake—there would definitely be a nap in there somewhere too. That, or traveling somewhere new with Eleanor. New Zealand would be cool.
How did you meet your spouse, and when did you know you wanted to marry her?
We met in college, and honestly, I was pretty much out on other girls once we did. I knew I wanted to marry her for sure about three months before I proposed. We had gotten back together after not dating for a year, so it was clear that God was bringing us together for life. I am so glad He did.
How did you come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
I grew up in the church and made an early confession of faith at a camp when I was eight. But I really got serious about following Jesus as a sophomore in college. That season of surrender and transformation is what I often consider my true conversion.
How has God used your role as pastor to transform you?
Being a “professional Christian” has its drawbacks, but I feel incredibly blessed to be in a role where I am constantly studying and teaching God’s Word, and encouraging others in their walk with Him. I cannot help but grow through that process.
Describe your most recent personal encounter with Jesus.
While preparing for last week’s sermon, Jesus and I had conversations about what He wanted me to say. I truly love those times of study with Him.
What specific ways would you like to see the members of Bay Life get more involved in ministry?
I believe strongly that every believer is called by God to participate in the mission He has given to His church. If you are not serving, you are missing out on a significant part of your life with Him. Christians are servants. So if you are not serving somewhere—start. If you are serving—thank you, keep going, and ask God if there is more you can be doing to honor Him.
How can the people of Bay Life specifically pray for you and your family?
That each of us would know and follow hard after Jesus. Protection and provision are great, but above all, I want our family to desire Jesus more than anything else in life.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am grateful to be serving as a shepherd here at Bay Life. God has blessed us with an amazing flock. Thank you to everyone who makes His church what she is here. May His grace continue to be on us and evident to us all.
Thank you, Pastor Mark, for launching this series with transparency, humor, and wisdom. We are thankful for your leadership and your love for God’s people.
Be sure to check back every few days this month as we feature more of the pastors who make Bay Life feel like home.
