Mark Bucholtz

Personal History

Mark grew up in a household where two things were certain: the family would be moving again in few years, and seeking God’s will was at the center of every decision that was made.   Mark was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan to a couple of educators.  His dad was a high school principal and his mom taught German, French, and English, and happens to be an immigrant from Denmark (Mark is very proud of his Danish heritage).  After five years of blissful Wolverine State life, Mark was whisked away to Charlotte, North Carolina, then to Nashville, Tennessee, St. Petersburg, Florida, and finally to Augusta, Georgia.  If you ask him where he grew up, he’ll most likely say Florida, as Mark spent ten years of his childhood in St. Petersburg where his dad was the headmaster of a large Christian K-12 school.

He gave his life to the Lord at the age of 7 after the Holy Spirit used his sister to convict him about his need for salvation.  He experienced going to Presbyterian, Lutheran, Assembly of God, Baptist, and non-denominational churches during his childhood, where he learned that God can and does do mighty work in many different settings. 

He went to college at John Brown University and later worked for JBU first in the development office, and then in admissions.  Mark also worked as a bank manager for Wachovia in Charlotte for two years before following the Lord’s leading to Topeka to serve in a ministry once again. 

Ministry Responsibilities

As Pastor of Children’s Ministries, Mark is responsible for all ministries that reach kids from the age of 2 through 6^th grade.  This includes Sunday School classes, Awana and Pioneer Club on Wednesday nights, Upward football and cheerleading during the fall, Vacation Bible School over the summer and various special events throughout the year.  Mark loves the opportunity that his job has given him to get to know the wonderful volunteer teachers, coaches, group leaders, and assistants that make the ministries possible.  He also loves to get in front of the kids whenever possible to talk about God and His wonderful plan for their lives.

Education

Mark received his undergraduate degree in political science from John Brown University in 2000.  He completed his M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from JBU in 2004. 

Family

During his time at John Brown, Mark met Amy Sterling (of the Topeka Sterlings) while they were singing in the Cathedral Choir together (he promises he’s not copying this part from Hunter’s bio).  They were married in 2004 and celebrated the birth of their first child, Mya on January 16th, 2010.

Interesting Tidbits

Mark has a wide variety of interests.  He loves to sing, play the French horn, and will perform anywhere anytime on stage if you ask him.  He also plays golf and does lots of push-ups and sit-ups every day because John Tesh told him that doing so would help him stay in shape and avoid back pain throughout life.  He is a licensed pilot and will give you a ride sometime if Amy lets him go up.  Finally, if you visit his office, you will notice he has a deep passion for his beloved Michigan Wolverines…all Buckeye and Irish fans will need to brace themselves or they might become ill upon entering.