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From time to time we feature Q&As with our contributing writers. This time, meet Mark MacDonald! See his website at https://www.beknownforsomething.com.
1. Tell us a little about you personally (family, church, hobbies).
I've been married 30+ years to Tammy (an executive assistant in our regional healthcare system). We have 2 adult sons who live in Calgary and Chicago. We attend Chets Creek Church in Jacksonville, FL. I love painting, renovating homes, and writing.
2. Describe what kind of work you do, and what you've done in the past.
I'm a church branding strategist. I love helping people get to know the church as something relevant and needed—through a consistent and focused communication strategy that compels people to listen to a Message that often gets lost in our marketing-noisy world.
I've written 800+ articles, a book called Be Known for Something: Reconnect with Community by Revitalizing Your Church's Reputation, and I consult with churches across the U.S., drawing on 30+ years of communication experience. My work life has included being a creative director for a large Canadian branding agency, strategic communication catalyst for the 3,000+ Florida Baptist churches, director of church communication for Generis (a large church consulting group), and now leading my own church agency. I'm also ordained with the Southern Baptists as a pastor of communication.
3. What was your first-ever leadership role?
After college, I was asked to be a deacon in my local church. As I later led that board, I realized how difficult church leadership really was, especially the complexity of knowing how to discern when to address or ignore the competing voices around me. We need to pray for pastors and church leadership!
4. How has God grown you as a leader over the years?
As I've interacted with pastors and leaders, I understand how God uses so many different styles and personalities. Often we're quick to judge those who aren't like us and God's been teaching me that He uses imperfect (different) people to reach our world. So humility on the journey is critical. Each time I win an award, I'm reminded quickly through experiences, that God's grace is sufficient; not my attempts at getting accolades. Reliance and dependence on God is required in accomplishing ALL things!
5. What's the hardest leadership lesson you've ever learned?
You have to trust people if you want to accomplish more. The temptation to do it alone leads to a place that's not as effective as doing it with others. Painful stories of how people will let you down (I've have a few!) shouldn't keep you from allowing vetted people in. We all need to pass on the grace we've been given.
6. What advice would you give to Christian leaders?
Gather people around you that will help you improve. Love others and let friends in. This life is challenging so you'll need trusted advisors who have the heart of encouragement. You truly are better together with others.
7. Tell us your most meaningful Scripture.
I'm challenged by the Parable of the Banquet (Luke 14:15-24). We often dwell on the "excuses" from the potential banquet attenders. We hear those justifications for church attendance and being a genuine Christ-follower. Yet, the parable ends with the Master saying: "Go out into the highways and hedges and COMPEL them to come in." That's OUR responsibility! I want my message to be compelling. And I pray that God uses me to help churches become compelling to their communities. That we may be known for something that's relevant and needed, so "that [the Master's] house will be full."
 | Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com empowering thousands of pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, on their church websites and social media. His church branding book, Be Known for Something, is available at BeKnownBook.com. Learn More » |
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