Made for More Podcast Episode 9 – Mark Batterson

Exponential Podcast

Mark Batterson: Made for More Podcast

Interview with Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson joins us for the next episode of the Made for More Podcast. An author, pastor and personal friend, Mark shares some of his backstory that ultimately led him to preach and write, including what he calls his “summer of seeking” and the moment that brought him to Washington, D.C., where he and his wife, Lora, would eventually plant National Community Church.

Mark has pursued his entrepreneurial calling in diverse ways, including church planting and writing. A New York Times best-selling author, he has influenced thousands of people worldwide, and in the podcast excerpt below, Mark tells us how people have influenced his calling—those who spoke into his life at a certain point and in hindsight were there in the right place at the right time.

“I remember my grandfather when I was five years old (he died when I was six) kneeling next to his bed, taking out his hearing aid, and praying for me by name. He couldn’t hear himself but everyone in the house could. That’ll shape you. I remember a Bible study minister I never met. When I was a sophomore in high school, I gave a speech that was really more like a salvation sermon. My mom sent a copy of the speech to my grandma who sent it to her Bible study teacher who asked the question, ‘Has Mark ever thought about ministry?’ I remember my father-in-law who passed 18 years ago, but I wouldn’t be in ministry if it weren’t for him. I try to preach the way he preached and lead the way he led. And then I’ve had the privilege of having a spiritual father or mentor for 20 years who has really taken me under his wing. A former pastor and former college president, he and his wife were two of the 19 people our first week at National Community. Without the influence [of these people] in my life, I know I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today.”

Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, DC. One church with seven locations. NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area. NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and has recently released Whisper and Play the Man. Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.

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