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Pastors
Mark Brett
What do you do here at Riv?
I work with the MSU Venue, the campus staff team and some pastoral coaching.
Family info?
I have been married to an amazing woman Anita for 17.2 years and have five awesome kids. Jaclyn (14), Emily (12), Hudson (11), Josiah (9) and Anastasia (8).
Where did you grow up?
Ravenna, Ohio, population 11,239. I was number nine of eleven kids in a very traditional Irish Catholic family.
What's your Riv story?
I have been involved with Great Commission Ministries (GCM) since 1985, starting at the Ohio State University, then planting a church in Texas from 1988-1993. Anita and I moved back to Columbus, OH in 1993, and finally settled here in Lansing in 1995, originally to help with the international ministry here at Riverview. I totally love being a part of Riverview as a place to serve, for community, and to see God work in very cool ways to fulfill His mission.
How did you learn about Jesus?
The first time I really came face to face with the reality of who Jesus is and what He did for me was in my sophomore year at Ohio State. I was at a point where everything in my life was going great but I had never felt less fulfilled. Over several months I began to see that the only true fulfillment I would ever experience was through a right relationship with God made possible through Christ’s finished work.
What is something we don't know about you?
That I love to sing and have a horrendous (and I do mean horrendous), voice.
Favorite book?
The next one that I get to read.
What music is in your player right now?
Johnny Cash’s Greatest Hits, The Best of the Temptations, and Gaelic Storm.
Aside from pastor, what are some other jobs you've had in the past?
In the past I worked in the family roofing business, painted oil storage tanks, was a retail mall Santa, physical therapist, and recreation club manager.
Who are some people that have inspired you?
Hudson Taylor, C.T. Studd, A.W. Tozer, and my dad.
Hobbies?
Running, skiing, going to my kid’s activities.
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
Flying at the speed of light. I’d never have to deal with traffic and it would be an adrenaline rush.
What makes you smile?
Seeing people take risks for God and watching Him come through for them. That and my wife’s smile.
What are some things that you hope to happen in or through Riv?
To see a ton of young leaders grow to the point that we can plant dozens of new life groups, venues, ministries, and churches that make relevant the message of hope we have in Jesus Christ.
How do you take your coffee?
Decaf with two Splenda and a bit of creamer in a dirty mug.
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