Get acquainted with our pastors and other personnel.
Mark Henson is Senior Pastor of Emporia First Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Mark and his family joined the staff in October of 2005 and have been in ministry since 1989. He has pastored churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi and now Emporia, Kansas.
Pastor Mark was ordained April 15, 1993 in Lubbock, Texas on the West Texas District. He also served as the Nazarene Youth International President on the West Texas and Mississippi Districts as well as the Dallas District Sunday School Chairperson. His wife, Shirley, faithfully ministers in the church as a Sunday School Teacher, Adult Ministries Director, and a volunteer in missions, prayer, and outreach ministries.
Hobbies: Endurance Sports and Hunting. Pastor Mark is an avid runner and cyclist and has completed the Kansas City Marathon, two Tough Mudders, the Galveston Half Ironman, the DK200, and several century races. He plans on entering and completing Ironman 140.6 in 2017.
Favorite Book of the Bible: The Gospels and Romans.
Favorite Bible Character: Simon Peter
Favorite Bible Verses: 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT) When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”
My Life Verse: Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
My Daily Passion: 2 Timothy 4:1 – 2 (NASB) I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
Favorite Books: Anything by Francis Chan and Craig Groeschel
Favorite Vacation Spot: The Beach or Snow Skiing
Favorite Meal: Steak, baked potato, sweet tea, and cheese cakeFavorite Ice Cream: Butter Pecan
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up? A policeman or coach
What would you place in a time capsule that would tell a relative 100 years from now who you were? A Bible
Associate Pastor Chance Henson has been working with youth and teens since 2002 when he started an internship through Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.
Chance served as the youth pastor at Emporia First Church of the Nazarene for over five years and has recently completed pastoral studies coursework through the Nazarene Bible College. He has a huge heart for young people and is passionate about helping others come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior.
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