Thanks to some staff initiative and divine intervention, Vernon Christian School Secondary students and the greater Vernon community will have the opportunity for a face- to-face encounter with Mark Clark from Village Church on Sept. 30.
Village Church is one of the largest and fastest growing churches in Canada that began in 2010 with 50 people and currently ministers to more than 3,000 each weekend over two campuses.
“It is also unique in that much of its growth is among the 18 to 30 age group, a demographic that most churches struggle to keep, let alone attract,” said Corinne Remple, director of communications and development for Vernon Christian School. “Mark Clark has the ability to connect truth and communicate across the spectrum of generations of churched, skeptic, unchurched, de -churched in an engaging yet non-compromising manner.
“He is a passionate and lively speaker that will have you sitting up straight in your seat. This event will explore knowing and living life based on who we truly are — or could be in Christ.”
Clark grew up in Toronto and moved to Vancouver in 2004 to attend Regent College, where he received a master of New Testament studies. Following 10 years in ministry, he planted the Village Church in January 2010 in Surrey.
Clark is also the author of Paul and the Gospel of God. He is passionate about contextualizing the gospel and seeing people transformed by Jesus Christ. He lives in South Surrey with his wife and their three daughters.
“I have heard Mark speak on numerous occasions,” said Tricia Tiessen, VCS staff member. “I have been deeply challenged by many of his messages.
“As parents of teens who are living in a culture that can be difficult to navigate, we have appreciated Mark’s ability to speak to the issues that affect many parents, in a straight yet biblical manner as well as being able to communicate that same message to our teens and reach them where they are at.”
VCS secondary campus principal Matt Driediger said it’s a big deal to bring in a speaker of Clark’s calibre.
“He had an opening in his schedule and was willing to fill it with time spent with our students during the day and into the evening with our greater community,” he said. “I have no doubt that he will challenge our views of what living to transform ourselves, family and friends and the world around us should look like.”
Mark Clark Live is a free event that takes place Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Vernon Christian School. Because seating is limited, tickets must be reserved through Eventbrite or through a link on the school’s website News/Calendar page at www.vcs.ca. This event is ideal for ages 12 and up.
