MARK RUNYANS
A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ with a passion for missions mobilization, developing believers, and equipping the local church to fulfill the Great Commission. Possesses a pastoral heart and a deep desire to see people discover, develop, and use the gifts God has given them for His glory. After serving in the professional workforce, I sensed God's call into ministry and began pursuing opportunities to serve Him and the local church. I believe God has placed a particular passion in my heart for developing cross-cultural mission partnerships that connect local churches with international missionaries and provide meaningful opportunities for Kingdom impact. My desire is to reach the lost, make disciples of all nations, equip believers for ministry, and help churches become more intentional and effective in fulfilling their God-given mission.
My heart is to serve Christ by helping the local church embrace its role in the Great Commission. I desire to see believers equipped and mobilized, churches connected to meaningful mission opportunities, and strategic partnerships developed that advance the Gospel among the nations. My commitment is to continue pressing forward in obedience to God's calling, serving wherever He leads and helping others discover their part in His Kingdom work.
Work History
Executive Director
2 Years 10 Months- Help churches and individuals work together for the advancement of the Gospel through strategic mission planning and partnership development.
- Facilitate vision trips that connect churches and individuals with international mission opportunities and on-field ministry partners.
- Provide mission trip training and preparation to equip participants for effective cross-cultural ministry.
- Develop strategic plans that help churches engage in meaningful, sustainable mission partnerships.
- Raise funds for mission projects that address practical ministry needs and support missionaries serving in the field.
Mission Ministry Leader
3 Years- Established and developed the Northside Missions Strategy Team to provide direction and leadership for the church's missions ministry.
- Developed the Live Sent Community Outreach initiative to encourage members to live missionally within their local community.
- Established three local ministry partnerships focused on meeting practical needs within the community.
- Developed three strategic international mission partnerships.
- Organized and facilitated mission trip training and mission team leader development.
- Led mission trips and provided leadership and oversight for mission teams.
- Managed and maintained the church missions budget.
- Encouraged and equipped church members to become actively involved in local and international missions.
Virtual Strategy Coordinator
3 Years- Served as a stateside missions coordinator, functioning as a non-resident missionary to develop and implement strategic mission partnerships between Georgia churches and international field missionaries.
- Developed and implemented missions strategies utilizing volunteer teams, church networking, and strategic partnerships.
- Connected local churches with international missionaries and helped establish meaningful, long-term mission partnerships.
- Led multiple vision trips to introduce pastors and church leaders to international mission opportunities.
- Conducted mission partnership training to equip churches for effective cross-cultural engagement.
- Worked directly with eight pastors and their churches to help develop strategic missional partnerships.
- Built lasting relationships with international mission partners and continued facilitating connections with Georgia churches beyond the formal role.
Elder
2 Years- Served on the church Elder Council, providing spiritual leadership and participating in church leadership and oversight.
- Provided leadership and oversight for the Sunday School and Christian education ministries.
- Preached and taught God's Word as opportunities arose.
- Supported the spiritual development and discipleship of church members.
Sales Professional
20 Years 10 Months- Direct and oversee sales territory management and field marketing initiatives for a high-volume regional territory.
- Consistently contribute to year-over-year sales growth through strategic customer relationships and business development.
- Organize and lead sales training sessions, team meetings, and customer presentations.
- Develop and maintain strong professional relationships while identifying opportunities for business growth.
- Represent one of the Southeast's largest privately owned distributors of paper, wide-format, and packaging products.
Education
Master of Theological Studies - Cross-Cultural Missions
- Concentration: Cross-Cultural Missions
- Anticipated Graduation: December 4, 2026
Bachelor of Science - Management
Skills
FAMILY
- Wife: DeAnna
- Daughter: One adult daughter