Baptizing people, praying with people, or just having honest conversations about what God is doing in their lives has to be the most rewarding part of pastoring.”Mark Sanford, Pastor of Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene
CULLMAN – Mark K. Sanford is the senior and founding pastor of Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene. He has been a Nazarene all his life and has served as a Nazarene Pastor for 10 years. He has been married to the lovely Ashley Sanford for nine years. They have three children: Emma Grace, Olivia Cooper and John Luke, and they are expecting their fourth child later this year.
“I received my calling earlier in life,” said Pastor Mark. “I was about 12 years old when I received my call to preach but it wasn’t until my college years that I really began to accept that call,” he grinned. “I hold a B.S. in Ministry and Leadership from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. I have done graduate work at Asbury Theologian Seminary, and I am currently pursuing a M.A. in Religion with an emphasis in Preaching from Trevecca Nazarene University. I have pastored at several different Nazarene churches in Oklahoma and Arkansas before taking the position here in Cullman.”
If you take a step back and just watch the way Pastor Mark interacts with his congregation, it is obvious he enjoys doing what he does. His love for God is infectious and it shows.
“My wife and I love people and love to build relationships,” Sanford began. “As the church grows, it becomes more difficult to have those close relationships we would like to have with everyone. Managing a group of people is never easy but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” he mused, then added, “Baptizing people, praying with people, or just having honest conversations about what God is doing in their lives has to be the most rewarding part of pastoring.”
The sooner we learn that this life is not about ME, and not about what I want the better off we will be and the quicker…
Posted by Mark K Sanford on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Completely dedicated to the Lord, Sanford and his congregation are doing great things. He is definitely an asset to the young church.
“Cornerstone Church is a great place to belong,” he explained. “We truly believe you won’t find a friendlier place in town. While we are a new church, we have a great range of ages from young singles to retirees. Our worship is passionate and upbeat and we have songs that most people can relate to. We believe in the power of the Word of God and so we believe you will hear a challenging and Biblical message."
Down to earth and ready to help, Pastor Mark does a great job in bringing the Word of God to his flock. If you happen to see him out and about, make sure to say hello. Chances are, you and he will become fast friends.
For more information about Cornerstone Church, visit CullmanCornerstone.com or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/NazCornerstone.
