7 Questions with Mark Gayden

Mark Gayden

Director of Missions for Long Beach Harbor

Soldier Gayden, Army Veteran, Recruiter Mark, Pastor Mark, Director of Missions for Long Beach Harbor, husband, father, and grandfather are some of the titles Mark Gayden has held over his life. Of all his titles, he prefers Brother Mark above of all. “Being a Director of Missions fills my days!” Originating from Memphis, Tennessee, and spending several years serving in the United States Army, Mark felt the call from the Lord to make a shift from defending our country to recruiting others in the grandest mission of all. His self-described three passions in life are: ministry, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Los Angeles Dodgers!

What book are you currently reading?

I usually have several going at once. Let me think of one that I am really enjoying right now. Do you know who Jordan Peterson is? He has a reputation for being kind of divisive. The book of his that I am reading is “12 Rules of Life: An Anecdote to Chaos”.

What biblical character (other than Jesus) would you want to meet, and why?

There are two, Timothy and Titus. I would like to sit and pick their brains on what it was like to lead/pastor a church during the first century.

In-N-Out or Chick-fil-A?

Chick-Fil-A! Especially with the cookie and the waffle fries.

What has been an evangelistic tactic that has worked best for you?

I am an evangelism explosion person! I discovered an evangelism explosion during jury duty in Memphis, Tennessee. If I’m going to do something I pray about it. I needed training. So I attended an evangelism explosion training and I’ve been that way ever since. It really helps a person use their given gifts to share the gospel.

Tell us your best, ministry horror story.

I can’t tell that one…let me think of another. I can’t tell that one either…. I want to stay in ministry work! Well, without going into detail, I can remember a time when my wife was mistreated, and I didn’t stand for it. Sometimes our wives need to know that she is our first ministry.

When you were in high school what career had you imagined you would be in right now?

I thought I’d be a professional football coach and the Lord had different plans. I’m glad He did. God only had one son and He made Him a preacher. That puts me in great company. I thank God for calling me.

When you think through all the names of Christ, what name resonates with you right now and why?

Good Shepherd. The 23rd Psalm says the Good Shepherd makes us to lay down. We love the green pasture’s part. We are always so busy and sometimes that means we need to take rest and lie down. I’m so thankful that He knows us and that He has been the Good Shepherd to me.