Rev. Mark Muckler

Since 1998, Pastor Mark has served in full-time Christian ministry from being a high school teacher, an assistant headmaster in a Christian high school, serving as youth director in the local church, to serving as camp chaplain, pastor in small rural settings, and being on staff at larger thriving churches as well.

Pastor Mark holds a B.S. in Communications from Appalachian State University, a MDIV from Duke Divinity School, and is an ordained elder in full connection here in the Western N.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church.

He is currently enrolled in the Certification Program in Camping & Retreat Ministry through the General Board of Discipleship, has served on camp boards, and has served in varying roles through the Upper Rooms Ministry called The Walk to Emmaus. He is a graduate of the Royce and Jane Reynolds Program in Church Leadership, the Rev. George Thompson Proclamation Institute, the weeklong Academy for Spiritual Direction, the Clergy School of the Spirit, and Invest Young Clergy. He’s also studied spiritual formation and spiritual direction for over fifteen years, and has been a tour host leading spiritual pilgrimages to the Holy Lands since 2015. 

Pastor Mark has a passion for the un-churched, those who have no relationship with Jesus Christ, and those who’ve been disenfranchised by the local church and religion. He is a hands-on visionary leader with a “Big Picture” perspective on being the Body of Christ. He has great passion and love for making disciples, and equipping and serving alongside others who serve Christ, such as laypersons, staff, and clergy alike.

Though his interests are in playing the drums and the acoustic guitar on occasion in worship, he has participated and led worship in traditional, contemporary, modern, and in multiple styles and settings, and greatly appreciates all styles of music in worship as offerings of praise to our God.

In his spare time, Pastor Mark enjoys writing and journaling, as his work has appeared in a handful of published devotional readings. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, and friends hiking, kayak fishing, paddling lakes and rivers, leading spiritual retreats, camping, nature photography, and mountain biking. 

Pastor Mark, and his wife Jill are both Charlotte natives and have three children, a great Pyrenees/retriever mix, chickens and ducks, and a kitty named Callie.