Meet Our Team
Mark Howell
Dr. Mark A. Howell has been in the ministry for nearly 30 years and has served as Senior Pastor of churches in Florida, Texas, Kentucky and Arkansas. Additionally, he served on the faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky as Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministries. He currently teaches adjunctively for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boston Baptist College. Dr. Howell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, TN where he was privileged to play linebacker on the 1986 National Championship football team. He also holds both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Dr. Howell has a passion for the nations and has been privileged to preach the gospel on four continents. He has led mission teams to more than 20 countries. He is married to Carmen. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling from the Criswell College in Dallas, Texas. The Howells have two daughters, Abigail (who is married to Aaron Ricks) and Rebekah. They are also joined by their faithful Labrador Retriever, Obadiah. Dr. Howell enjoys hunting, running, golfing and spending time outdoors. He is the author of "Exalting Jesus in 1 and 2 Thessalonians" (part of the Christ-Centered Exposition Series published by Broadman Academic).
Executive Director
Carmen Howell is the wife of Dr. Mark Howell. She has served the Lord with him for 30 years. Together they have two beautiful daughters, Rebekah and Abigail, and a wonderful son-in-love Aaron Ricks, Abi’s husband. She spent her childhood as a preacher’s kid and the majority of her married life as a pastor’s wife. Carmen’s first passion is to actively pursue a daily relationship with Jesus, the One who rescued her from her sin and provides a daily source of JOY in every season and trial of life. The Lord has given her a deep commitment to and love for the home and family. In a day when our families are attacked on every side, her greatest joy is to see them turn to God and His Word and find that He alone is everything they need to thrive in this journey called life. Carmen has a heart for minister’s wives and children. She understands the heartaches, joys, and struggles of living life in the public square. She enjoys teaching, challenging, and loving young moms who are seeking to live for Jesus in every area of their lives. One of her greatest desires is to listen, share, and pray for those who are struggling to keep their eyes on Jesus as they walk through the many difficulties this life brings.
Carmen has enjoyed writing devotionals, teaching Bible Studies, and challenging women across the world to turn to the Lord and His Word in all things. She has a deep craving for transparency and honesty in every part of life. She loves interior decorating, entertaining, cooking, and doing all things with her family.
