Meet our executive director

Mark Wagner is 316NOW’s first full-time executive director. In the paragraphs below, Mark tells you about himself.

In what capacity will you serve at 316NOW? 

I am working with and learning from Pastor Jim Aderman so that I can grow into the Executive Director role. As such I will serve as the chief spokesman and representative of our ministry, lead the development and implementation of strategic planning together with the Board of Directors, encourage the Board and divisional leaders to efficiently and effectively seek to achieve our vision (plan), and ensure that relationships within our various teams and audiences remain healthy. 

What is your ministry background that prepared you to lead 316NOW’s ministry? 

My parish ministry has spanned forty years and ranged from Texas to Wisconsin. However, for nearly 20 years I also served in home missions (within the United States), including six years as the chairman of the Southeastern Wisconsin District. Our work was to manage the start and maturing of new congregations throughout a four-state region. 

Why would you leave retirement to join this world mission effort? 

I’ve been exposed to cross-cultural mission work from the time I started training to be a pastor. During my vicar year, I served an inner-city congregation in Milwaukee. Later, my role on the District Mission Board was to build bridges to several international groups throughout our district. Ultimately, I am motivated by the Lord’s commission to “make disciples of all nations.” Like the Apostle Paul, I have a passion for seeing the gospel extended to the ends of the earth.

In your free time, what activities would you prefer to do? 

You’ll find me with my children and grandchildren, eating and laughing, watching their sports, hosting sleepovers, and talking about God’s grace. I also love to work with my hands, taking care of flowers and the lawn, designing, building, and fixing things. Painting and woodworking keep me calm because I can pray while concentrating on the task. 

Where did you go to school? 

I grew up in Nebraska where I attended a Lutheran grade school. My high school was Martin Luther Academy in New Ulm, Minnesota. I graduated from Northwestern College in Watertown, Wisconsin. I received a Master of Divinity degree at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. 

Can you tell us about your family? 

I met the love of my life, Ronni Sue, 46 years ago. We still hold hands when we walk and talk. We’ve been married for 43 years and have been blessed with three boys and two girls. Through them, God has presented us with eleven grandchildren. The youngest are the farthest away in Baltimore, Maryland, and in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

Your absolute favorite verse of Scripture? 

2 Corinthians 5:14,15. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 

But if you give me a moment, I’ll mention about a hundred more. Aren’t Jesus and God’s Word incredible?