J. Mark Hostetler

Founder, Director and Coach

Mark was born in the Dominican Republic, where his parents served as missionaries. He was raised in the DR, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Florida. He sensed a call to ministry while in high school and pursued a theological BA degree from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY and an M.Div. degree from Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY.  Mark has 30 years of serving in various pastoral roles in the Methodist church, C&MA church, Presbyterian church, Evangelical Free church and the ELCA church. The last church he served as an Associate Pastor was Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center, MN, where he served for 16 years.  Mark also started and managed an educational service company, a remodeling company, a traveling youth theater company and currently helps lead a youth violence prevention mentoring non-profit. www.imoccenter.org

His heart is his greatest assest.  He deeply loves people and feels called to be an encourager.  He has experienced his own share of pain and loss, which continues to make him more empathetic, accepting and embracing of process. 

Mark’s greatest satisfaction is in bringing out the best in other people. His many years of experience has helped him fine tune his leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. His understanding of emotional health helps him embrace people and organizations wherever they are.

“There are three main things you should know about Mark; he loves God, he loves people, and he loves finding unique, creative, meaningful and tangible ways of connecting those people with their God. Mark is one of those rare individuals who is a thoughtful, compassionate leader and also a very creative strategic thinker. My faith and leadership have grown as a result of his mentorship and support.” Ed Dedman ( Past Council President, Cross of Glory Lutheran Church)

“I went through a two year personal and leadership development small group with Mark and what I learned empowered me to make transformational choices for my life and career. His acceptance of me, belief in me and commitment to bringing out my potential was the support I needed.” Maurice O’Bannon ( Owner of Twin Cities Deliviery Service)