by Rose M. Fife, Communications Specialist
Churches in need of an interim pastor can often be a holy mess. And Pastor Mark Holman isn’t afraid to walk into places of upheaval. “I credit my mother. She had a rare ability to deal with chaos.”
Family of God’s third (and final!) interim, Pastor Mark Holman began working for Family of God
in February 2024. He has worked as an ELCA pastor, a hospital chaplain, an ELCA Global
Missions staff person, and an interim pastor supporting congregations in conflict. And he keeps
trying to slow down.
“I have flunked retirement four times,” he says. He has served as an interim pastor many times,
including a parish in Jerusalem, and other locations in Duluth, Fargo, and Minneapolis.
While serving as an Interim Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Duluth in 2013, Pastor Mark and
his wife, Marcia, fell in love with the community. Four years ago, they decided to move from a
downtown Minneapolis hi-rise condominium to make Duluth their permanent home. He now
works to facilitate and help congregations with their interim needs while providing pastoral care
and education; along with supporting the process of the Call Committee and other parish
agreements.
Where It Began
Originally from Minneapolis, Pastor Holman met Marcia when he attended Golden Valley
Lutheran College in Golden Valley, MN, 1967. Married for 54 years, they lived abroad for many
years and still enjoy traveling internationally. (They have been to all 7 continents!) Before
retirement, Marcia worked as a special education behavioral specialist, focusing on children on
the autism spectrum.
Pastor Mark provides worship leadership, pastoral care, and guidance for the FOG staff as well
as the church council. He is also an advocate for Family of God as we navigate (the final stages
of) a parish agreement with Kenwood Lutheran Church.
A Calling For the Work
Pastor Holman feels there are needs within the church that he is equipped to help with. “I’m
interested in engaging with staff and leaders to discern how the Holy Spirit is moving us forward
in ministry. It’s a privilege to be used in that regard.”
Focused on building trusting relationships in the churches he works with, he wants to help
others determine their calling in ministry. Whether or not they can define it as a calling, Pastor
believes everyone is called to a life of purpose. “The Spirit is alive here. The task is to discern
how we can yoke with the Holy Spirit so we can be equipped to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus
Christ in the language of today.”
Tennis… but not Dinner
In his free time, Pastor Mark enjoys sports like tennis, pickleball, traveling, good friendships, and
extending hospitality. “But not cooking,” he says wryly.
Pastor Mark Holman will celebrate his final service with us on Sunday, May 5. Thank you for your work with us, Pastor Mark!
