Mark Dance is joining GuideStone Financial Resources in the newly created director of pastoral wellness position. He served Oklahoma Baptists as director of pastoral development and a regional ministry partner, beginning these roles in 2019.
“We are grateful for the important ministry Mark Dance had during his tenure with Oklahoma Baptists, and his positive impact will be felt across our state for many years to come,” said Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists. “We pray the Lord continues to bless Mark and Janet, as he steps into this new role with GuideStone and trust that his positive impact on pastors will only grow.”
Serving the east central region of Oklahoma, Dance was on the ground floor of developing regional ministry, as well as other ministerial aspects for Oklahoma Baptists.
“From establishing the Ministry Pipeline here in Oklahoma to connecting with and encouraging many Oklahoma Baptist pastors as part of our regional ministry efforts and strategy, Mark’s efforts and friendship are vitally important,” said James Swain, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director and regional group leader.
Dance was senior pastor for 28 years in churches in Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee before joining Lifeway Christian Resources in 2014. He is the co-founder of Care4Pastors.
“When I was called to join the ministry of GuideStone, I felt deep in my soul a responsibility to care for pastors, not just in their financial and health lives, but for the whole pastor and pastor’s family, to help them do well and do right by being well, serving well and finishing well,” GuideStone President-elect Hance Dilbeck said. “As I’ve spent these last several months becoming acquainted with GuideStone, I was excited by the prospects of Mark joining us here to advance the vision we believe we have received from the Lord.”
God has opened many doors for Dance to minister to pastors, he said.
“Pastors have been a priority to GuideStone for over 100 years, and I am thrilled to build on that legacy with Dr. Dilbeck and his team,” Dance said. “Pastors are still leading through a historically challenging season, so our GuideStone team desires to lock arms with other ministries to help pastors and other ministry leaders fulfill their calling. I have never been more excited about a ministry opportunity than I am today.”
Dance has three earned degrees, a bachelor of business administration degree from Howard Payne University, a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree Southern Seminary. He is married to Janet. They currently live in Tulsa, where he serves as an interim pastor, and will relocate to Dallas. They have two adult children, Holly (married to Brandon) and Brad.
