Theron & Britt Nixon

theron_nixon@hotmail.com

• How long have you known Mark?5+ years
• Three words to describe Mark: Positive Engaging Fun
• If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?

  The Ron
  During one of our first small group meetings we were talking about how people frequently call me The Ron instead of Theron.

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  Mark was instrumental in helping us move to East Cobb by connecting us with his mortgage lender. Mark also “recruited” us to be a part of his small group. Knowing Mark has not only helped our marriage but has also helped us be better parents and better people.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  Mark will leave a lasting imprint on untold number of souls. Although it is hard to measure, we are sure that Mark has touched many lives, and we appreciate that he has dedicated his life to others through ministry.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Happy Birthday Mark!

John Dyment

John@dymenfamily.com

• How long have you known Mark?15 years
• Three words to describe Mark: Thoughtful, Kind, Man of God
• If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?

  Johnny D, came from our mens group and Young Life times at Family camp.

• Funny memory with Mark:

  I remember the crazy stunts at young life with Dave Crimmins and Uncle Buck

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  When I think about one person to emulate in a walk with God, I think of You Mark. I aspire to have half the faith you have.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  You have had a profound impact on so many people, whether it is just your friendship, your positive comments, your guidance, your advice or simply your time when it matters most…. Those are the things people will remember you for.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Hi Mark, I wish you a very happy 50th Birthday and hope your next 50 years are as impactful and rewarding as your first 50. By the way, it looks like our Republican party needs some help, perhaps you can run for office and fix it. You have my vote!

Diane Dutcher

Dutcherdi@aol.com

• How long have you known Mark?14 years
• Three words to describe Mark: Tigger on sugar
• If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?

  Mama Dutch
  Young life

• Funny memory with Mark:

  Mark created a new time zone.. It was called Shull Time but he usually made up for it in the car. I remember him commenting when Jackson was born saying we must have been nuts letting our kids climb in that jeep with him.

  Also remembering him saying that he was going to marry Chris even though she said she’d never marry a young life staffer or move to Connecticut. Obviously his lawering skills were highly honed.

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  Mark dragged Russ and Me into young life.. Before we new it we were the committee chairs and our kids were entrenched. Best thing we did. Thanks Mark.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  Mark makes people happy.. No matter how hard the task he keeps it going.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Happy Birthday Kid!

Marcus Eiland

marcus@summit.younglife.org

• How long have you known Mark?9 years
• Three words to describe Mark: Mark loves Jesus
• Funny memory with Mark:

  For my first year on staff, I thought Mark was Mac McNally.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  For your faithful service to the Lord, His creation and the church, I salute you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May his face shine upon you and give you peace. I pray you bask in his glory and goodness, resting in Jesus’ ridiculous love for you, Mark!

Diana Sanderson

diana.r.sanderson@gmail.com

• How long have you known Mark?For… gosh, 11 years?
• Three words to describe Mark: Hip. Authentic. Compassionate.
• If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?

  Lady Di. Only those who call me that are from the “Mark Shull Era” of YL Greenwich. Also… I guess he’s the reason why I tend to give other’s nicknames as well. Just thought about that…

• Funny memory with Mark:

  Ohmygoodness where to start… Leading skits with MNF theme song, YL Christmas Card photo sessions, ski trips to Crooked Creek, numerous camp trips, various program characters, employee evaluations (ok, so maybe not those),

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  Trained me on the professional side of doing ministry. Creating documents, conducting meetings, how to dress and act, how to navigate the professional world as well as the teen world.. I would say that I’ve come out with a serious advantage being trained by a lawyer turned ministry leader. It has opened doors and given me leverage and understanding more than I can imagine.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  Work hard, play hard, love hard and follow hard. Implementing long, hard work hours in certain seasons produces fruit and outcomes that I would not otherwise see in ministry. However, finding appropriate times to completely unwind and unplug is crucial to working hard during the high season. Not being afraid to put in a long work week as well as completely disconnect from life when the opportunity arises. All of this is surrounded by loving people (spouses, friends, kids) consistently and following Christ constantly–no breaks there. Go big or go home.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Hey Mark,
  I hope you have a fantastic 50th birthday. You’ve impacted so many people throughout the years that you are sure to be collecting many treasures in heaven. Your method of more is ‘caught than taught’ is great way to do discipleship and ministry. It’s a lifestyle, not career, and you’ve taught me that you can bring people, all different kinds of people, into nearly every aspect of your life and show them the love of Jesus is deeper than ever.
  Keep on rocking it in Atlanta! I hope those sweet boys of yours grow to be teenagers who understand truly how cool their dad is!
  All the best and KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!
  Diana

Billy Phenix

billy.phenix@buckheadchurch.org

• How long have you known Mark?Hmmm… from right before Chris and Mark got married. When was that?
• Three words to describe Mark: Pastor. Genuine. Leader.
• If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?

  I don’t know if he has one just for me… but I wouldn’t put it past him. Actually, I’d welcome it.

• Funny memory with Mark:

  I think, in retrospect, I love knowing that I met Mark through Chris who was the connective relationship that helped me meet Joy (my wife). So, that means, when Joy and I heard that Chris had “met someone” up north and he loves both Jesus and Young Life (both key to our story), we were ecstatic. When I met Mark at the wedding shower we hosted at our house, I was sold in an instant. Being along for the ride as (very pregnant) Joy was in their wedding made me admire Mark that much more. If I had had the ability to peek into the future and see we’d eventually work side by side in ministry, it would have blown my mind. Still, here we are today. I consider it a great blessing and honor to serve next to Mark and feel every bit of his leadership and pastorship.

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  Mark is a constant reminder to me of how to pastor people and lead leaders. He is a sold-out discipler and one that fully understands Jesus model to us of pouring into a few who will pour into a few more and so on. He reminds me of the importance of valuing every person I meet and having a deeper view of their makeup. Mark does this so well. He deeply knows each of his “guys” and would do anything for them. His walk is one that models Jesus.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  Mostly, more people will know Jesus. Through Mark’s pastorship and leadership, leaders will cultivate healthy relationships and community through which people will know both Jesus and eternity. This will be an eternal legacy…and one that I will be forever grateful I’m able to witness happen in our church.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Mark… I’m so grateful for you. Thanks for being a constant example and leader worth following. You are a keystone on our Buckhead Church staff team. Thanks, also, for being a husband and father who loves well and gives deeply. Hope your next 50 are just as great and I still get to help celebrate then. Love you brother!

Rachael Newland

rachael.newland@northpointministries.net

• How long have you known Mark?A little over a year.
• Three words to describe Mark: Passion, determination, goofball.
• If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?

  Rach! or Newland 🙂

• Funny memory with Mark:

  Probably him blaming me for running Stuart off. Seems like I have that effect on directors 😉 jk!! Love ya, Mark!

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  Mark always made me feel confident in my abilities because he treated me with such respect. He never treated me like he doubted me or didn’t think I could do something. He constantly built me up and laughed with me about so many things. He was always kind, generous, and loving. I REALLY enjoyed my time getting to know him and working with him.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  Mark Shull is one of a kind. If anyone knows Mark, he knows that Mark has a deep love and admiration for his wife and his boys. Mark’s passion for building up men and helping them to become strong leaders for Christ and their friends and families is evident each and every time you talk with him. Mark will always be thought of as a leader among men and a true Christ follower.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Happy 50th my friend! Enjoy a fantastic year! 🙂

Dottie Cockfield

• How long have you known Mark?15 years?
• Three words to describe Mark: optimistic helpful genuine
• How has Mark impacted your life?

  He has shown me how to do the right thing in all kinds of circumstances.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  His impact on Bryan. A very positive impact. Sensitivity to children and how much they need affirmation. How much we all need affirmation. Fantastic listener.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  You make my life joyful. And you make me cry just talking about it. I’m so glad Chris married you. You stand for all the right stuff.

Greg Howell

gregrhowell@gmail.com

• How long have you known Mark?6.532 years, from that epic lunch at OK Cafe in early 2010.
• Three words to describe Mark: energizing, consistent, positive
• If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?

  Mr. Roboto, which is pretty accurate, given I’m overly analytical and can compartmentalize with the best of them. The first time I remember him saying this was when I was sharing my Life Map at Josh McAfee’s house. My Life Map is generally in the +7 to +9 area, but my Life Line starts heading down in a few places. Each time, I was able to say “nope,”, and make some quick changes to hockey-stick it back up. Shull challenged me on a few areas, saying “how could that not impact you more???” I pretty much gave matter-of-fact answers of how it wasn’t logical to feel defeated when I could (with God’s help) control the situation and make it a short-term rather than long-term challenge. Instead of pointing out that I have a cold, black heart or calling me Spock, Shull chose Mr. Roboto. That nickname has been reinforced over and over when I have overly-analytical and unemotional responses to many topics that have come up over the years.

• Funny memory with Mark:

  It has to be “The Jump.” Shull kept egging people on to jump off the rock at Lake Burton….not the mid-level rock, but the top-level rock. First off, it’s not a rock, it’s a freakin’ cliff. Like 80 or something feet in the air. So before even contemplating the consequences, I say, sure, I’ll do it, what the heck. So now I’m committed, in that if I back out, I have to surrender my man card indefinitely until I do something manly, like pulling a tractor-trailer off a school bus full of children. I casually mention this to my mom in a phone conversation the day before, and she freaks out. After begging me not to do it, she makes a reference to starting up the prayer chain at church, and before long, 100 Southern Baptist ladies are praying that I survive this STUPID-duh (audible vocal emphasis on that last letter D) decision. As I’m swimming out to climb up this cliff, I’m amazed how calm everyone is, like….OK, Greg will jump off the cliff, and we’ll go get dinner.” Um, OK, but I’m still the ONLY one doing this. The path to the top is littered with the final remnants of those who have perished on this journey…bottles, cans, other trash. I ponder their demise, if they realized what was to come for them, and if I’m the only sober person that has ever done this willingly. As I’m looking out over the CLIFF into the water, I can identify with the astronauts looking out of Window 1 on the space shuttle down at the earth. I mean, it’s HIGH. I can’t even make out any water patterns, it just looks like a flat blue blanket. I realize no one has checked to make sure there’s not a rock, piece of metal, sunken boat, whatever, lurking 10 feet under. Shull’s like “people do it all the time!” Of course, there’s dust covering this rock that looks like it’s been undisturbed for years. I ask Shull multiple times to make sure I’m not going to hit the rock face on the side down (translation, stalling while convincing myself that if I die, maybe it won’t hurt for long), and he says “you’re FINE!!!” Shull says this without even taking a good angle to check out the rock. He says he’s seen it before, but has he? Hmmm, I wonder. As I’m lining up my approach, I remember Jeff Moore claiming he’s City Champion of cornhole, so I decide to one-up him by screaming “I’m STATE champion!” as I plummet to a life-changing experience. All this while, Shull (from the comfort of the boat, I might add) keeps screaming, go! jump! like I’m holding up the line at Six Flags, and all I have to do is jump to the next step on the stairs leading to the ride. At this point, I say a little prayer not only for myself, but for Cooper and Jackson who undoubtedly down the road will be peering out of a plane with a parachute on their backs, as Shull says “do it, go, it’s easy!” on the radio as he’s kicking back with a cold drink in a comfortable chair on the ground. So I jump. And if you think reading this is taking forever, you get a glimpse into how long my trip to the water felt. It took a REALLY long time. People have completed their tax return in less time. As I hit the water, in that instant, I forgot to lock my knees, so upon hitting the water my body rotates backwards, and my butt hits the water head on. Despite being a rotund fellow, I actually have a small butt in comparison, so my butt absorbs next to nothing of the impact and sends the shock wave upwards. If you think about human anatomy, what’s just above your butt? That’s right, kids, your SPINE. I feel my spine explode in pain as I sink into the depths of the lake. The greater the initial height from which an object falls, the greater into the water that object sinks. So I sink….a lot. And how do you get back to the surface? You kick your legs. Ever kick your legs with pain exploding through your spine? No? Well, um, it hurts….a lot. As I rise to the surface in agony, I think about how I’ve let down those poor Southern Baptist ladies who could have been praying for the homeless, for the hungry, for those riddled by natural disaster. Nope, they’re praying for a stupid dude who thought he was 20 years younger than he was. Turns out I had cracked two vertebrae and herniated one disc. Of course, we didn’t know that at the time, so Shull says, aw, you’re fine, you just tweaked a muscle…..this according to Shull’s vast medical training. I’ll skip the point where I thought about just drowning instead of enduring the sheer agony of climbing up onto the boat. Does the story end there? Nope. We head back in the boat, and are the wake of another boat, so the ride is somewhat smooth. Someone asks something like how bumpy is the boat if we aren’t in someone’s wake. Shull can’t hear my cries of pain as my bones are shifting and rattling as they grind against each other, so he says “I’ll show you.” So we veer right, hitting white cap after white cap, bouncing 3 to 4 feet into the air and slamming back down….repeatedly. Does that feel good? Hmmm….NOPE. In the end, I decide not to bring legal action against an attorney with a family. Instead, I pay off Jeff Moore to run over Shull’s mailbox, and take a tiny amount of joy thinking that digging a hole and planting a new mailbox post will make Shull’s back maybe hurt possibly a little bit.

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  Other than breaking my back, Mark has given me a place to really feel like I’m making a difference in men’s lives. I feel that the gifts Christ has given me include level-headed-ness, remaining calm in a storm, and being dependable. This includes the ability to plan for the future, while realizing how the choices you make today (both good and bad) will impact you (positively and negatively) for years to come. The men’s leadership program at Buckhead has given me that platform to share these gifts and hopefully make a difference in not only the guys in my groups, but through them impact other men down their line. Granted, not all men will appreciate what I want to share, and I realize that. But, I feel every guy has taken at least one nugget that I’ve been able to share. Without this program, I would only have been able to impact individual small groups, with many of those men maybe not being ready for my blunt approach on how to approach issues that come up. I realize my normal approach is best shared with leader-type individuals, and Mark has given me that platform. For the first time in the NorthPoint org, I feel like I’ve actually made somewhat of a difference.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  I’m reminded of the story of the Frank Jenner in Sydney Australia, aka “the little white haired man on George Street.” For almost 30 years, Jenner engaged in personal evangelism on George St in Sydney, asking them the simple question “If you died in 24 hours, where would you spend eternity?” A pastor in England had heard countless testimonies of people who became Christians themselves, or knew of others that had, after wrestling with the outcome of these short conversations with Jenner. The pastor went to Sydney to find this un-named man, and upon meeting Jenner, relayed all the stories he had heard. Jenner was amazed, as he had no idea that any of those conversations had borne any fruit, as most conversations were short, even being limited to the one question and a quick response; even the small number of people that had made the decision to accept Christ “in the moment”, Jenner had no idea that they had stuck with their decision. I see Mark in the same vein. He’s impacted men directly and indirectly, thrown down challenges that they might be struggling with for years before finally making the right decisions, and been that constant that meets men where they want to be met, challenging them how they deep down want to be challenged. I can see a story in the future that Mark will have no recollection of a simple conversation with, say a one-season leader back in 2011, led to someone impacting hundreds of lives down the road.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Thanks, man. I’ll leave it to others to get all mushy….just know that I’m thankful for your leadership, your consistent drive to grow men despite all sorts of obstacles, and how you are always positive and uplifting.

Allen Hardage

wahardage@gmail.com

• How long have you known Mark?a year
• Three words to describe Mark: faithful, genuine and compassionate
• Funny memory with Mark:

  Mark and I were meeting for lunch at Tin Drum and as I walked up on a call I was trying to gracefully end I caught Mark’s eye walking up obviously doing the same thing. ten minutes later we both finally escaped the never ending calls at the same time and shared a good laugh and a great meal.

• How has Mark impacted your life?

  I met Mark at a low point in my life after divorce. He came beside me and has been an encourager through some hard times including my current battle with cancer. Mark is a friend you can always count on to shoot straight, lift your spirits and see through the smoke with wit and humor. Love that guy.

• What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?

  Every time I have gotten together with Mark or talked to him, it is obvious and unwavering that his priorities are God first then his wife and kids. It’s impressive to see a man with his life so in line with his convictions.

• Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!

  Happy Birthday buddy. I love you and want to remind you, your still older than me :).