One Degree, Double Benefit: Mark Willard

One Degree, Double Benefit: Mark Willard

Mark Willard 
Worship Pastor
Englewood Baptist Church
Master of Arts in Worship Leadership & Theology ‘20

I’m grateful for my University of Mobile degree. It was challenging but rewarding. I am a better leader as a result, and I find uses for the things I studied in every aspect of my weekly job.
-Mark Willard ’20

At the age of 16, Mark Willard felt the Lord calling him to a career in ministry. Following that call eventually led Willard to further his education at the University of Mobile where he pursued a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership & Theology

This unique master’s degree offers students the double benefit of serious theological study through the School of Christian Studies and practical, hands-on training in the arts, technology and ministry leadership through the Alabama School of the Arts.

Through this program, Willard was able to combine his passion for teaching theology and leading worship while diving deeper into both areas. As a result, he says, the deepened theological understanding gained during his time at UM has better equipped him to lead those he is serving. 

Willard recently began a new chapter as worship pastor at Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, after serving 21 years at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Since starting his new role in June of 2021, Englewood has already released an EP of original worship music titled “Worthy Is Your Name.” 

Through his obedience in following the Lord’s call for his life, Willard has not only been able to serve within the local church in a musical capacity, but he has also had the opportunity to use his passion to develop the next generation of worship leaders through collaboration and mentorship. 

One Degree, Double Benefit
Q. What are some of your job responsibilities?

A. I oversee all aspects of worship leadership at Englewood. I manage, mentor and encourage the worship staff for the Highland and North campuses. I direct the choir, plan Sunday services and coordinate the training of interns and next-gen worship leaders. I also serve on the executive staff team for the church.

Q. Why was your graduate degree from UM helpful in preparing you for this role?

A. I’m very grateful for the graduate degree I received from UM because it really focused in on the things I’m passionate about as a leader…understanding and teaching theology and becoming a better leader in the organization.

Q. What are some of the most important things you gained from your UM experience? 

A.  I was able to take a deeper dive into systematic theology. I gained academic understanding of many of the facets of faith in Christ that help to shape the way we think as Christians. This, in turn, has deepened my abilities as a worship leader to speak and exhort the congregation or my ministry volunteers to be more like Christ is tangible ways. I have a deeper appreciation for the Bible and feel better equipped to communicate weightier principles.

Q. Along with directing music in a worship setting, you also are responsible for training interns and next-generation worship leaders. Why is this an important part of your job?

A. There are more and more open positions for worship leaders, and churches are struggling to fill them with skillful candidates. It is a passion of mine to help encourage young men to sing and praise the Lord through worship ministry. Seeking out and finding young Davids is very gratifying work.

In addition to mentoring students in worship leadership, I feel called to mentor college students, especially those who are called into music ministry. Teaching them how to build inclusive, yet relevant bands, praise teams, choirs and orchestras is what truly drives me.

They will carry the church into the next generation, and I want to make a mark on those young pioneers.

5 Ways the University of Mobile Changed My Life 

Stepping onto the campus of the University of Mobile as a senior in high school, I had no idea the countless ways it would impact me in the next four years that followed. On the surface, one can instantly see the Christian values, beautiful campus and close-knit environment that UM provides, but after being a student, those broad ideas have become pieces of my heart. 

Now, as a senior at the University of Mobile, I can look back on my time here and truly see that it is not the place in particular that has changed my life, but rather the people it has brought me. That being said, these are five groups of people who have impacted not only my time at UM, but my life as a whole. 

University Ambassadors

Ambassadors

Through working with the University of Mobile Ambassadors, I have not only found a new confidence in leading but have learned from the people I serve with about the importance of leading by example and listening to those I work with. These fellow students have taught me to serve the university with open hands and have pushed me to be the best version of myself, no matter the circumstance. 

Professors/Advisors

professors

My professors and advisors, whether that be in communication classes or music lessons, have not only given me a high-quality education but also have gotten to know me personally. They truly embody the university’s slogan of “Know and Be Known” because, each time I enter their classroom, I know that I am not just a number to them. They have given me wisdom and encouragement in more ways than I could count, building me up on the good days, and supporting me on the days where things were hard. 

Alabama School of the Arts

ASOTA

Being a part of ASOTA has allowed me to be surrounded with people who are not only incredibly gifted but who also have pointed me to Jesus through the expression of God-given gifts. Watching my peers lead others in worship, perform in various shows, or even seeing the behind-the-scenes work inspires me to give whatever my gifts may be back to the Lord to glorify Him. This group of people have helped me grow in humility and open-mindedness while pushing me to my best potential.

University Ministries

Serving on this team has grown me in my walk with Jesus and given me opportunity to share that with those I meet. I have been able to be discipled in a way I have never experienced while also discipling others at the same time. These friends have pushed me toward the Father in service and in truth, and they prayerfully walk alongside me each day. 

Friends/Community

My friends and community at UM have been the most intentional friends I have ever had the privilege of knowing. They build me up and encourage me, pray for me, and keep me accountable. They love me in a way that looks like Jesus and, while it is not always perfect, these friends have taught me the true meaning of friendship, pushing me to extend that to others. 

Overall, the University of Mobile is a special place, but the people here are what have changed my life completely. I could not be more grateful that the Lord led me here. 

Community

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