Mark Hale is a 18 year ministry veteran who is passionate about God, family, and the church. Growing up outside Detroit, Michigan, Mark, his parents and three older brothers became true followers of Christ in 1986. That conversion was followed by God calling Mark into full time ministry. Mark followed that call and prepared for ministry by attending Olivet Nazarene University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and completing a Doctorate Degree at Nova Southeastern University in 2002. Mark married his college sweetheart, Lisa Reno, and they have been together for almost 17 years. Four children make the Hale home complete. Hello! My name is Becky Corsar, and I am the Children's Minister at Thrive! My husband Michael and I have been married for 13 exciting years, and we have 2 wonderful children, Alexandria, who is 8, and Evan, who is 5. We are an Air Force family and we moved to Grand Forks from Wichita, Kansas. I’m a southern girl at heart as my family is from Arkansas, so this cold weather is a new experience for me! I love kids and have a heart for making them feel worthwhile and loved!
Mark loves people and it's his desire to see people grow in Christ. He sees the need for relevance in church because so many churches don't reach out and meet the heart-needs of people. He also believes church should be fun, upbeat, and refreshing. Mark's dream is to grow a healthy church in Grand Forks where people come excited to celebrate who Christ is in their lives.
Mark served on staff at the mega church, Grove City Church of the Nazarene in Ohio for eleven years, as well as ministering in a small church in Valley City, North Dakota. He has authored one book and spoken extensively throughout the country at seminars, conferences, and camps.
Mark and Lisa enjoy country living and make their home in Manvel. When not hanging out with young people, couples, or neighbors, you can count on Mark being in the field during hunting season with his children.
Meet Becky Corsar, our Children's Minister:
I have a Masters of Science degree in counseling, but I am currently a stay at home mom, which is honestly the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had! Starting up a children’s ministry has to be the second most exciting job ever! It’s a joy watching and waiting to see what God is going to do with Kids Matter Ministries and I am grateful that He has made me a part of this exciting launch! I look forward to working with your children through Kids Matter Ministries. We are currently working on some fun, hands on bible curriculum which will get your kids into the Bible and make them want to come back week after week searching for God’s truths! My children are also a part of this ministry, so you have my promise that it will be worthwhile and relevant.
If you’d like to get on board this exciting endeavor of reaching Grand Forks kids for Christ, please let us know and we will get you plugged in! It takes all kinds of people to run a children’s ministry, so I guarantee you that we will find the perfect fit for you! We covet your prayers as this ministry gets off the ground! Kids need Christ and we pray that God will use Thrive Community Church to reach them in a powerful way!
Meet Brandon Anderson, our Worship Leader:
Brandon Anderson has a heart for worship and a sense for leading God's people into His presence. A true musician at heart, Brandon has been playing a writing music for years. His edgy style resonates with today's generation, for sure.
Gowning up in Minnesota, Brandon was blessed to have Christians parents who reared him in the faith.
Brandon loves the outdoors, and is especially fond of mountain biking and riding his motorcycle. When not at Thrive, you'll find Brandon hard at work at the University of North Dakota, where he is a senior.
Not only is Brandon Thrive's Worship Leader, but he is also a newlywed. He married his wife Kim in 2007. Together they make their home in Grand Forks.
