Mark Raaker

Pastor

Mark Raaker

(740)919-9237

Mark is blessed to be married to his wife Chrisy for 26 years and together they have nine children; Emily, Zach, Becca, Iana, Bradon, Sara, Baylee, Samuel and Elijah.  Originally from Cincinnati, They now live in Pataskala, Ohio.

Mark and Chrisy have a love for outreach and especially kids programs.  They have been involved in the foster care system since 2000.  Mark has been involved in Upward Soccer and run Upward Basketball leagues.  He has been active in and supports scouting, sponsoring a pack and offering religious programs such as the God and Me and the God and Family program.  He is active in youth ministries both assisting with youth groups and attending youth work camps all over the mid-west, concentrating on south central Ohio.  Mark is a member of the Capital Area South Board of Directors.

Mark holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Xavier University, a Masters of Social Work from the University of Cincinnati and a Masters of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.  He is currently enrolled in the the United Methodist Course of Study at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.  He earned certificates in Lean Six Sigma Process improvement and as an  instructor for Living Works as an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer. 

Mark has served in the past as an Associate Pastor at Etna United Methodist Church.  He retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years, attaining the rank of Colonel.   He has served communities in southwest Ohio as a volunteeer firefighter, EMT and police officer and foster parent.