(Fair Oaks, California) K-LOVE's Monika Kelly recently had the joy of sitting down with Pastor Mark Tucker, lead pastor of New Life Church in Fair Oaks, California. His warmth, humility, and deep love for Jesus were evident from the very beginning of the conversation.
Pastor Mark grew up in a Christian home, surrounded by parents who not only went to church but lived out their faith through active ministry. That early example of genuine faith shaped him, and by the age of sixteen, he knew God had called him into ministry—even if he didn’t yet know what that would look like. Today, that calling has carried him into shepherding a congregation and community in powerful ways.
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When asked what people might not realize about being a pastor, Pastor Mark admitted that ministry can sometimes feel lonely. “It can be hard to serve the body of Christ and to give in the way the Lord wants us to give. Sometimes it’s difficult on your family. Finding balance can be tough.”
Most people see a pastor on Sundays, delivering a message. But Pastor Mark explained that the rest of the week is filled with meetings, counseling, prayer, studying God’s Word, and setting direction with his staff. It’s a full-time investment of heart and energy, poured out for others.
And yet, encouragement goes a long way. While he doesn’t serve for compliments, Pastor Mark said that hearing how God used a message or act of service to bless someone always brings renewed strength. Still, his greatest motivation is simply this: "To please the Lord and be obedient to what He’s asking me to do."
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and dark, Pastor Mark’s advice for staying rooted in Christ is simple: stay in the Word and spend time with Jesus.
“We spend so much time in the social media world,” he said. “But the thing that will keep you centered, encouraged, and aware that God is still in control is spending time in His presence, hearing His voice.”
He reminded me of a powerful truth: Though darkness does abound, grace does much more abound. God’s light and grace are never outmatched by the brokenness of this world.
Pastor Mark also shared wisdom about handling challenges like gossip or conflict within the church. His response? Bring people back to the Word. “If they take biblical steps, they’re going to get godly results.” Whether in personal relationships or larger struggles, the answer is always the same: return to Scripture and let God’s truth guide the way.
One thing that excites Pastor Mark is his church’s involvement in the community. New Life Church has worked hard to build a reputation not of taking, but of giving.
From school beautification projects, to providing first-day-of-school outfits and backpacks for kids, to covering sports fees for students who couldn’t afford them, to offering after-school tutoring, the church has intentionally stepped into places of need with the love of Christ. “We wanted to be a church that gives back,” he explained, “meeting needs with the presence of Jesus.”
Right now, the verse echoing most in Pastor Mark’s heart is this: “If you seek Me, you will find Me.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
“As a pastor and leader, my prayer is simple: ‘Lord, I just want to come after You. I want to hear Your voice, because when I’m hearing Your voice, I can lead the church well.’”
When we talked about heartbreaking tragedies—like the sudden loss of young Christian leaders—Pastor Mark didn’t shy away from the reality of grief. But he also pointed us back to hope: “In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Even in deep sorrow, God is at work, bringing awakening, revival, and new life out of ashes.
As the conversation closed, Pastor Mark left a message for all of us:
“Keep leaning into Jesus. As you seek Him, you’ll find Him. It may look like the world is falling apart, but it’s really falling into place. God’s plan is unfolding for His church. I’m believing for a great harvest to come into the kingdom.”
Amen.
