Mark and Lynda Mildren have been married thirty-seven years and have two children, Elizabeth, 31 and James 28. James is married to Beth (Kenny) Mildren, but as of yet, Mark and Lynda have no grandchildren. Mark and Lynda met at a Methodist church while both were attending Missouri State University. Mark completed a BS degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation from MSU and a Masters in Theology from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. Mark has been in five appointments since graduating from seminary: Bois D’Arc-Elwood, Buffalo, Republic, Monett and currently in West Plains, all in Missouri. While in Buffalo, Mark was recognized in 1981 as an “Outstanding Young Men of America” award for his community involvement.

In 1992, Mark received the Harry Denman Evangelism award from the Southwest District of the Missouri West Conference. While in Monett in 1993 Mark began the first Spanish speaking United Methodist congregation in Missouri. Also in Monett, Mark served on the Cox-Monett Hospital Community Advisory board as Secretary, Vice President and President.

After moving to West Plains Mark helped to create the second satellite campus of a downtown church in Missouri Methodism, called the Open Door Worship Center in 2004. That was a relatively rare thing to do in 2004. Its purpose was to reach people the main campus would be unlikely to attract to church.

Mark has served in many community clubs and denominational boards like the Conference Youth Council, Conference Board of Ministry, Hispanic Ministry Task Force and the Conference Council on Ministry. One of the most rewarding conference activities was in leading youth backpacking trips to Colorado. Missions have been of great interest and Mark has lead seven medical mission trips to Jamaica and one to Mexico.

Mark is in his thirty-second year of ministry post seminary and is currently helping to lead the creation of a free community health clinic for West Plains, which will probably have the most lasting impact missionally in the lives of people that he has been involved in.