It is our pleasure to announce that Rev. Mark Sauffer has accepted God’s call to Highlawn Baptist Church,
and will become the 4th pastor in the church’s 60 year history.
Rev. Stauffer was
ordained by American Baptist Churches in 1999. He holds a BS degree from Eastern University in St. Davids,
Pennsylvania earned in 1980 and a Master in Divinity degree earned from Palmer Theological Seminary (formerly Eastern Baptist
Theological Seminary), Wynnewood, Pa, in 1999.
Last May marked the thirtieth
anniversary of his marriage to Lynne Stauffer. The Stauffers have two adult children, a son and a daughter.
Rev. Stauffer’s hobbies include home repair and renovation, sports, and music. He
enjoys keeping up-to-date with current events, and utilizing the benefits of computers and the Internet.
Rev. Stauffer describes himself as a high-energy person with a drive to get things done and an ability to
relate comfortably with all age groups. He states that his practical leadership and administration skills
(which include his leadership in worship, pastoral care, education, mission, and evangelism) help him to successfully expand
an broaden the ministries of the church.
His
vision and hope for the church is to be effective in carrying out the mandates of Scripture in order to fulfill God’s
call fully and effectively and to represent Scripture with a goal toward fulfilling the Great Commission (Matt. 28.18), the
Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-40), and the Great Criteria (Matt. 25:31-46).
He is described by others as a strong leader who inspires people and has a passion for service.
He is greatly liked by people in the community, works cooperatively with other churches, and is innovative both in
worship and in other areas of service. They described him as energetic and attentive to people with needs.
They believe he is best suited for a church that is willing to reach out to the community.
At the W. Va. Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in October, Rev. Stauffer will be presented with the Ward
W. Hipps Ministerial Award for outstanding community ministry. The award is given annually by Alderson
Broaddus College.
Highlawn Baptist Church is
looking forward to this exciting time in our church history, with eager anticipation about what God has planned for us!
