About Pastor Mark

Pastor Mark Anderson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mark's great-grandfather, immigrated from Sweden and served as a Lutheran pastor until his retirement in the 1920's. Mark's father walked in his grandad's footsteps also serving as a Lutheran pastor and an Air Force chaplain. 

During his father's active duty years as an Air Force chaplain, the family lived in Texas, Hawaii, and California. Mark's teenage years were spent in southern California during the rollicking sixties where he played in a band managed by the famous Disc Jockey Casey Kasem. He is an avid guitar and bass player and woodworker. 

Pastor Mark graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota in 1973 with a double major in history and religion. His primary historical interest is in ancient history.  He entered Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minnesota, completing his seminary internship in campus ministry under Pastor Carl Lee at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. Mark was ordained at Trinity Lutheran Church, Madison, Wisconsin by his father the Rev. Gen. Carroll Anderson, and Pastor Carl Lee in 1977.

​

During his 46 years in the parish ministry, Mark served both rural and urban congregations in Minnesota, Montana, and California. He also served for a time as an Air National Guard chaplain, with tours at Buckley Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado, and March Air Force Base, Riverside, California.

​

Mark and his wife Linda (his constant support, advocate, best friend, and by far the better half!) reside in Coto de Caza, California. They have enjoyed many travel adventures together with a definite preference for Italy! They have three children, Erik, Geoff (married to the adorable Jenn), and Kristin.