Mark Schmechel, Pastor

Mark grew up in the Green Bay area and is 1990 graduate of Ashwaubenon High School. After high school, Mark attended UW Fond du Lac, then transferred to UW Green Bay where he got a double major in Psychology and Human Development. In college Mark met his wife to be Becky at a college ministry meeting. After college Mark went off to Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN where he completed his Masters of Divinity degree. Becky finished her degree as a Registered Dietitian at UW-Stout. After getting married in 1998, they moved to Greeley, Colorado where Mark was a youth pastor for four years. It was during that time the Schmechels were introduced to the idea of planting a new church and eventually felt God’s leading to start JCC.

Mark and Becky have been married for 10 years and have three kids: Sami (7), Emily (4), and Luke (1). Sami is in first grade and is enjoying life. Emily will be starting kindergarten this fall and can’t wait for the challenge. Luke loves to run around, dance, jump and just be an active boy!

Fun Facts about Mark:

If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
Billy Graham Family

What was your favorite childhood TV show?
That’s easy, MacGyver.

What are three things in your refrigerator?
Noodles, rice, and chicken enchiladas

What are three must-have things you'd pack if you were going away for a whole year?
My Bible, pictures of my family, and well, probably my laptop.

The most fun I ever have is when I...
I’m on vacation

What's your favorite way to spend a day off?
Resting, reading a book, and spending time with my family

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Golf, basketball, and having coffee

What's your favorite dessert?
Hmmm…this is a tough one, being that there are so many I like. But probably pies…ok, pies and cookies.

What's in your CD player these days?
Those who know me think I’ll say Petra…but you’re wrong, that was last week. I’ve actually been listening to a lot of leadership talks lately.

What are your 5 All-time favorite movies:
1. Fireproof
2. Rocky, Rocky 2, 3, and 4. Rocky 5 was a dud, but Rocky Balboa redeemed it.
3. Facing the Giants
4. Remember the Titans
5. Hoosiers

What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't yet?
Travel to other parts of the country and world.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with whoever's reading this?
Planting a church is quite an experience, filled with adventure. I wouldn’t want it any other way!