Frequently Asked Questions about
Riverwood’s Lead Pastoral Candidate
? Who is Rivierwood Community Church’s Lead Pastoral Candidate?
His name is Mark LaFollette. Mark and his wife Judy have been married for 30 years. They have 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren. Their youngest child is in college.
? Where do Pastor Mark and Judy live and will they move to Cannon Falls?
Mark and Judy live in Cottage Grove they intend to move to Cannon Falls. The timing of the move is unknown at the present time.
? What is Mark LaFollette’s previous work and ministry experience?
Mark graduated from Bethel Seminary in 1990. Since then, he and Judy have been in ministry that has had them pastoring two churches in smaller communities and a larger church in Woodbury where they have been serving for the past 18 years. The last 10 years has been in a lead pastor position.
One interesting fact about Mark is that, prior to becoming a pastor, he was a veterinarian in the turkey industry in Minnesota and California.
? How did the Pastoral Search Committee find out about Mark and Judy?
The Search Committee worked with Converge (Minnesota/Iowa Baptist Conference) in a process called P3. This process was used to match Riverwood with possible lead pastor candidates. The committee has interviewed these candidates and one rose to the top amongst all of them. More interviews and a "meet and greet" with the committee and the Elder Board, and reference checks all led to this unanimous decision to call Mark to Riverwood for a candidate Sunday.
? What are some interests and hobbies that Pastor Mark has outside of
ministry?
Mark loves to spend time with his family. He and Judy enjoy walking, hiking, and camping. Mark also enjoys writing.
? Where does Judy work and what areas of ministry does she enjoy
serving?
Judy is an occupational therapist and also has done some teaching. Her ministry passions are: to mentor women (especially younger moms) and children’s ministry.
? Are Mark and Judy involved in ministry outside the church setting?
As a couple they have been involved in a ministry that mentors pastors and their wives in a retreat setting.
? I won’t be at church on Sunday, August 2. Is there another way for me to
hear Mark LaFollette speak?
You may listen to several of Pastor Mark’s sermon’s online. http://nlcw.publishpath.com/media-library
? I understand the people of Riverwood will have an opportunity to vote on
August 2nd. Who is eligible to vote?
According toThe Riverwood Community Church Constitution a vote of ninety (90) percent of Participating Members at a special meeting will be required to call a senior pastor. The vote will be written, secret ballot.
Though the votes of non-members will not count in the official tally to approve the next pastor, we are interested in the opinions of all Riverwood attenders and encourage their vote.
? How do I know if I am a participating member?
Riverwood’s constitution states:
PriortoacceptanceasaParticipatingMember,eachpersonwillcompleteanintroductoryclassthatwillcoverRiverwood’svision,values,beliefsandwhatitmeanstobeaParticipatingMember.ThisclasswillbeledbythepastororotherpersonappointedbytheBoardofElders.
ApersoninterestedinmembershipwillmeetwithtwoormoreElder Board memberstodeterminethathe/sheagreestoupholdtheconditionsof
membership(c.f.,Constitution,Article4).
TheElderBoardwillintroducenewmemberstotheParticipating
Membershipatanannualorspecialbusinessmeeting,orina
membership‐wide publication.
? Is it possible to get an absentee ballot?
Absentee Ballots along with attached instructions are available at the information desk. They may also be requested from the church office by calling 507-263-2304 or emailing .
? Will there be another opportunity for me to meet Pastor Mark and Judy?
Another opportunity for the people of Riverwood to meet Mark LaFollette is at an all-church ice cream social on Sunday, July 26th from 6:30 – 8:00. There will be an informal meet and greet time followed by a question and answer time.
Mark & Judy LaFollette
Mark grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. Judy’s home town is Willmar, Minnesota, where her family continues to be active in First Baptist Church. They have been married for 30 years and have four children, two children-in-law, and two grandchildren. Their youngest child is in college.
Mark graduated from Bethel Seminary in 1990. Since then, he and Judy have been on a path in ministry that has had them serving two churches in smaller communities and a larger church in a suburban setting where they have been serving for the past 18 years.
One interesting fact about Mark is that, prior to becoming a pastor, he was a veterinarian in the turkey industry in Minnesota and California.
He and Judy are both very excited about the prospect of coming to Cannon Falls and serving Riverwood Community Church. They have enjoyed opportunities to learn about Riverwood and the quality of people and ministries that make up our church.
Mark comes with a great desire to serve the community and to communicate the uncompromising truth about Jesus Christ in ways that are engaging and practical. Both Mark and Judy enjoy mentoring and discipleship through their lives and relationships.