Senior Pastor
We are currently searching for a full-time Senior Pastor, but have been very blessed with the interim pastors God sent our way!

Zion Church welcomes Mark Olson, Interim Pastor

Hello Zion Church Family! I am Mark Olson: a native New Mexican, born in 1957 in Albuquerque and raised in Santa Fe. I grew up going to church but not knowing Christ. Gratefully, I placed my trust in Christ, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, at a Billy Graham Crusade when I was 18. Shortly thereafter, I joined the US Army where God providentially introduced me to the Navigator Ministry (a discipleship ministry like CRU). It was there that I grew in my faith. After 3 years in the military, I went to New Mexico State University where I continued with the Navigators and met the love of my life, Teri. We married our senior year and both graduated from NMSU with Bachelor degrees in Business Administration.

Upon graduation, we stayed in Las Cruces where I worked at a Federal Credit Union. Several years later, I was accepted into the Las Cruces Fire Department, where I stayed for 20 years to retirement. As a firefighter, I was able to procure side jobs with my 24/48 work schedule. One of which was starting a small trash hauling business. It grew to be the second largest in the county in the 25 years I owned and operated it. Having recently sold my business, I am officially “retired” and ready for some adventure.

Teri and I have raised four wonderful children: Luke, Matthew, Heidi, and Jenae. We are blessed to have two terrific daughters in law, Marissa and Meghan. And we have seven super grandkids: Acey, Mayah, Cross, Merrick, Brady, Charlotte, and Audrey. For recreation, I enjoy being out in God’s creation – riding my bike, hiking, backpacking, or even working. Swimming is also a favorite pastime. And, I’m always up for learning something new!

I have served in the church in many capacities in my almost 50 years as a Christian. I am excited to be involved in whatever God is doing! Leading Sunday school, small groups, substitute preaching, as well as one-on-one discipleship are a few of the ways the Lord has allowed me to serve. I love God and learning from His Word- which never ceases to amaze and puzzle me! God’s people are one of His tools to help me grow. We need each other. For the work He has done on my behalf, to rescue me and make me right before the Father, I am so very grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ.

I look forward to growing together with the saints here at Zion! As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17. Thank you all for this privilege!
Mark