Indiana, PA >> Many people know Mark Altrogge as the writer of more than 200 songs for worship, including “I’m Forever Grateful” and “I Stand in Awe.” But what some don’t know is that Mark has served as senior pastor of Lord of Life Church in Indiana, Pennsylvania, for more than 25 years. Last November Lord of Life honored Mark and his wife, Kristi, for their faithful service. Recently Larissa Whitely, who is part of Mark’s church, wrote to us about some of the many ways God has used Mark and Kristi over the years.
He used to wear bell-bottom jeans, even when they were completely out of style. For his first teaching job, he found a bunch of cheap disco clothes, complete with platform loafers. He had long hair, adored the Beatles, and played in a rock band.
Luckily for the members of Lord of Life Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, the bell bottoms and long hair are gone. But what’s not gone is the remarkable presence of their humble pastor and compassionate leader, Mark Altrogge.
In 1978 Mark was led to Indiana Christian Fellowship, a Bible study group that was meeting in a small hotel in Indiana, Pennsylvania. In 1979 Mark was approached by Brent Detwiler (now a member of the Sovereign Grace leadership team), who asked him to consider becoming a pastor of the church that was formed from the Bible study. In 1981, Mark received his ordination and joined the pastoral team. Twenty-five years later, Mark, along with his wife Kristi and five children, is still faithfully serving Lord of Life Church.
It seems an impossible task to capture even a glimpse of the ways that Mark and his family have affected the church throughout the years. Mark is not perfect or sinless, as none of us are, but God has gifted him with many attributes that together build a wonderful pastor. This man who has dedicated his life to the Lord’s work has been an example to the hundreds of people that have walked through his church’s doors. And not only has he faithfully delivered countless sermons and delivered compassionate pastoral care, but he has used his gift of music to write worship songs that are now sung in churches all over the world.
Even while it seems futile to strive to capture Mark’s legacy, 25 years cannot go unnoticed. There are many stories within the church that tell of how God has used Mark as an instrument in so many people’s lives. God’s grace and wisdom have been unfolded to the church’s members through Mark’s life. The following are but a few stories of God’s work in various members’ lives through Mark and Kristi:
“Words seem to escape us when we think of putting together a fitting tribute to Mark and Kristi’s kindness, generosity, leadership, compassion, and friendship. They have become to Maria and me more than a pastor and his wife; they have become our dear friends. Until we met Mark, we did not have a true example of how a godly pastor should lead his congregation. However, under his guidance, we know (for the first time in our lives) true godly care. We have flourished exponentially under his leadership. In fact, we have grown more in the last two years than we did in the 25 years that preceded our arrival on his doorstep where, might I add, Mark accepted us with arms wide open. The Lord has graciously used Mark and gifted him to clean our wounds. He poured out his fresh wine through Mark, so that we can once again enjoy the Lord’s presence. My entire family has been dynamically changed by his care and leadership. Our sons are delighting in God because of God's giftings through Mark, and we are all stirred in our hearts to love and serve the Lord and his people as a direct result of Mark’s influence in our lives.”
-Tony Versace
“Many people have been instrumental in helping me to know and love the Lord, but nobody more than Mark and Kristi. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be allowed to serve as Mark’s secretary for the past thirteen years. He is one of the most gifted men I have ever met, but what affects me more is his humility. I’ve observed his steady wisdom, extreme generosity, his passion and love for the Lord and this church, and his sacrificial and unconditional love for his family. He has many times made me laugh and has made the office the most fun place in the world to work. Kristi’s counsel has always pointed me toward Christ; her absolute trust is in Christ. I want to love Jesus like she loves Jesus. I want to know his sweetness like she knows his sweetness. She is one of the wisest women I know and I can’t believe I get to be her friend.”
-Kathie Kearney
“Mark has not only been my pastor for the past sixteen years, but he is also a father figure to me. I have had the privilege of growing up with his children, specifically Beth who is like a sister to me, and have been affected by the way he so humbly leads, cares for, and provides for his family. When I would stay at his house during my mom’s workdays for homeschooling, I had so much fun hanging out with his family. It was at his house that I first began to like coffee after drinking the amazing coffee coolers he would make for us! When he would come home for lunch, his servant’s heart was evident, and everyone was always so excited to see him. Often, he would take his kids out to lunch, and bring me along without a second thought. Growing up in a home with a single mom, it has been a great blessing to have such a godly male figure in my life. His care for my mom and me over the years will have an eternal impact.
"Kristi is a walking example of a godly wife and mother. Her humility, submissive spirit, servant’s heart, selflessness, and wisdom are such an example to me. Her diligent care and tender love for her children are obvious. My mom and I have had the benefit of seeking wisdom from her on many occasions, and this has affected the decisions I make today. She is not only a great friend of her children, but to all of us in this church.”
-Sarah Kearney
The members of Lord of Life Church have indeed been blessed by Mark’s faithfulness and wisdom. May he and his family continue to walk in the ways of the Lord and delight in his presence.
Larissa Whitely
He used to wear bell-bottom jeans, even when they were completely out of style. For his first teaching job, he found a bunch of cheap disco clothes, complete with platform loafers. He had long hair, adored the Beatles, and played in a rock band.
