After meeting as seniors in High School, Mark and Lu married upon completion of their junior year of college. Both were raised in church-going families but didn’t become Christ followers until their first year of college. Significant involvement with The Navigators and Cru led them to pursue vocational ministry. Mark graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1979.

Lu and Mark are the proud parents of 4 married children – 2 sons and 2 daughters, who have given them 16 grandkids, ages 7-20. Three daughters await Mark and Lu; having gone to heaven within hours of being born. They have weathered quite a bit of difficulty and challenges in life. Mark was diagnosed with severe heart disease at age 34 and for 35 years they have navigated multiple procedures and surgeries. God has preserved Mark’s health and the Normans are enjoying a fully engaged retirement. They love hanging out with their family, riding their motorcycle, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, encouraging a host of new neighbors to take their next step with God, and cheering a wide circle of friends to finish strong.

After serving in pastorates in Syracuse and New Hampshire, Mark accepted a call at Grace Community Church in 1990 and served as Lead Pastor until he retired in 2016. In a remarkable demonstration of God’s grace, the church grew from 150 to nearly 5000. Mark’s greatest joy was creating and leading an all-star staff to impact central Maryland and the world. Lu led an ever-growing Women’s ministry for 25 years. Mark’s commitment to evangelism and discipleship has kept him close to a number of parachurch ministries. He’s been involved with SEARCH Ministries for over 20 years and currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

Each of Mark and Lu’s kids are making huge Kingdom contributions – two serving as pastors. SIX31 is really a family-wide Norman enterprise to support the leaders of the local church – the hope of the world.