Mark Worley won “the prize for which God has called” him “heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14) on August 24, 2022, over 68 years from his birth on October 23, 1953.
He served his Lord faithfully for over 50 years, a self-described “long-haired hippy radical” who was transformed by the grace of Christ. Though Mark grew up in a faithful Christian family, his late teenage years were full of doubt, rebellion, and the exploration of ideas and thinking far afield from the Christian faith. But because of an encounter with Jesus Christ and His Word, mostly through the faithful men and women at Dallas Christian College, he took hold of “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) and never looked back.
Of the years spent serving Christ and his Church, 41 were at his alma mater, Dallas Christian College. He devoted his time and energy to teaching, mentoring, discipling, and leading thousands of students, faculty, and staff. He served in many capacities, including Director of Admissions, Vice President of Student Development, Interim President (3 different times), and Vice President of Advancement. He has made an immeasurable impact on the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and churches associated with DCC.
His greatest honor and achievement, however, is that he and his fellow faithful servant and wife, Caroline, have raised three children (Kyle, Zach, and Aimee) in the faith (all DCC alumni), who are honoring their legacy by raising their children in the faith and serving Christ in various areas of ministry.
Truly, Mark considered all his “gains . . . loss for the sake of Christ . . . because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ” his “Lord.” (Phil. 3:7-8) He has experienced countless joys, as well as sufferings and trials, in the service to his Lord. But, he pressed on “to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of” him. (Phil. 3:12)
We look forward to the day when all of those in Christ will be reunited in eternity. Until then, find hope and joy in the words Mark heard upon entering his rest: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:23)
