What is an influencer? Simply put, it is one who wields influence, no social media account needed. They are the people, be they civil leaders, CEOs, or media personalities, who see something they want to do and have the skills, reputation, and willpower to make sure it gets done. They are the movers and shakers, the leaders who shape the future of our state.
Arkansas Money and Politics is proud to honor this year’s influencers.
2023 Influencer: Mark Evans, The Church at Rock Creek
How did your education prepare you for your career?
My education was less about what I learned and more about who I got to know. My classes at Ouachita Baptist University helped me tremendously when it came to learning how to study the Bible and languages, but the people I crossed paths with helped me open doors, dream big and take steps of faith.
What’s an alternate path you could have taken, had things worked out differently?
Out of high school, I planned to go to law school and pursue politics. I got a great job after high school working for Arkansas Secretary of State Paul Riviere. I thought I was set for a career in politics, but God had something else in mind.
Who were your mentors or inspirations?
As a student at OBU, I worked as a youth pastor for Dr. Dale Cowling. He had retired as the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Little Rock and was pastoring a little country church in southwest Arkansas. He taught me how to think outside the box and have big faith in God. I’ve never gotten over that. I still work hard to imagine how God can use me and trust that He can do anything.
What is your leadership style?
I’m very much a visionary leader. You have got to be able to communicate what you want to do and where you are taking the people. I also love to give team members the freedom to do their job and pursue their dreams.
What has been the most challenging part of your work? The most rewarding?
Most challenging: keeping people working toward common goals and purposes and loving each other as they are. Most rewarding: watching someone’s life change because they have experienced being loved by God and others.
