Mark Waltz and Radical Acceptance in Relationship

Mark Waltz is a coach, speaker, and pastor who helps “broken people be connected to God’s unconditional love, his hope, and his healing.” Today, he shares the story of how he got there. Mark shares the stories of dealing with shame through trying to be perfect, the moment he vented his anger at God, and the love he found in others. Mark’s vulnerability is a calling only one who grasps his own belovedness by the Father can have. And I hope it spurs you to share more deeply in your relationships, too.

Please listen and share with a friend!

Stories Mark shared:

• Growing up in a fundamentalist environment headed to church three times a week (or when the doors were open)
• Noticing joy in Christians from other churches
• Dealing with sexual abuse at the hands of his father by trying to be perfect
• The moment when shame almost overwhelmed him and he spent 11 days in a psychological ward
• The phone call from student’s parent that showed him what it’s like to love without agenda
• How he thought about God before, during, and after his depression
• The moment he vented his anger at God and how he felt God’s love after
• The love his wife showed him
• Why we have to start looking at ourselves differently
• His passion for helping churches become more accepting and caring

Great quotes from Mark:

It was years into adulthood before I realized I was a recovering Pharisee.

We can’t experience radical acceptance or grace outside of relationship.

Sometimes we discount the power, beauty, and relationship through which we encounter God’s grace.

My life is all about helping broken people be connected to God’s unconditional love, his hope, and his healing.

Resources Mark mentioned:

• Because People Matter – Mark’s life plan coaching and speaking business
• How to Wow Your Church Guests by Mark Waltz
• First Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences in Your Church by Mark Waltz
• Lasting Impressions: From Visiting to Belonging by Mark Waltz