Team

Mark Lawrence was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised by his grandmother, in Saint Thomas. He has many childhood memories of and tributes his value system to her. She guided him on the path to loving and revering God. This led him to accept Jesus as his personal Saviour at the age of twelve. In tough times, Pastor Lawrence’s faith in Jesus Christ and favourite Scriptures drive him to maintain his communion with God, to keep him fueled. His life’s verse is Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

As a young boy, Mark migrated to Canada with his siblings, and continued his faith journey. He later married Sylvia Akin, raised two beautiful daughters, Shannon and Savanna; and in 2019, welcomed his first grandchild, Noah, into the family.

Over the years, Pastor Lawrence ministered in a variety of ways in the church. He held the role of Youth Pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church in Scarborough, Ontario and North Park Worship Centre in Brampton, Ontario, from 1991-1993. Pastor Lawrence mentored the next generation of youth to prepare them for leadership roles and the dynamics of ministry, and continues to do so today. He became the face of North Park for visitors and new members, as he connected with and encouraged them in their newfound faith. His long-running, in-depth discipleship class (2006-2014) led to the transformation and spiritual maturation of many young converts. Pastor Lawrence’s ministry in action, led to a collaboration which resulted in the creation of Freedom Community Ministry (FCM). FCM empowered young men in the church, to reach out to and impact the lives of Young Offenders. The team supported these young offenders as they reintegrated into their communities.

Pastor Lawrence is the Director of the Community Outreach Ministry, which has formed partnerships with many other churches and local agencies in an effort to impact the most vulnerable in Brampton. This ministry endeavours to enhance the lives of seniors, and those who experience food, economic, and housing insecurities. His passion for the seniors at North Park, led to a shift in how we minister to them. He formed small groups, whose leaders were specifically trained in methods of encouraging and supporting the seniors in an intentional and sustained way.

During the 2019-2020 academic year, Pastor Lawrence was the Principal at Maranatha Christian Academy (MCA), a ministry of North Park. As the spiritual leader of the school, he led the staff in daily devotions and provided counsel to students, as needed. Additionally, he supported staff, parents and the student body to ensure the smooth operation of the school. He helped MCA maintain its core principle of providing quality Christian Education in Brampton.

Mark Lawrence is employed as a Youth Worker. He helps to empower young men involved in the justice system, teaches them life-skills and encourages them to take positive paths, for change, in the present and future. His perspective stems from his belief that God can and does change lives, and that every day presents new opportunities for change.

Currently, he faithfully serves as the Pastor at North Park Worship Centre, with the support of his wife, Sylvia. Additionally, his family has been a blessing to North Park. We have experienced their ministering, particularly in the areas of prayer and worship.

Pastor Lawrence is an avid reader and loves learning. He also has a passion for his community and a drive for studying and teaching the Word of God. He is a keen student of the Word and a life-long learner. When not engaged in ministry, Pastor Lawrence may be found watching sports and cheering for his favorite team.

North Park Worship Centre is blessed to have him, along with Pastor Fitzroy Matthews, at the helm of its Pastoral Team.