Mark Phifer-Houseman Staff Profile
Mark Phifer-Houseman recently joined the staff of The River in a part-time role as the Pastor of Leadership Development. Mark’s role is to equip the staff and lead the church in a vision process. He brings over twenty years of experience as a campus minister and Spiritual Director. Mark received his Masters in Leadership Development from Fuller Theological Seminary and has been married to his wife Gayll (herself a campus minister, retreat director, and speaker) since 1985. In 2003, they adopted four siblings from post-civil war Ethiopia. They and their four children (Ephrem (21), Meheretab (17), Yodit (15), and Beti (13)) live in Cupertino.
One of the most shaping experiences of Mark’s life has been his thirteen year battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). At its worst, this debilitating condition forced Mark to withdraw from active ministry for an extended season. Spiritually, it transformed Mark from an achievement-oriented doer to one who treasures the contemplative soaking of Jesus’ presence. By the grace of God, Mark has felt a significant return to health over the past year.
Mark attended The River at its inception, and returned to The River two years ago when the Phifer-Houseman’s returned to the Bay Area after living in the Central Coast for five years. He loves that The River is seeking to bring integration to the sometimes disparate streams of Union, Mission, and Healing and feels called to help The River find full health and wholeness.
Outside of work, you can find Mark hanging out with his family, playing with his dog, Steamer.