Mark Soderquist

Pastor Westlawn Gospel Chapel

Mark Soderquist is Administrative Pastor of Westlawn Gospel Chapel on the west side of Chicago, where he and his family have lived since 1990. Mark is a graduate of Taylor University (Business Systems, ‘80) and Wheaton College Graduate School (Intercultural Studies,‘88). After employment at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, he worked with Operation Mobilization for five years, in England and the Indian sub-continent.

 

Mark founded Urban & Ethnic Ministries in 1990 under the umbrella of International Teams. As Executive Director for over twenty years, he led the mobilizing and training of teams to live in underserved urban neighborhoods and partner with existing local churches. After beginning in Chicago, teams were developed in six other major US cities, partnering with African-American, Latino, and Asian churches.

 

Mark’s international and urban experience has led to speaking and consulting about race, diversity, justice, poverty, economic development and the Church’s role in the context of the city. He also serves on several Non-Profit boards, including President of Westlawn Youth Network, and President of the Soderquist Family Foundation.