Rev. Mark England
Interim Pastor
Pastor Mark England serves our community as Interim Pastor, bringing a deep commitment to discipleship and leadership. He previously served as Interim Lead Pastor at Living Word Lutheran Church (2023-2025) and held various pastoral roles at Kinsmen Lutheran Church in Houston from 2008-2023, including Pastor of Discipleship and Pastor of Youth and Family. His ministry journey began at Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richmond, Virginia (1999-2008).
A graduate of Baylor University (Bachelor of Science, Education) and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Pastor Mark is passionate about helping people live lives shaped by Jesus. He has received training in intentional interim ministry. He is also trained in areas such as constructive communication, mediation skills, coaching, and leadership in healthy congregations.
Pastor Mark grew up in Houston and is a husband to Sheri, father to Abby, and walker of Otis. He likes to run and laugh a lot.
Drew Balog
Director of Music and Worship
Drew was born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, and moved to Texas in 1989.
He has been involved in church music for over 35 years, and has played in jazz big bands, and several genres of original and club music.
At Grace Lutheran Church, he is responsible for the choir, handbells, special music, and soloists. He also serves as organist and accompanist and is responsible for all music selection.
His wife Micki is also a church musician. They have been married for 30+ years and have three grown children.
In addition to music, he enjoys photography, woodworking, gardening, and bicycling.
Our History and our ELCA Affiliation
About Grace Lutheran Church
Founded in 1979, Grace is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), located north of Houston near beautiful Lake Conroe. Marked with the cross of Christ, we believe that God has called us to proclaim the good news and to live the Grace of God.
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. The ELCA is built around a strong belief as made known to us in Jesus Christ. With nearly 10,500 congregations across the U. S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, and nearly 5 million members, the ELCA works to put faith into action. In today’s complex world, ELCA families strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.
