In addition to serving as dean of the School for Evangelism and Discipleship, Mark leads projects in support of Christian communities in restricted-access countries. Mark’s passion is to use creative solutions to provide training and serve brothers and sisters facing persecution or living in areas lacking religious freedom. Prior to their appointment as Assemblies of God world missionaries, Mark and his wife Renée pioneered a church in Washington State, where Mark also served as chaplain to the Washington State Senate. The Barclifts served for several years in the Canary Islands off the coast of North Africa, where Mark directed a residential Bible school and served as assistant superintendent of the national church. Prior to his current role, Mark served as Vice President for Information Technology and Media at Global University. 

Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature from Northwest University, a Master of Divinity degree from Gateway Theological Seminary (formerly Golden Gate Theological Baptist Seminary), a Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Exposition from California Graduate School of Theology, and a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University.