Hello, and thank you for visiting my page.
I am Mark Byron Claiborne, an experienced gospel singer, evangelist, master of ceremonies, occasional preacher, and part-time comedian.
Since I was a junior in high school, I have been winning souls to Jesus by the power of His Holy Spirit and calling. I began as a trained helper at a Billy Graham "I Found It!" crusade. Although I have performed in front of large crowds since the age of four—more on that later—what I am most proud of in the Lord is my involvement in one-on-one evangelism, an Easter play I wrote, a nine-day tent meeting revival the Lord called me to organize, and my preaching whenever given the opportunity.
That said, my primary gifting and deepest passion is as a gospel singer, specifically a very low bass singer. I was blessed to be born into a Southern gospel singing family, as my father was the bass singer for the then-famous Claiborne Brothers Quartet. I was first put on stage in 1964 at the age of four at the Hollywood Bowl, where I sang all four verses of "Jesus Loves Me" loud and proud, just like my daddy taught me. Oh, how I miss those days and that man!
From those early days, I went on to found and manage various Southern gospel quartets and trios throughout high school and while raising my family. Several groups I have been part of recorded CDs that many people still listen to and are blessed by. This is incredibly rewarding and a blessing to me! One of my groups, the "New Covenant Quartet," produced multiple CD albums and, at our height, shared a joint concert with the "Gold City" quartet. This concert was also the second date for my wife Sherri and me, where we truly fell in love under Jesus' watchful eye and blessings. All these years later, she remains my sweetheart and God-sent angel.
Fast forward to today, I am happily performing solo concerts, filling the pulpit for vacationing or ill pastors (I am not gifted or called to be a full-time pastor), sharing the wonderful news of Jesus wherever I can, and riding Harleys with my awesome wife.
I am available for any of these roles as well as a professional master of ceremonies, with substantial radio and television experience. I have done interviews, voice-overs, commercials, and more. So, if your church, ministry, or special event needs an MC, preacher, speaker, or special guest singer, I hope you will consider me. However, for me to accept, it is not a matter of money but that your work or church is a Bible-believing and preaching evangelical church that adheres to the Nicene (Apostles') Creed.
No exceptions.
My greatest hope is to join another Southern gospel quartet or a trio that wishes to become a quartet. Ideally, I would like to fill in as a bass singer for a group with a temporary need due to illness, unexpected death, or other emergencies, even if only for a recording or special event.
In this vein, it does not matter to me whether you are a super popular nationally touring group or a small-town quartet. Financial considerations are of no concern, as God has blessed me abundantly. I'll happily sing for free as I always have. I just want to preach Jesus with my gift, bless the saints in His name, and sing!
This same idea applies to smaller churches and ministries around the country. I do not care how big or small you are or if you can pay me anything. My only desire is to preach Jesus in word and song, glorifying His name, leading the lost to a saving relationship, and building up believers with powerful truths from God's Word as well as apologetics.
I hope to hear from you!
In Jesus' name, the XXL bass singer and preacher,
Mark Claiborne