Dr. Mark Tolbert, Director of the Caskey for Church Excellence, announces his retirement.
Dr. Tolbert shared his plans for the future:
-What are your plans for retirement?
I will be retiring from my full-time position at NOBTS at the end of this academic year. My wife, Joy and I will be moving back to Arkansas, where we lived prior to coming to NOBTS. We have a home and our family waiting for us there. I plan to continue to teach as a Ministry-based faculty member. I will be on campus from time to time but will not be living on campus beginning August 2022. I will be serving churches as an Interim Pastor and will continue to promote NOBTS and the Caskey Center in every way possible.
-What are you looking forward to the most?
We are very much looking forward to being closer to our family. I have two children and five grandchildren who we hope to see often. We are looking forward to being active in our grandchildren’s lives, attending concerts, sporting events, birthdays, and holidays together. Our home overlooks the seventh fairway at the Silver Springs Country Club so Joy and I plan to play some golf. Joy and I want to travel to our state parks as well as some National Parks out west. I also want to see my National Champion Georgia Bulldogs and World Champion Atlanta Braves play at their home stadiums.
-What will you miss about NOBTS and New Orleans?
I will deeply miss the relationships and interaction with other professors, the Caskey Team, and students. This has been a wonderful season of ministry. Of course, I will miss the great food and culture of the city, but I will mostly miss the friends we have made during our time at NOBTS.
-What is your favorite memory from your time at NOBTS?
My favorite memory from my time here will be the birth and growth of the Caskey Center for Church Excellence. Serving as the Founding Director, I have seen God pour out His blessings on The Caskey Center. Because of the incredible generosity of our donors, God has used The Caskey Center to have a Kingdom impact that has been amazing. We have assisted over 700 students with a full-tuition scholarship, provided training and conferences that have nurtured and encouraged those serving in normal size Baptist churches. Last but not least, Caskey recipients have shared the gospel over 50,000 times with over 6,000 people coming to faith in Christ. I am humbled. I am grateful. God is good. To God be the glory!
We are so thankful for Dr. Tolbert’s leadership and pastor’s heart. We are praying for him and Mrs. Joy as they transition and continue to follow God’s call.
caskeycenter.com 
What a legacy you are leaving NOBTS. God bless both of you in your retirement and continued ministry. Hopefully our paths will cross again.
Brenda Westbrook
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Thank you for the impact you had on First Kenner when you served as interim pastor. We will miss your presence at the Seminary but are so happy for you as you relocate to Arkansas. Enjoy those wonderful children and grandchildren. May God’s richest blessings fall upon you!
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Congratulations! Thank you for your leadership and dedication. Best of luck!
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Congratulations!
Praying for God to continue his use of his servant. I know you will enjoy being back with your family and into your home. God has blessed what he has put your hands on and I know that memory will always be close to your house.
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Blessings on your new adventures! Families are the best. We love being near our families, but miss NOBTS.
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Thank you both for the time you served at Zoar Baptist and your input which led us to our current pastor. Best wishes in this next step in ministry. You will be missed.
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Bro. Mark, I am very happy for you and Mrs. Joy regarding your impending retirement. I am especially thankful for the time I had to serve with you at Woodland Park in Hammond. You were a tremendous support during our interim period and an invaluable asset during the pastor search process. Much love to you and Mrs. Joy in the coming years.
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We are so excited to hear about your future plans and congratulations on your retirement! We so enjoyed getting to know you and Joy when you served as our interim pastor. May God bless and provide for your future endeavors. Love y’all!
Edie and Austin Myer
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Congratulations & God bless both of you. So thankful to have been part of your life when you were at Woodland Park Baptist Church in Hammond. Enjoy yourselves & prayers for good health.
Peggy Martin
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Congratulations !!
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