Mark Powell brings a unique combination of business leadership, theological insight and Christian apologetics. Perhaps best known as the former CEO of The Warehouse Group, Mark spent five years leading one of New Zealand’s most recognisable retail businesses. During his time in the role, he became known for challenging conventional business practices, questioning executive salaries, increasing frontline staff pay and making decisions guided by his convictions.
Beyond his business career, Mark has developed a deep passion for helping people understand the Christian faith and why it is reasonable to believe. He holds a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics from Biola University and a Bachelor of Applied Theology from Carey Baptist College.
Mark has served as a lecturer in contemporary apologetics at Carey Baptist College and has been involved with Thinking Matters as a former board member and Director of Ministry Development. He now continues to support the ministry as an advisor, ambassador and speaker.
He also serves in pastoral ministry at Whangaparāoa Baptist Church, combining his experience in business with his commitment to equipping Christians to engage thoughtfully with the questions and challenges of the modern world.
Mark is passionate about helping Christians develop a confident faith – knowing not only what they believe, but why they believe it.
1. Why I Believe in God
A compelling overview of the reasons for believing in the Christian God. Mark explores the evidence for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, drawing on philosophy, science, history and personal experience.
2. Reality Matters: How Do We Know What’s True?
What is reality, and how can we know what is true? Explore three competing worldviews – classical Christianity, philosophical naturalism and postmodern relativism – and how they shape the way we understand the world.
3. Science vs Scientism: Is Faith Blind?
Is science the only reliable way to know anything? Mark unpacks the difference between science and scientism, showing why Christian faith is not blind belief but a reasoned trust grounded in knowledge.
4. Jesus: The Way, the Truth and the Life
Was Jesus simply a good teacher, or was he God revealed? Explore the philosophical, historical, scientific and personal evidence for the identity of Jesus and why his claims demand a response.
5. Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The resurrection stands at the centre of Christianity. Mark examines the historical evidence and considers which explanation best accounts for the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection.
6. The Problem of Evil: Does Suffering Disprove God?
Why would a good and powerful God allow suffering? Mark tackles one of the most challenging questions facing Christianity, exploring how the existence of evil and our recognition of injustice can actually point towards God.
7. Can We Know Right from Wrong?
Are morality, justice and goodness simply social conventions, or are they grounded in something greater? Mark explores the foundations of moral principles and their implications for the Christian worldview.
8. Why Trust the Bible?
Can we trust the Bible as God’s revelation? Mark explores the philosophical, historical and experiential reasons for believing Scripture is inspired and authoritative, alongside practical principles for interpreting it.
9. Answering Difficult Questions: The Way Jesus Did
How should Christians respond when confronted with challenging or seemingly impossible questions? Looking at the way Jesus handled difficult conversations, Mark explores how to respond with both conviction and grace.
10. Is Christianity Intolerant? Understanding Postmodern Relativism
Why has Christianity become increasingly controversial in a culture that celebrates tolerance and individual truth? Mark explores postmodern relativism and the assumptions behind many contemporary challenges to Christian belief.
Book Mark for Your Next Event
Looking for a speaker who can bring together faith, reason and real-world experience? Mark Powell offers a distinctive perspective, combining years of senior business leadership with extensive theological and apologetics training. As the former CEO of The Warehouse Group and a qualified Christian apologist, Mark brings practical insight and intellectual depth to some of life's biggest questions. Whether exploring the evidence for God's existence, the reliability of the Bible, the problem of evil or how Christians can engage with scepticism, Mark equips audiences to think more deeply, ask better questions and develop a confident faith. Available for church services, conferences, seminars and leadership events.
Mark's Quotes
