By Jerry Harris
It’s very hard to put into words my feelings upon hearing of the passing of Mike Mack on Thursday, Aug. 24. I am grieving the sudden loss of a friend and coworker even as I rejoice in his being welcomed to glory.
As editor of Christian Standard since 2017, Mike was everything for the magazine that I am not. Among those strengths was gently but firmly guiding me to adhere to deadlines.
Mike was a people person. His thoughtfulness for others was beyond my abilities. He displayed great compassion for individuals and had a passionate desire to find out who they are in Christ. He often discovered this in the context of discipleship, particularly through small groups.
He had a close relationship with Jesus, and whenever he experienced adversity in life, it only drew him closer to his Lord.
When I was named publisher of Christian Standard Media in February 2017, my first hire was to select Mike as editor. It quickly was apparent to me that God’s hand was in that choice. As I made changes, Mike was a steady encourager and an honest evaluator; he provided important feedback that moved us forward. I leaned on his relationships with writers and editors, and his ability to develop and carry out new processes and procedures. He was incredibly patient with me. I will miss him greatly!
Mike died of a blood clot while on a biking adventure with four friends in the mountains of Colorado. He loved to mountain bike. But an accident while cycling in Indiana in October 2021 caused much suffering over the past two years. He severely injured his knee when he fell from his bike; he had surgery, and then complications, and more surgery. He was told he would never bike again. With incredible patience, he did the hard work to get back onto his bike, exceeding all expectations, especially for a person who was severely diabetic since childhood.
During his trip to Colorado, Mike posted pictures on Instagram of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and views. He was in his happy place. I can only imagine him trading in that scenery for heaven’s landscapes and the face of his Savior and Lord!
My prayers are with Mike’s family and his friends during this difficult time.
I’ll end these thoughts the way Mike ended his emails in recent weeks . . .
“Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.”
Jerry Harris is publisher of Christian Standard Media and teaching pastor at The Crossing, a multisite church located in three states across the Midwest.
Note: The cause of death in this article was updated.
Oh no! We worked together with Mike at a church in Boise, Idaho. Where can we send a card to Heidi please.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I just emailed the address to you. I’m sure cards addressed to Northeast Christian Church in Louisville will also get to Heidi.
I’m shocked. What a loss.
Mike Mack was not only a good friend but also a mentor to me as well. He was a selfless pioneer in small groups. Beyond his vast knowledge, he was humble, kind, generous, and thoughtful. I’m going to miss him deeply. His early impact on me was profound, and I’m not sure he realized just how many of us he mentored.
Mike’s influence on our dinner groups in Hoboken, NJ was immense. Not only did he come to speak with our leaders three times, but his book is also the one we give to every apprentice even today.
What I admired most about Mike was his genuine love for small group leaders. All of his books were specifically written for them, which is quite rare. Many authors write for pastors or share a system for general leadership. But Mike? He taught individuals how to lead directly within a group. He consistently guided leaders on how to direct their members towards Jesus and emphasized the importance of stepping back to let Jesus take the lead.
I am so sorry to hear this. Keeping his family in my prayers!
I was so sorry to read of Mike’s passing. While I never got the chance to meet Mike, he was a great friend and encourager to me as we corresponded about my preaching column. Every time I submitted my column he wrote back a word of encouragement. I’m praying for Mike’s family.
I just logged onto CS site and shocked to hear of Mike Mack’s death. Couldn’t be! I knew Mike from “back in the day” when he began writing a column on small groups for The Lookout. He served as Small Groups Minister with what is now Foothills Christian Church in Idaho, a congregation I served prior to his call there. I always appreciated Mike and his love for God and His work. May God provide the comfort needed for his family.
This breaks my heart! Mike and I knew each other through writing projects together. I never met him face to face but have had the highest regard for him! His life and ministry were conducted humbly and with integrity. What a loss for so many.
Sad and stunning news! I have talked recently with him several times about my latest writing assignments and just tried to call him earlier today while riding my bike here in Colorado! He has served nobly “with skillful hands and integrity of heart.”
Alan Ahlgrim
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. I met Mike some years ago while I was serving as editor of HORIZONS magazine. We shared ideas and a love for small groups then as well. Praying for all Mike’s family, colleagues, and friends.
I am shocked and saddened to learn this. I met Mike at Dr. Cottrell’s memorial service and learned that we shared a common love of bikes and the places they could take us. Mike had intended to ride with a group of preachers and Christian brothers on our annual Ohio River to Lake Erie bike ride this year or next, once he was sufficiently able to get back on his bike. He was a well loved and respected Christian brother who will be greatly missed.
Mike and I worked on The Enquirer, CBC’s school newspaper while we were in school together. He made it such good fun and worked with excellence. When he became editor of the CS, I was excited to see his influence for God’s kingdom. He asked me to write about the translation of the American Sign Language Bible and gave it a platform that helped to bring it to light for the greater church body. I’m saddened for Heidi and his family, but know Jesus welcoming him as a faithful servant.
Mike was a fine editor and person. He and I shared a love of biking, though he was younger than me and better at it.
He had high standards for himself and for his magazine. I enjoyed his columns, especially his humorous ones. He had a gift for honesty in his writing, a rare quality.
It doesn’t seem right for someone who is just coming into “his finest hour” to leave us, so suddenly, but maybe God had a reason for allowing it.
I have often thought that I would have preferred to die at 70, before all the bad medical stuff begins, but the sixties are some of our very best days: we are old enough to be wise, yet young enough to have the energy to achieve great things.
Goodby Mike, and thanks for all the good that you crowded into a short life. The length of a man’s life is less important than the quality of it.