John Mark Caton | Senior Pastor | Cottonwood Creek Church

Senior pastor of the thriving Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, Texas, Dr. John Mark Caton’s ministry inspires believers through their challenges and struggles to live a purposeful life in God. With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University, a Master of Theology from Criswell College, a Master of Divinity in Biblical Languages and a Ph.D. from Southwestern Seminary, his message springs from a strong theological foundation.

As an author, John Mark Caton’s books build upon his life experiences and biblical knowledge to explore various topics including marriage, mental health, successful Christian living, and depression and suicide. With over 30 years of marriage, his book Preventing Marital Breakdown helps new and seasoned couples design a marriage for success. Building Blocks of Faith explains the fundamental doctrines of the faith in a simple, understandable manner. Rebuilding a Life that Matters based on the Book of Nehemiah, helps readers rise from the rubble of difficult life experiences to construct a life on the solid principles of a relationship with Christ.
Last Call—Suicide: An Unfinished Life, offered as a free resource to help individuals and their families navigate depression, is based on Caton’s personal experience after losing his brother to suicide. “Although suicide ranks low on the list of books I would prefer to write, it consistently ranks high as a leading cause of death in the United States,” said Caton. “My personal experience of the pain associated with losing a loved one from suicide compels me to write as I join many others on the healing journey.”

In addition to his pastoral ministry at Cottonwood Creek Church and the John Mark Caton Podcast, Caton has spoken on Fox News, the Men’s Bible Study Podcast, Denison Forum and other local and national outlets. His devotional teaching, “Not Alone: Choosing Faith over Fear during Cancer” is available on Right Now Media.

John Mark has led Cottonwood Creek Church, as its senior pastor since 1995. A dedicated father, passionate sports fan, and long-time pastor, he and his wife Jeana have been married since 1990 and have four children. They reside in McKinney, Texas.

“There are times in our lives when we feel like things can’t get any worse. In these low points, it’s important to remember that your life always has purpose—the God of the universe always has a plan for you.” —John Mark Caton, Ph.D.