John Mark Burns is an American evangelical minister, televangelist, and political figure based in South Carolina. Born on September 21, 1979, he rose to national prominence during the 2016 United States presidential election as an outspoken religious advocate for Donald Trump. Over the years, his trajectory has spanned local ministry, Christian broadcasting, and multiple congressional campaigns, making him a polarizing fixture at the intersection of modern American faith and conservative politics.
Understanding his background requires looking past superficial internet summaries to examine his actual roots, his television networks, his family, and the controversies that have followed his public career. This profile breaks down his origins, his alignment with national political movements, and what his career reveals about the evolving role of faith leaders in public life.
Early Life and Education
Mark Burns was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. Before establishing himself as a fixture in religious media, his early working life included standard service jobs, such as working at a local McDonald's.
His higher education path involved multiple institutions across South Carolina. He briefly attended Southern Wesleyan University, transitioned to Tri-County Technical College, and later enrolled at North Greenville University for a single semester before leaving without a degree.
In 2016, media scrutiny—notably from CNN—revealed discrepancies between his public biography and his actual academic and military history. Burns initially blamed website hacks for claims that he held a bachelor's degree from North Greenville University and served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He later took public responsibility, admitting he overstated those credentials. He clarified that his military service consisted of time spent in the South Carolina Army National Guard from 2001 to 2005 rather than the federal Army Reserve.
Religious Career and Televangelism
Burns transitioned from traditional local ministry into broader media platforms. He founded the Harvest Praise & Worship Center, a church based in Easley, South Carolina. Seeking a wider audience for his preaching and motivational messaging, he co-founded the NOW Television Network, a Christian broadcast network designed to air faith-based programming, talk shows, and revival services.
Televangelism allowed Burns to project his energetic preaching style beyond his physical congregation. His sermons typically blend traditional charismatic Christian rhetoric with populist cultural themes, focusing heavily on personal redemption, spiritual revival, and the moral responsibilities of believers in civic spaces.
Political Rise and Congressional Campaigns
Burns entered the national political spotlight in 2016 when he emerged as one of Donald Trump's most visible evangelical surrogates. Media outlets like Time magazine dubbed him "Donald Trump's Top Pastor," highlighting his role in reaching out to Black voters and conservative Christians. He delivered an introductory prayer at the 2016 Republican National Convention, cementing his status within the national conservative ecosystem. By 2023, he served as a board member for the advocacy group Pastors for Trump.
Building on his profile, Burns launched multiple bids for public office in South Carolina:
- 2018 U.S. House Election: Burns ran in the Republican primary for South Carolina's 4th congressional district to succeed retiring Representative Trey Gowdy, securing about 2.5% of the vote.
- 2022 U.S. House Election: He mounted a primary challenge against incumbent Representative William Timmons in the same 4th district, improving his standing to capture roughly 23.8% of the vote.
- 2024 U.S. House Election: Shifting his focus to South Carolina's 3rd congressional district, Burns finished first in a crowded Republican primary with 33.2% of the vote. Because he did not clear the 50% threshold, he advanced to a runoff against nurse practitioner Sheri Biggs, who narrowly defeated him.
Throughout these campaigns, his platform centered on securing borders, championing second amendment rights, reducing federal spending, and opposing progressive curricula or diversity initiatives in public education.
Family and Personal Life
Mark Burns has experienced a blended family structure. He was previously married to Tomarra Burns, with whom he shares two children. In total, his family includes five children, incorporating children from previous relationships. Details regarding his domestic life are generally kept separate from his daily broadcast obligations, though he occasionally references his children and family values during pastoral addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Pastor Mark Burns?
Mark Burns was born on September 21, 1979. He is 46 years old.
What church does Mark Burns lead?
He is the pastor and founder of the Harvest Praise & Worship Center located in Easley, South Carolina.
What is the NOW Television Network?
It is a Christian television network co-founded by Burns that broadcasts religious programs, talk shows, and faith-based media content to viewers.
Has Mark Burns ever held public office?
No. While he has run for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina multiple times (in 2018, 2022, and 2024), he has not won a general election or primary runoff for congressional office. You can track historical election filings and details via Ballotpedia.
Did Mark Burns serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the South Carolina Army National Guard from 2001 to 2005, though he previously misstated the length and branch of his service on past campaign biographies. For official government data and legislative tracking, consult public records via Congress.gov.
