THE BIBLE GEEK

About

Mark Hart serves as the CIO (Chief Innovation Officer) of Life Teen International, a Catholic youth ministry movement active in 29 countries and nearly 2,000 parishes worldwide. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a 31-year veteran of youth ministry, Mark is a bestselling author of over two dozen books, an award-winning producer and media personality, and one of the most sought-after speakers serving in the Catholic Church today. He addresses thousands of souls each year, helping others to recognize God at work in everyday life with his trademark clarity, quick-witted humor, and unrivaled passion.

Mark’s DVD study series – including Altaration, Venture, and Encounter – are utilized in homes, youth groups, and classrooms across the globe as a way for millions of Catholics of all ages to engage with the Bible. His video and audio work and resources on the Sunday readings are seen, heard, and read in parishes and dioceses internationally. In addition to sitting on multiple diocesan and ministry boards, Mark is a teacher, mentor, and Research Fellow for the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He and his beautiful wife, Melanie, have three daughters – Hope, Trinity, and Faith – and one son, Josiah. They live in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Learn the Bible with Mark Hart

Check out Mark’s study series and books with Ascension Press for Catholics middle school age and up.

Explore Encounter, Venture, Altaration, Invited, and The 99 for your parish, self, family, or small group.




Staying Rooted in the Catholic Faith

Jim and Meghan Schubert of Modern Catholic Family welcome Mark Hart to share the story behind Encounter and why it’s helping middle schoolers discover the beauty of Scripture. Mark also opens up about his own conversion, 30 years in youth ministry, and the simple ways parents can lead their kids in faith with confidence and joy.




Embracing Marriage & Ministry with Mark & Melanie Hart

Mark and Melanie Hart join Amy Morgan with The Marriage Initiative to share their understanding of holy, happy marriages as a reflection of God’s sacrificial love.




Conversation with Cardinal Dolan - Life Teen Catholic Teen Bible

Mark Hart joins “Conversation with Cardinal Dolan” to talk about the Life Teen Catholic Teen Bible, New Edition.




Godsplaining - Encounter, The Bible Timeline for Middle School

Mark Hart joins the Dominican friars of the Province of St. Joseph for “Guestsplaining”, a Godsplaining podcast episode on evangelization, youth ministry, and bringing middle schoolers to Christ.




Latest Books

A Quick Word is an invitation to un-complicate your relationship with Scripture — and to jump back into it whenever you find yourself with a brief opening in your schedule to relax, reflect, and pray. Drawing from each of the four Gospels, the micro studies in “A Quick Word” are based on some facet of Jesus’ identity, mission, teachings, and the relationship he wants to have with you. Twenty micro studies. Twenty minutes each. No excuses. Strike the match and let the Spirit of God burn fresh in your mind and heart. Sometimes it only takes a minute to hear the Lord’s voice.

Purchase your copy of A Quick Word here through the Life Teen Store.




In Next Level, young Catholic men are challenged to “up their game” and fulfill the mission and role God has designed uniquely for them in middle and high school. Husband, father, and youth ministry veteran Mark Hart inspires them to live out this stage of their lives on a whole new level. Through a collection of brief topics, he shares advice and practical wisdom with compassion and conviction. Each page is a mini spiritual workout intended to unleash the best that every young man has to offer the world.

Purchase your copy of Next Level here through the Life Teen Store.




God Speaks: A Personal Retreat with Jesus is an invitation to develop a deep, prayerful relationship with Jesus. This little book will help you press pause on the busyness of life and hear the voice of God speaking directly to you. Carefully chosen Scriptures, real life stories, personal video reflections, and guided prayers will help you fully encounter God and hear his voice.

Purchase your copy of God Speaks here through The Word Among Us.




From the humility of Abel, who offered his generous sacrifice to God, to the bravery of Esther, who risked her life to save the Jewish people, this book brings biblical figures to life in an engaging and personal way, showing teens how they were made to live. Through relatable anecdotes and vibrant illustrations, readers will discover the triumphs and challenges of individuals who devoted their lives to God, and see how they can do the same.

Purchase your copy of Biblical Heroes here through Ascension Press.




The new edition of the Life Teen Catholic Teen Bible (2025) contains the entirety of Sacred Scripture, undisrupted but bookended with original supplementary content written by Mark Hart. It is designed to draw you into the beauty, richness, and power of God’s Word. This Catholic youth bible for teens has captivating artwork, relevant insights, practical tips, and words of encouragement that will both inspire you to make a habit of reading Scripture and to allow the eternal voice of truth to guide you above all others.

Purchase your copy of the Life Teen Bible, New Edition here through the Life Teen Store.




Videos

Bible Refresher

The Bible’s big picture, along with a uniquely Catholic approach to the Scriptures


Posts

Few saints enjoy the kind of “rock star” status that St. Francis of Assisi has. Since his death in 1226, many souls have been challenged by his holy example and countless gardens have displayed statues in his honor. It is kind of ironic, if you think about it … there is St. Francis, known for his love of animals, now serving as a target for pigeons everywhere. Still, Francis was so humble even he probably would have thought it was funny.

We all have a unique mission on earth. Because this mission is not always easy to discern, we must get to know the heart of Christ and listen to His plan for us. How do we do this? We go straight to His words in the Bible.

Mark and Melanie recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. “Marriage is one of God’s most beautiful gifts and is intended to bless us, fulfill us, and give us a path to sanctity. Understanding what true love entails and how grace works to overcome our wounded human nature is the key to a holy, happy, and passionate marriage.”

“I picked up Ascension Press’ recent release Biblical Heroes because it looked like a meaningful, yet practical way to start each homeschool day with my kids ages 6–16. Between its bite-sized chapters and the many thoughtful discussion questions sprinkled throughout the text based on thirteen scriptural heroes such as Abel, David and Esther, I could tell it would be a huge hit with my family. And I was right.”

Shop

Interested in purchasing one of Mark’s best-selling books, audio CDs, Bible Study or Mass curriculum? Browse (and purchase) all or one of his many titles below!

Inspired: A Bible Companion for Teens

Perhaps it’s a part of your daily routine, or maybe you’ve never cracked open the Word of God, thinking it’s too old, too heavy, or too outdated. Nevertheless, this companion will help you navigate this big, heavy, and not the least bit outdated book. With explanations about its reliability and organization, as well as a… View More

Ascend

It is a warm, summer Sunday morning. The priest asks the congregation to be seated and Phyllis approaches the ambo to proclaim the Word of God. Your eyes get heavy. You think about how late you stayed up playing video games last night. “It would be easier to pay attention if this part of Mass… View More

100 Saints Every Teen Should Know

And That’s Just the Tip of the Iceberg There are thousands of saints, including those who are recognized by the Church and those who lived saintly lives but do not have the official title. With so many holy men and women, it is difficult to narrow down the list, as they have all impacted the… View More

100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know

Do you ever wish for short, simple answers to what the Catholic Church teaches and why we claim it as truth? Let 100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know help. You won’t get long, boring answers that confuse; you will get quick, straight answers that enlighten, rooted in 100% Catholic truth. On top of all… View More

Altaration – DVD

The Mass as Teens Have Never Seen it Before Altaration addresses head-on one of the biggest problems we all face: how do we get Catholic teens to appreciate the awesome beauty and mystery of the Mass…and to actually look forward to attending and participating? Through a unique learning experience, including powerful cinematography and workbook resources,… View More

Altaration – Leader’s Guide

The Mass as Teens Have Never Seen it Before Altaration addresses head-on one of the biggest problems we all face: how do we get Catholic teens to appreciate the awesome beauty and mystery of the Mass…and to actually look forward to attending and participating? Through a unique learning experience, including powerful cinematography and workbook resources,… View More

CONTACT

Mark is happy to accept an invitation to speak at your event. To submit a request, click . We review and accept events once a month. To connect with Mark, you can reach him via Facebook, Instagram, X, or Email.

Super Coffee 'n Donuts

It’s Sunday morning – peaceful, relaxed, and calm, right? Wrong!

Your local parish has been besieged by the unspeakable evil that is mild hunger and thirst. The parishioners, having skipped breakfast and fresh out of Mass, want just one thing… well, maybe two things. Coffee and donuts. And since your mom “volunteered” you to help out after church, you’re the only thing standing in their way.