Handling Bulls Is Circle Cross Minister’s Forte J. Mark’s passion for bullfighting is borne from his passion for God’s word. by Elizabeth Emmons J. Mark Wilson is a man who practices what he preaches. A rodeo clown or “cowboy lifesaver,” J Mark, as he’s known by friends, was named the 2005 International Professional Rodeo Association Showcase Champion Bullfighter. J Mark also developed a basic bullfighter manual for his Rafter V Rodeo School. He teaches bullfighting in many locations across the country. On the weekends you’ll find him “saving the bacon when the kitchen’s on fire,” as some describe bullfighting. But during the week it’s another story, or rather, the other side of the same story. J Mark is the pastor of Circle Cross Cowboy Church, a congregation of rodeo and equine enthusiasts that meets weekly in Cordova, Tennessee. His ministry and his bullfighting go together like hand and glove and bull rope. For years J Mark pastored traditional churches in Tennessee and Kentucky, but he had a growing hunger for more. He wanted to be in the trenches, in a mission field where he could make a difference. Through rodeo, he found it. To gain experience, J Mark became the bullfighter for the UT Martin Rodeo Team. One team member, the son of a rodeo stock contractor, convinced his dad to hire J Mark. His career as a bullfighter took off and he has never looked back. “That rodeo connection was a door to many of the incredible opportunities that I’ve been allowed to have in rodeo. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for providing it.” J Mark, at age 52, may be the oldest working bullfighter in the country and one of a handful of bullfighting preachers. He averages 10 to 30 bulls per rodeo, but has worked up to 125 bulls in one night. J Mark says the next bull out doesn’t care about the last bull that left the arena. A competent bullfighter “has to be in the right place at the right time for each and every bull no matter how tired you are,” he said. J Mark has developed a philosophy for understanding bulls n and life circumstances: “I put bulls into three categories, which can also apply to life circumstances. There’s the Intimidator. He’s big and looks scary, but actually he just wants to find the out gate after he’s through bucking. There’s the one that I call the Interferer. This type of bull just likes to make you jump and squirm and will do everything the opposite of what would be easiest for you. And then there’s the Intruder. He’s a bull that’s looking to hurt you or someone else. You deal with each of these bull types differently, just like you deal with different types of life circumstances differently.” J Mark has had more than his share of injuries from being tossed by bulls. “You feel like an empty Coke can when he [the bull] picks you up and tosses you. I once was thrown over the fence and landed 29 feet outside of the arena. The flight through the air was pretty cool; however, the ‘splatting on the ground part’ wasn’t too pleasant,” he says with a grin. Injuries, to name only a few, have included a broken shoulder blade, separated shoulder, punctured lung and severed ear. Despite all the injuries, J Mark speaks with infectious joy and a twinkle in his eye. When asked about the best time he remembers in bullfighting, J Mark replies with only a moment’s thought “Every save. Every time I’ve made a difference n that’s the best time.” That doesn’t surprise the members of Circle Cross Cowboy Church. J Mark’s passion for bullfighting is borne from his passion for God’s word. His sermons, delivered in jeans, starched shirt and cowboy hat, often include anecdotal stories from the rodeo. He teaches bullfighting students and church members to “be ready and be reliable” and quotes Psalm 18:2: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. God is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” In both arenas, loyalty, trustworthiness and integrity are the characteristics that make J Mark great at what he does. Circle Cross Church meets every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Cordova, TN. The church is moving to the Agricenter Showplace Arena for worship beginning October 14. Also, a Circle Cross Rodeo will be held at the Agricenter Showplace Arena on Saturday, October 17. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information visit: www.thecirclecross.com.