Mark Barlow

Mark Barlow is a worship pastor and singer-songwriter whose music blends faith-centered worship with a minimalist, soul-influenced sound. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he graduated from Charis Bible College in 2014 before moving to California the following year to partner with Mission Isla Vista. Since early 2017, he has served as the worship pastor at Isla Vista Church in Santa Barbara.

Barlow’s musical style is often described as minimalist bedroom soul, built around acoustic instruments and intimate arrangements. He released his album Soul Hymns in 2019, followed by Hymns and Soul in 2021. Both projects reflect his desire to create music that sits at the intersection of corporate worship and personal creative expression.

His catalog includes songs such as “My Portion,” “Let’s Call It Forever,” and “Every Day,” the last of which was released in 2025. Barlow has also collaborated with other artists, including DOE on “My Soul Follows” and Tekoa on “Matthew 6.” Through his recorded work and his ongoing role at Isla Vista Church, Barlow continues to develop a worship music approach rooted in simplicity and soulful authenticity.