Christian Care Ministry, the nonprofit organization that administers the Medi-Share healthcare sharing program, has appointed Mark Tjernagel as chief financial officer, adding a veteran Christian nonprofit executive to oversee its financial strategy as the ministry continues supporting one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare sharing programs.
The appointment comes as faith-based healthcare sharing organizations navigate increasing demand for alternatives to traditional health insurance while managing growing operational and financial complexity. Christian Care Ministry said Tjernagel will serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership, helping position the organization to respond to opportunities across healthcare and financial services.
“Mark brings an extraordinary combination of financial expertise, operational leadership, strategic forecasting and Christ-centered stewardship that will strengthen Christian Care Ministry for years to come,” said Joe Turner, chairman of the board of Christian Care Ministry. “His proven ability to guide complex organizations while remaining firmly grounded in mission makes him an exceptional fit for CCM as we look toward the future. He truly understands the fiduciary responsibility to always act in the members’ best interest.”
Before joining Christian Care Ministry, Tjernagel served as executive vice president of operations at Alliance Defending Freedom, where he oversaw finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, security and risk management. Earlier, he spent more than 30 years with Cru, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ, including nearly 20 years as chief financial officer. During his tenure, he led the finance organization for one of the world’s largest evangelical nonprofits while advising senior leadership and governing boards on strategic financial, operational and organizational matters.
Throughout his career, Tjernagel has led initiatives involving strategic planning, financial systems modernization, risk management, budgeting, retirement programs, insurance, real estate and organizational transformation. His experience reflects a growing emphasis among nonprofit organizations on integrating financial leadership with broader operational strategy to support long-term sustainability.
“I am honored to join Christian Care Ministry and become part of a team dedicated to sharing one another’s burdens through a mission rooted in biblical principles,” Tjernagel said. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping ministries steward their resources wisely so they can maximize their Kingdom impact. I look forward to partnering with CCM’s leadership team to support its mission, serve its members, and help position the ministry for continued strength and sustainability in the years ahead.”
Beyond his executive leadership roles, Tjernagel has remained active in the broader Christian nonprofit community, serving as chairman of the board of the Christian Leadership Alliance and on boards supporting ministry leaders and children in foster care.
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For more than 30 years, Christian Care Ministry has administered Medi-Share, an accredited Christian healthcare sharing program that enables members to share eligible medical expenses according to member-approved guidelines. Since its launch in 1993, the organization has facilitated the sharing of eligible medical bills among participants and now reports that more than $50 million in medical expenses are shared each month, making Medi-Share one of the largest healthcare sharing ministries in the United States.