Mark Curtis continues to Strengthen Leadership Through Doctoral Studies at Columbia Theological Seminary
Senior Pastor Mark Curtis is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership Studies at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta. This advanced program is designed for experienced pastors who seek to deepen and refine their practice of ministry while remaining actively engaged in congregational leadership. Alongside the work of leading our congregation, Mark has been engaged in his studies, investing time in reading, research, and coursework as part of the program.. He is also studying alongside pastors from congregations across the region, creating opportunities to share ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and build relationships that encourage faithful leadership.
In his recent course, Introduction to Research Methodology, Mark has been exploring how qualitative research methods such as listening, interviewing, and careful observation can strengthen ministry. The course examines how lived faith, congregational life, and community context shape the church’s witness, while also inviting students to reflect on how personal biography and social location influence theology and leadership.
This course marks an important transition in Mark’s Doctor of Ministry journey, moving from coursework toward the design of his final ministry-based research project. That project will directly inform his preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and leadership in the years ahead. He anticipates completing the degree in the next two years. We look forward to continuing to hear what he is learning along the way.
Mark in the Special Collections Archives at the Columbia Theological Seminary Library. He found several boxes in the stacks of documents from FPC Knoxville, including the “James Park Letters”!
While spending time in the seminary’s Special Collections Archives, Mark also discovered several boxes of historical documents, including the “James Park Letters.” James Park served as pastor of First Presbyterian from 1866 to 1905 and helped guide the church through rebuilding after the Civil War. Reading those letters was a reminder that faithful leadership at First Presbyterian spans generations and connects us to a long history of resilience and ministry in this community.
We are grateful for Mark’s commitment to continued learning and for the ways his study will strengthen our shared life and ministry. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues this work!