Our Pastor

Rev. Mark Emery Reynolds

Pastor Mark Reynolds is a Lakeland native. He enjoys spending time with his two sons (Jobe and Jackson), reading, attending concerts, watching movies, shooting pool, surfing, research and writing, and playing with his German Shepard (Aslan).

He attended and graduated high school at the Harrison School for Visual and Performing Arts (1992) and received his Bachelors of Arts degree from Florida Southern College (1996). He completed his Master of Divinity at Emory University (1999), a Master of Arts in Religion at Vanderbilt University (2006), and is currently writing a dissertation to complete the requirements for a PhD in Religion/Theology at Vanderbilt University. Prior to his appointment by the bishop to our church in July 2006, Pastor Mark served in various church positions, for example, as Youth Minister, Young Adults Minister, Director of Christian Education and Spiritual Development, Chaplain to the homeless and elderly, and Small Groups Coordinator. He also coordinated the United Methodist Student Association at Vanderbilt Divinity School, taught classes in Christian Theology, and has published articles for denominational resources.

Favorite TV Shows: Fraiser, 24, Law & Order, SNL, Daily Show, Cobert Report, Criminal Minds.

Favorite Books: Jurgen Moltman, The Crucified God; David Richo, How To Be An Adult; Gerald May, Grace and Addiction; Roberta Bondi, To Love as God Loves; Rowan Williams, Tokens of Trust; Miroslav Volf, Free of Charge; N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope.

Daily Devotional: A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God and A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants, eds. Norman Sawchuck and Rueben P. Job (Nashville: Upper Room).

Favorite Music: Damien Rice, Nora Jones, Amos Lee, Cold Play, Copeland, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Pink Floyd.

Favorite Movies: Life of David Gayle, Wedding Crashers, Old School, American History X, Swingers, Happy Gilmore, Shawshank Redemption, Goodwill Hunting.