Exceeding Abundantly Beyond: Alex Mark’s Ministry Journey After RTS
“Ministry is hard, but Jesus is worth it.” This wisdom from Alex Mark (MDiv 2013, RTS Charlotte) encapsulates lessons learned during twelve years as Senior Pastor of First Scots Presbyterian Church in Beaufort, SC.
From Rigorous Education to Faithful Service
Mark’s journey began at Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte, where he developed both intellectual rigor and pastoral heart.
“RTS did a wonderful job of teaching me how to not only offer my mind to God through their rigorous academics, but to offer my heart to Him in sacrificial pastoral ministry,” he reflects.
This foundation proved essential when, in 2013, Mark helped plant First Scots Presbyterian with “a small core group that left the PCUSA after much hurt and heartache.” The challenges were significant, but so was the preparation he received.
Growing in Grace Through Challenges
What began as a small, wounded community has flourished over twelve years of faithful ministry. Mark has witnessed firsthand how God has used “His Word, the sacraments, and prayer to grow His Church, not only in number, but in faithfulness.”
This growth extends to Mark’s own spiritual life. “Perhaps the most unexpected blessing has been to see the ways my own walk with the Lord has flourished since graduation,” he shares. “Christ is more precious to me now than ever before.”
Community as Strength
Mark doesn’t journey alone. He maintains connections with fellow RTS graduates through monthly Zoom meetings and biannual in-person gatherings. These relationships provide space “to encourage, challenge, and sharpen one another.”
Beyond professional connections, Mark finds joy in his congregation: “God has been extraordinarily gracious to provide us with friends in our congregation who have been family to us.” When not serving his flock, he treasures time hunting and fishing with his three sons (Joshua, Charlie, and Samuel) and spending time with his wife, Stefany.
A Message for Future Ministers
For current seminary students, Mark offers hard-earned wisdom: “Make the most of every class, every lecture, every book you read, because God has people who need to hear from you about the riches of His grace.”
As his ministry has matured, Mark has found clarity in his calling: “As a church planter, I was doing a bit of everything. Now, I see my role much more clearly: preach the Word, show forth the beauty of Christ in His sacraments, and pray down Heaven.”
In both challenges and joys, Mark consistently returns to the central truth he gained at RTS: “No matter how or where the Lord calls me to serve, and no matter what it may cost, Jesus is absolutely worth it.”