Pastor • Author • Progressive Theologian • Novelist • Occasional Heretic (Just Ask Paul)
Rev. Dr. Mark David Albertson combines theological insight with a welcoming sense of humor, enjoys a strong cup of coffee, has tacos every Tuesday, and has a passion for helping people meet the “authentic” Jesus in Scripture. With a heart for social justice and a deep respect for the messy, beautiful story of God’s people, Mark creates Bible studies and spiritual resources that are accessible, engaging, and grounded in progressive Christian theology.
Before landing in church leadership, Mark wore a few other hats (none of which involved actual hat-wearing, unfortunately): Director of the Christian Conciliation Service of Puget Sound, Associate Pastor in a Vineyard Church, writer, speaker, creative thinker, and researcher of all things early Christianity. He has also served on staff at New Song Church in Anthem, Nevada, as Faith Formation Coordinator. Mark is ordained by the Progressive Christian Alliance.
Mark especially enjoys digging into the overlooked corners of the biblical narrative—the places where faith meets history, where tension breeds transformation, and where grace sneaks in through the back door. His work often focuses on first-century Jewish life, early followers of Jesus, and how Scripture continues to speak truth to today’s struggles.
Mark’s Bible studies reflect his belief that spiritual formation should be rooted in Scripture and relevant to life in the real world. Whether he’s producing his online video lessons (check our his YouTube page), leading a men’s discipleship group, unpacking the Gospel of John, or exploring the Book of James, Mark helps participants wrestle with big questions in a way that feels safe, sincere, and refreshingly unpretentious. He’s not here to lecture—he’s here to walk alongside, ask good questions, and maybe tell a few bad puns along the way.
In addition to his church work, Mark is a novelist and storyteller, having written four secular (cop thriller) novels) with a special interest in historical fiction that brings biblical characters to life in full technicolor humanity. His writing is fueled by research, imagination, and just enough heresy to keep things interesting (don’t worry, the friendly kind). His current projects include a novel centered on James, the brother of Jesus, and the often-uncomfortable collision between faith, family, and politics in first-century Jerusalem.
When he’s not writing, teaching, or reimagining the Council of Nicaea as a podcast episode, you can find Mark hanging out with his wife and family, tinkering with new study ideas, or debating whether coffee is a fruit of the Spirit (spoiler: it should be). He believes the Gospel is good news for everyone—and that church should be a place where everyone, from curious seekers to lifelong disciples, feels at home.
Mark is committed to a faith that is thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in the radical love of Christ. Through his work, he hopes to encourage others not just to believe the Gospel, but to live it—one authentic, grace-filled, occasionally awkward step at a time.
You can email Mark at [email protected]