About Mark

The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a pastor, author, retreat leader, speaker, and blogger. Since October 2007 he has been the Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence for Laity Lodge, a multifacted ministry in the Hill Country of Texas. Before then, he was for sixteen years the Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in Irvine, California (a city in Orange County about forty miles south of Los Angeles). Prior to coming to Irvine, Mark served on the staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood as Associate Pastor of Education. (Thanks to Janel Pahl for taking the photo to the right.)

Mark studied at Harvard University, receiving a B.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in the Study of Religion, and a Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins. He has taught classes in New Testament for Fuller Theological Seminary and San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Mark has written several books, including No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer (WaterBrook, 2005), Dare to Be True (WaterBrook, 2003), Jesus Revealed (WaterBrook, 2002), After "I Believe" (Baker, 2002), and Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (Word, 1993). His most recent book is Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Crossway, 2007).

Mark writes a devotional for The High Calling of Our Daily Work, a website associated with Laity Lodge. His "Daily Reflections" can be viewed online or sent as a daily email.

Mark serves on the editorial board of Worship Leader magazine, where he publishes articles and reviews, including his regular column "Lyrical Poetry." Additionally, he has published dozens of articles in leading magazines and journals. He often speaks for churches and other Christian groups, and has been interviewed on over seventy-five radio programs nationwide.

Mark is married to Linda, who is a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Spiritual Director, and a retreat speaker. They have two children, Nathan and Kara

Mark's Dossier

Professional History:

Senior Director and Scholar-in
     Residence, Laity Lodge, October
     2007 to present.
Senior Pastor Irvine Presbyterian
     Church, June 1991 to September
     2007.
Adjunct Assistant Professor Fuller Theological Seminary, 1994 to 2007.
     Courses: New Testament Theology and Exegesis.
Adjunct Instructor San Francisco Theological Seminary, 1995 to 2001.
     Courses: New Testament Greek and Exegesis.
Associate Pastor of Education First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1987-1991.
Teaching Fellow Harvard University, 1980-1983.

Education:

Ph.D. in the Study of Religion. Harvard University, 1992.
     Area: New Testament and Christian Origins
M. A. in the Study of Religion Harvard University, 1984.
A. B. magna cum laude in Philosophy Harvard University, 1979.
     Phi Beta Kappa; Danforth Fellowship

Books:

Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Crossway, 2007
No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer. WaterBrook, 2005
Dare to Be True: Living in the Freedom of Complete Honesty. WaterBrook, 2003.
Jesus Revealed: Know Him Better to Love Him Better. WaterBrook, 2002.
After "I Believe": Experiencing Authentic Christian Living. Baker, 2002.
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther in the Communicator's Commentary Series. Word, 1993.

Click here for more information on Mark's books

Contacting Mark

You can reach Mark at:

E-mail:

mark@markdroberts.com
mroberts@laitylodge.org

Phone:

Laity Lodge: (830) 792-1216

Address:

Laity Lodge
719 Earl Garrett
Kerrville, TX 78028

Publicity Photos

If you need a publicity photo of Mark, you can get a hi-res version by clicking on either of the two pictures below: