The Rev. Mark Sargent
Denomination: United Methodist Church (UMC)
Mark Sargent is a retired United Methodist minister. From 1979 until 2010, he served as the pastor of various congregations in The North Georgia Conference, including as the founding pastor of Wesley UMC in Augusta and the Senior Pastor of First UMC in Rome, Georgia.
Mark has a B.A. degree in English Literature from Augusta College, a Master of Divinity magna cum laude from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and a Master of Arts in Psychology summa cum laude from The University of West Georgia. He has stood for a long time on the front lines of thinking progressively about the Christian faith and has long sought to be a helpful advocate for those on society's margins.
His hobbies are golf and cooking, and he does both from scratch. He has three grown children, three grandchildren, and a wife who sings like no other! Since his retirement, he has worked happily in the private sector and resides again in Rome.
Day1 Weekly Programs by The Rev. Mark Sargent
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The Thunk, the Gap, and the Six A's
Tuesday July 28, 2009
The Rev. Mark Sargent offers a provocative and faith-stretching view of the life and teachings of the church in this postmodern age.
Living Belief
Sunday January 15, 2006
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA. In his third sermon in the series, "Into the Brave New World", Rev. Sargent explores Christianity and multifaith dialogue.
The Hospitality House
Sunday January 08, 2006
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA. In his second sermon in the series, "Into the Brave New World", Rev. Sargent explores biblical literalism.
The Big Page Has Turned
Sunday January 01, 2006
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA. This is the first sermon in the series "Into the Brave New World."
The Gift of the Magi
Sunday January 02, 2005
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA.
Confounding King
Sunday November 21, 2004
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA.
Keeping Heart, Trusting God
Sunday October 17, 2004
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA.
From Offense to Joy
Sunday September 12, 2004
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA, looks at the parable of the lost talent and applies it to our lives.
On Stuff
Sunday August 08, 2004
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, wrestles with the question, what is a follower of Jesus supposed to do with his or her stuff?
The Color Purple
Sunday June 27, 2004
The Rev. Mark Sargent is pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, takes a look at what it means to follow Jesus--and where we're going.
Articles by The Rev. Mark Sargent
Paper Covers Rock
Saturday January 22, 2011
Did the governor of Alabama really say that? On the holiday commemorating Dr. King? In the church Dr. King once served as pastor? Really? C'mon, man!
On Advent and Hope and Changing Locations
Monday December 06, 2010
I'm talking about hope. It's what gets us from here to there.
On Burning Qurans and Bibles
Monday September 20, 2010
Anytime we want to misunderstand the religion of loving others, we may do so. How about the Golden Rule? What if we treated the religions and sacred texts of others as we would wish for them to treat our religion and our sacred texts?
On Seeking What We've Lost
Monday September 13, 2010
Loss is a part of life. These days, loss is prevalent. There is hope.
Baggage Check
Tuesday August 10, 2010
A trip to the market one day reminded me of something really important about the Christian journey. That trip reminded me that Christianity isn't so much talking as it is walking.
A Knife in the Wound
Thursday May 06, 2010
For the life of me, I don't understand why Christian communities cannot get their thinking right! And, the longer we Christians demonstrate an inability to reflect intelligently on important issues, the more we exacerbate the wounds we have inflicted and the less-than-stellar reputation we enjoy.
On Dr. Kervorkian and Christianity With Brains
Wednesday April 28, 2010
For the sake of our own spiritual and psychological health, and for the sake of the Church's mission in the world, we Christians must always include the best of human intellect in whatever claims we make.
I'm Going To Say It!
Friday January 29, 2010
Do I need to ask forgiveness for thinking that the late Pope's self-flagellation represents neither saintly nor healthy behavior?
Robertson and Dawkins: There They Go Again
Thursday January 28, 2010
Am I the only one who is tired of being misrepresented by Christians and caricatured by some who aren't?
Teach Your Children Well
Tuesday January 12, 2010
When's the last time your church stopped to ponder what messages are given to the children in your charge?
Bringing The End to The Present
Thursday December 10, 2009
What if eschatology is a paradigm for doing spiritual business today and not a preoccupation with what happens tomorrow?
On Apps and Christian Conversation
Wednesday November 25, 2009
Theological terms are not self-evident and thus require definition. Since those definitions differ from one person to another, Christian conversation takes time and love!
Indiscriminate Inclusivity: Of Course!
Wednesday October 21, 2009
I have a thought or two after overhearing some of the conversations taking place within a sister denomination.
The Gamut
Tuesday August 25, 2009
Thanks to the many of you who responded to my recent Day1 sermon! As you might expect, your responses covered a huge waterfront!
Thoughts From the River That Runs Through It
Sunday August 02, 2009
I went to Montana and found The Gap there.
Tomato Time
Monday July 13, 2009
This summer season of this perfect fruit affords an opportunity for us to reflect on our own Christian fruitfulness.
Guy Clark, The Senator, The Governor, and The King of Pop
Wednesday July 01, 2009
I have an idea for what we might ponder doing when we hear of someone who is struggling.
USA and UOA
Monday May 18, 2009
Unconditionally loving oneself and all others is the chief hallmark of spiritual and psychological health. How is it with you these days?
I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet
Friday May 08, 2009
Planet Earth has undergone some dramatic changes in the past century or so! And, it's probably more precise to say that the world that we once knew has not only moved but has ended. What implications does that have for us who are followers of Jesus?
Gray Matter on the Faith Journey
Tuesday April 28, 2009
Too often and very sadly, much of Christian religion has become a matter of articulating theological concepts in a way that is intellectually indefensible, not to mention psychologically damaging.
Video by The Rev. Mark Sargent
The Rev. Mark Sargent (Part 2) - Day1 Conversation with Peter Wallace
Thursday July 30, 2009
Day1 Host Peter Wallace sits down for the second installment of his conversation with the Rev. Mark Sargent as they discuss an issue close to Mark's heart: Religious Wounding. Mark's understanding of human psychology, and work as a pastor, has led him to believe that a form of spiritual and emotional trauma is prevalent in today's world and is partially to blame for the lack of interest in Christian institutions, and in some cases ideals, today.
The Rev. Mark Sargent (Part 1) - Day1 Conversation with Peter Wallace
Thursday July 30, 2009
The Rev. Mark Sargent, blogger, pastor and popular Day1 preacher, sits down with our host Peter Wallace to discuss a progressive theology from its historical roots to the state of Christianity today. The two focus on the challenges facing the church today from the perspective of an ancient intellectual divide over the importance, and place, of modern discovery and thought.
Radio by The Rev. Mark Sargent
The Rev. Mark Sargent - Day1 Podcast Extra
Friday August 07, 2009
In an extended interview with host Peter Wallace, the Rev. Mark Sargent talks about progressive theology and its practical implications for Christian communities. He also explores the concept of religious wounding and how churches can address it.