Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes

Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA)
Organization: North Avenue Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA

Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes serves as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. A pastor, teacher, and New Testament scholar, Dr. Holmes brings together careful biblical interpretation, theological depth, and pastoral care in his ministry with the congregation and the wider church.

Before joining North Avenue Presbyterian Church, Dr. Holmes served at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta as Scholar in Residence and Chief Ministry Officer. In that role, he helped bridge the life of the church and the work of the academy through teaching, writing, preaching, leadership, and theological education. His work has focused on helping Christians engage Scripture with intellectual honesty, spiritual openness, and a deep love for the church.

Dr. Holmes holds a PhD in New Testament from Emory University, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a BA in Religion and Spanish from Whitworth University. He has taught frequently in Atlanta’s institutions of theological education and is the author of two books.

His ministry is shaped by a passion for forming servant leaders, cultivating theologically engaged congregations, and creating spaces where faith and contemporary life can meet with both rigor and grace. At North Avenue Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Dr. Holmes leads a historic Presbyterian congregation committed to worship, prayer, Scripture, mission, and life together across difference.

Dr. Holmes lives in southeast Atlanta with his spouse, Rev. Jenelle Holmes, who is also a minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Together they have two children, Micah and Darcy, two cats, and a dog. He enjoys Atlanta United soccer, running, and riding his bike in and around Atlanta.