Alumni Spotlight: Mark A. Smith
Mark A. Smith came to North Park University to obtain the Master of Nonprofit Administration with a Certificate in Church Administration to further his depth of knowledge and to become a strategic leader in full-time ministry with a focus on business and finance. It was in seminary where he first began to imagine serving the local church in a role that would focus on finance, administration, and ministry strategy. Prior to starting the MNA program at North Park in 2015, Smith had worked six years in a senior leadership role in his local church focused on accounting and finance.
“My leadership competency has been strengthened by my experiences in the Certificate in Church Administration program. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about healthy HR practices for churches and nonprofits, strategic management, risk management, and volunteer management practices. My favorite courses included Church Administration, Team Leadership, and Organizational Behavior & Ethics.”
Smith currently works at Soul City Church in Chicago’s West Loop as the executive pastor of business and finance where he provides leadership related to finance, risk management, human resources, facility, and operations.
“I was inspired to pursue the MNA and church administration certificate because most seminaries do not offer courses that focus on the operational and systematic functions of local church leadership. I personally feel a deep passion to ensure the local church is just as effective in managing the fiscal resources, human talent, and infrastructure maintenance as the church is with managing spiritual development and growth.”