Being Genuine with the Rev. Mark Robin Collins

Theologian and author Howard Thurman once said, "We are attracted to the sound of the genuine." Episcopal priest and my good friend and colleague, the Rev. Mark Robin Collins is about as genuine as it gets. I hope you enjoy his wit and wisdom as much as I do as we share what we think about the energizing and perplexing feelings we have as pastors in a genuinely challenging time for the church - along with some other topics like parents, grief, and that imposter syndrome!

The Rev. Mark Robin Collins is an Episcopal priest and rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Glen Rock, New Jersey. He serves on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of Newark and is co-chair of the diocese’s Strategic Visioning process. Previously, he served at Christ & St. Stephen’s and Church of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan after graduating from General Theological Seminary in New York with prizes for preaching and church history. His seminary experience included study at Canterbury Cathedral in England as a Canterbury Scholar. Mark’s other ministries include being a parish Stewardship consultant and leading retreats for LGBTQ+ people recovering from addiction.

Prior to seminary, Mark worked as a fundraiser for the International Rescue Committee, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and City Harvest. Mark has been an abortion rights advocate and clinic defender, AIDS activist and fundraiser, and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He and his husband Denton will celebrate the 27th year of their relationship later this year. Yes, that is a slight Southern accent -- Mark is originally from Memphis, Tennessee.