Church Leaders
Mark Harvard spent most of his adult life in media and ministry. “Over the years, I bounced back and forth, spending time in Top 40, Oldies, Country, and finally Christian radio, while also serving the Lord in communications, youth and children’s ministry, and as an associate pastor,” Harvard explained. It was not until 2020 and the Covid pandemic that Harvard surrendered to God’s call on his life: ordained ministry. “I actively ran from it for years… I ran and got in my own way over and over until Covid, when every pastor in the world had their job description altered to include things I was comfortable doing [online ministry],” he explains, adding, “At that point, I simply said, ‘Okay God, You win. I’m all in. Let’s do this.’” 
During the pandemic, Harvard began classes at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is expected to graduate in the spring of 2026 with a master’s degree in biblical and theological foundations. He is currently an ordained deacon in the Global Methodist Church. “I would never have anticipated any of this as a 20-year-old in college, but we are fortunate to have a God who doesn’t operate within our limited understanding,” Harvard reflects. 
After serving as an Associate Pastor for several years at Clearbranch Methodist Church in Trussville, Harvard, alongside his wife Ginny and children, answered the call to serve as Pastor at Morningstar Methodist Church in Chelsea. Since accepting this role a few months ago, Harvard has already experienced the sense of family among church members. “My Morningstar Methodist family is an amazing group of believers. They are full of hospitality and have a passion to welcome new faces,” he shares, adding, “There is a strong pull toward not only learning about the Word, but also learning how to apply it to our lives. The concept of ‘community’ is strong here, be it small groups or full church, everyone looks after and prays for each other.”
Morningstar Methodist Church has a 9 a.m. traditional worship service and an 11 a.m. modern worship service each Sunday. “The traditional includes a fantastic choir, liturgy, a children’s moment, and a message. The modern service features a worship band, children’s moment, and a message,” Harvard explains. In between those services at 10 a.m., members can attend Sunday School hour for all ages in small groups. Visit www.mstarchelsea.com to find upcoming events and learn more about the church. †
