About
Email John Mark Hicks at hicksjm (at) yahoo (Dot) com.
Summary: John Mark Hicks, as Professor of Theology, taught full time in higher education among Churches of Christ from 1982 to 2023. He is retired and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He has taught in 40 states and 24 countries around the world. He has authored, co-authored, edited, or contributed to 48 books as well as contributing to both academic and popular journals. He is married to Jennifer and shares five living children and six grandchildren with her.
John Mark Hicks has taught in institutions affiliated with Churches of Christ for forty years. He currently lives in Nashville, TN and is now retired from his position as Professor of Theology at Lipscomb University.
Over these forty years (through August, 2023), I have published 27 academic and 73 popular articles, contributed to 25 books, published as author, co-author, or editor 23 books, presented 60 academic papers at conferences, authored 1192 blog posts, generated 4 professional video series, and made over 2000 presentations in 40 states and 24 countries.
John Mark was born in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. His father (Mark N. Hicks) and mother (Edith Lois Hicks) were Texans who moved to Virginia in order to plant a church in 1951 (though they were back in New Mexico in 1957 for a few years where John Mark was born).
John Mark grew up in Virginia, spending his teen years in the Washington, D.C. area. He received his A.A. in German and his B.A. in Bible from Freed-Hardeman University (1977), his M.A.R. in Theological Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary (1979), his M.A. in Humanities (Philosophy) from Western Kentucky University (1980) and his Ph.D. in Reformation and Post-Reformation Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary (1985).
He has taught at Alabama Christian School of Religion (1982-1989), Magnolia Bible College (1989-1991), Harding University Graduate School of Religion (1991-2000 fulltime; 2000-2020 adjunct), and Lipscomb University (2000-present). He has also adjuncted at Northeastern Christian College, Christian Brothers University, Abilene Christian University, Rochester College, and Institute for Christian Theology and Ministry (St. Petersburg, Russia).
He has published numerous articles, both popular and scholarly, contributed to twenty-four books and authored (co-authored) an additional sixteen printed books. His third book (his first two were written as a teenager) was Yet Will I Trust Him: Understanding God in a Suffering World (Joplin, MO: College Press, 1999). This was followed by a small group study version published as Anchors for the Soul: Trusting God in the Storms of Life (College Press, 2001). He has also written a 600+ page commentary on 1 & 2 Chronicles in the College Press NIV Commentary series (2001).
His most recent publications are Come to the Table: Revisioning the Lord’s Supper (Orange, CA: New Leaf Press, 2002), Down in the River to Pray: Revisioning Baptism as God’s Transforming Work (with Greg Taylor; Siloam Springs: Leafwood Publishers, 2004), and A Gathered People: Revisioning the Assembly as Transforming Encounter (with Bobby Valentine and Johnny Melton; Abilene: Leafwood Publishers, 2007). These three works are an attempt to “revision” the traditional Stone-Campbell ordinances (or sacraments) as divine means of grace by which humans encounter God’s transforming power; the ordinances (or sacraments) are theocentric rather than anthropocentric.
John Mark updated the material in these three books and added new material (about 50% new material) in a study of baptism and the Lord’s supper. The new book was published in 2014 and entitled Enter the Water, Come to the Table: Baptism and Lord’s Supper in the Bible’s Story of New Creation.
In 2006, John Mark also published Kingdom Come: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of David Lipscomb and James Harding (with Bobby Valentine; Abilene: Leafwood Publishers, 2006).
In 2011, John Mark released a Kindle version of his Meeting God at the Shack: A Journey into Spiritual Recovery (also on Nook) based upon his theological and pastoral analysis of William Young’s The Shack. This book was printed by Leafwood Press (Abilene) in 2017.
In 2014, John Mark published another Kindle book which reviews the popular work by Michael Shanks. John Mark’s book is titled Muscle and a Shovel: A Review.
In May 2016 a book, written with Bobby Valentine and Mark Wilson, was published by Leafwood Press entitled Embracing Creation: God’s Forgotten Mission.
In May 2018, Surrendering to Home: Guidance for the Broken, co-edited with Christian Fox Parker and Bobby Valentine, was published by Leafwood Press.
In August 2019, I released Searching for the Pattern: My Journey in Interpreting the Bible. This is my own story of how I moved from a blueprint hermeneutic to a theological hermeneutic. My hope is that it elders, leaderships, and servants among Churches of Christ will find it helpful.
In November 2019, I released an updated and revised version of Anchors for the Soul, which also has an accompanying journal, audiobook, and video course series. These are accessible on the HIMPublications website.
In March, 2020, Abilene Christian University Press released Resisting Babel: Allegiance to God and the Problem of Government, which I edited and includes essays by Lee C. Camp, Richard T. Hughes, Richard Goode, and Joshua Ward Jefferey.
In 2020, I released Women Serving God: My Journey in Understanding Their Story in the Bible (published through Amazon Digital Services). This book defends the full participation of women in the worshipping assemblies of the church.
Also in 2020, Discipleship in Community: A Theological Vision for the Future, co-authored with Mark E. Powell and Greg McKenzie, was released. It offers a theological vision for Churches of Christ (as well as the Stone-Campbell Movement).
In 2021, Answered by Fire: The Cane Ridge Revival Reconsidered, edited by Leonard Allen and Carisse Mickey Berryhill, was released. I have two chapters in the book regarding the nature of a sacramental festival and the role of the Holy Spirit in the unity of the church.
In 2022, Around the Bible in Eighty Days: The Story of God from Creation to New Creation was released. This is a daily devotional (500 words of text, Scripture text, prayer, and meditation question) that leads the reader on a theological journey through the story of the Bible.
In 2023, I was asked to produce a book of classes in churches and small groups on Baptism, Assembly, and the Lord’s Supper. Transforming Encounters: Baptism, Assembly, and the Lord’s Supper (Austin, TX: Regnum Media, 2023) was the result.
In addition to various ministry positions in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Alabama and Mississippi, he has served as a church planter from 1998-2000 (Cordova Community Church, a church of Christ in Cordova, TN), Adult Education Minister at the Ross Road Church of Christ in Memphis, TN (1991-1998 ) and Adult Education Minister for the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ in Nashville, TN (2001-2006). In addition, John Mark was the interim preaching minister for the Sycamore View Church of Christ in Memphis, TN from January to November in 2007.
He has lectured widely across 40 states and 22 countries (Japan, Korea, Uganda, Greece, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Croatia, Italy, Ukraine, Jamaica, England, Wales, Russia, Guatemala, Slovakia, Honduras, and El Salvador).
John Mark married Sheila Christian Pettit on May 22, 1977. She died due to complications from back surgery in Ellijay, Georgia, on April 30, 1980.
John Mark married Barbara Adcox in 1983 but they separated and divorced in 2001 with great heartache as all divorces entail. He has two living children–Ashley (40) and Rachel (35), three grandchildren–Neely (16), Norah (11) and Jonah (8 years)–and two deceased children–one was a miscarriage with Sheila and the other with Barbara named Joshua Mark Hicks who died on May 21, 2001 at the age of sixteen after a long struggle with the genetic condition called Sanfillippo Syndrome.
On December 20, 2002, John Mark married Jennifer and now shares responsibility for a blended family that includes Jennifer’s three children: Lauren Bristol (31), Michael Bristol (29), and Lacey Bristol (26). Jennifer also lost a child, Leah, in 1994 by stillbirth.
Jennifer serves on the board of Share in Nashville which is a national organization that gives care to families who have experienced the loss of an infant child. Jennifer presently teaches on the faculty at Lipscomb University in the School of Nursing. She is also a volunteer Doula, and is specifically trained by experience and certification to help families in the initial moments of infant loss.
Oh, last but not the least important–I am a Chicago Cubs fan…diehard and waiting for the inbreaking of Cub Kingdom to dominate the baseball world…or at least win a World Series once every 100 years. And we did win in 2016!
This is me in the Radio Booth at Wrigley…standing next to Ron Santo…separated by the glass as they were not too interested in me “helping” Ron with his job. 🙂
April 5th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Dr. Hicks:
Thank you so much for the Bible class materials on the epistles of John!!!!
I am teaching General Epistles at Heritage Christian University in Florence, AL and your survey of the literature and summary paragraphs will help me greatly!
Michael
April 9th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Hey John Mark! I’ve been looking for your contact information online, but have been unsuccessful. I’d love to bounce some things (theological of course) off of you if you’re willing. How can I contact you?
December 24th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Dr. Hicks
I read your book Come to the Table a few years ago and found it very valuable. Might you be interested and available to speak to a PCA pastor’s luncheon in Charlotte sometime next year?
Howard Donahoe
May 10th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Dear Dr. Hicks,
I’m studying on instrumental worship in the church. What is your take? is it a reason for disfellowship, is there biblical evidence to support not using the instrument in the worship assembly?
Impact
May 10th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
About 12 years ago I wrote a lengthy piece that is available at the HUGSR website. It will give you my views as about 10 years ago. I have not written much on the top since but my views have adjusted. Nevertheless, that piece lays out the parameters. It was reviewed by Al Maxey at his website which is helpful as well.
In either case, the article and my present view is that the use of instrument music in the worship assembly is not a salvation issue and is not a matter of fellowship.
June 1st, 2011 at 7:26 am
John,
I read your acapella singing article and though it was very well written. I was curious as how much your position has shifted. And what would be a good reading for pro instrumental music.
May 21st, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Hi John Mark,
I think you were once a participant on RM-Bible in years past. We recently moved to a Yahoo Groups platform. I wonder whether you might consider re-joining us. Not much traffic. Sometimes a topic worthy of consideration emerges. I saw your recent rememberance post of your lost child. I am certain that the pain of such an event never lessens. I suspect that there are those of us on RM Bible who might benefit from your perspectives upon occasion. Please let me know you have an interest.
Blessings,
Tom Farr
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:22 am
Tom, send me an invitation. I will take a look. Thanks for the invite.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I thought the RM bible site closed years ago. Is it still around?
March 21st, 2010 at 7:26 pm
John Mark: Tonia and I miss your teaching in Psalms this quarter in SonSeekers. My question, did you know “the Shack” was to be made into a movie? Your thoughts on that.
Best:CP
March 23rd, 2010 at 7:52 am
We miss seeing both of you. As to the movie, I wonder how they will handle the long, heavy conversations in a movie format. It did seem to work to wel in the DaVinci Code.
Hope to see you soon, my friend. John Mark
July 27th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Iam a Nigerian, and a church of christ member.I have come across your website through internet. Please I will like to read your books. I will also want to see you visiting Nigeria.Please kindly find time to write to me.
Ernest Udom
October 17th, 2010 at 6:05 am
Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.(Eccl.11:1)
Hi Brother, Good to see you through your site. I heard about your father Mark N Hicks and his Lord’s work in India through Brother Ratnam. I am one of his sons in law.Both are worked in Remote tribal area and turned many tribal people from their ancestrial worship. Many of them still faithfull to Christ. Now the work will continue through Bro. Jack Honny Cutt. I feel proud that I am one of translator for them.
March 16th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
My questions have to do with the marriage covenant (Mal. 2:14). Is the marriage covenant between the person and God or between the two people? If it is between the person and God, is this the reason Ezra had the people to separate? Could the Ezra situation be the background for the question in I Cor. 7 about should a person stay married to an unbeliever? I understand the literature during the second temple Judaism (Philo) took a strong stand against Israelites marrying non-Israelites. Was this idea strong in the days of Jesus and could it not be a possible explanation of the exception clause in Matthew?
March 17th, 2011 at 9:24 am
Jerry,
I don’t think I’m the best person to ask about Second Temple understandings of marriage to non-Jews. Or, even how exactly Ezra factors into Malachi and 1 Corinthians 7. I’m not well versed in that literature and it would take me some time to get caught up to speed on that.
I know you are studying this whole area intensely and I look forward to reading what you produce. I know it will be compassionate, reflective and focused on Scripture.
Blessings, my friend.
March 18th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Thanks for your reply. Who would you suggest to contact to deal with these questions or I am I on my own. I hope to complete my book by the fall. We will be in Nashville (4th street in Franklin) for a seminar in April (10-13). Do you have time for me to meet with you? Monday would be my best day.
June 5th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
David Instone Brewer is well studied in this area. His book in marriage and divorce delves into second temple literature as well as Greco-Roman
December 24th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Brothrer Hicks, I was wondering how the brotherhood are recieving your teaching on the Lord’s Supper as a fellowship meal?
Nobleminded or resistive? I think your view is correct. I have been
observingn the supper for 35 years and never knew it was a fellowship meal all this time! I’am dumbfounded somewhat, trying to make some sense as to how we have not come to the truth on this, we who are those who speak where the bible speaks and……
I just hope that the church is still committed to the spirit of restoration.I appreciate your hard work and dedication to bringing the gospel truth forth. Thank you!
December 27th, 2011 at 10:23 am
I don’t really track that very well. People are genearlly comfortable with what they know and thus resist changes in this area. However, there is a fair amount of openness to listening, especially as the text of Scripture is the focus. I would suggest that many under 40 are very open to a different sort of practice.
Thank you for your kindness.
January 5th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Dr. Hicks,
I enjoy reading your articles and am very impressed with your knowledge of the Bible. I also admire your willingness to note your marital status and several divorces through the years in the “About” section above. However, I am curious as to your view on Divorce and Remarriage. The Bible clearly states – by Jesus himself, in Matthew 19:9 that “anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery”. Seeing as you have been remarried, would you this put you in a constant state of adultery? I am wanting your opinion on this – please don’t tell me to look up what Rubel Shelley may or may not say on this subject. How do you view your situation and with the Bible says.
I hope you are able to respond and answer my question.
Thanks,
Chris
January 5th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Chris, I am not going to discuss the personal dimensions of my divorce online. It would be inappropriate for all involved. I have written a blog on redemption and divorce at http://johnmarkhicks.wordpress.com/2008/04/07/redemptive-perspective-on-divorce/
I hope that is helpful.
John Mark
January 5th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Thank you for responding. My guess is that if you were not divorced you would probably have a different viewpoint. Your blog never quotes any scripture and simply leaves one feeling that divorce is ok because God doesn’t want you to be sad and lonely. That is a very dangerous slope you are on – interpreting scripture to fit your situation.
January 5th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
I have responded to Chris in an email. As for my blog never quoting Scripture, I will leave that to the discernment of my readers.
January 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Dear Dr John Mark Hicks: Sunday 1-22-12, Denver Colorado
I have read your book “Come To The Table” several times through the years sense my purchase on 2-18-2009.
As an ex-Catholic and now a borned again Christian (John 3-16), I have found your work in this book to be accurate and trust worthy, as in my application of the Berean experiance of (Acts 17-11 examining the Scriptures).
The main take away for me is the cross is the alter with its goal to be the table, they are not the same!! the alter enables the table, as stated in (1 Cor 10-17,18) and pointed out in your work.
Nice work with the book!! it was a great study that was lead for me by the Holy Spirit as in (John 16-13, the Spirit of Truth).
My Question is?? The entire Body of Christ is using the “Table of the Lord” as a point of “healing”. I did not find this “Healing Meal” topic to be covered in your Book?? I think I could find (Cook if need be) enough scripture on my own to support this thought but but if you should have some ideas or a study that covers this aspect “The Meal that Heals” of the Lords Table would you be kind enough to share it with me and others as the Spirit wills.
P.S. Like I said before, I have read the book several times and have enjoyed being under your guidence.
May the Spirit (John 14-17) Keep and Guide You
Paul Lotito, a brother in Christ
February 1st, 2014 at 11:51 am
I am teaching 1st Corinthians 14 at Bellevue CofC (Nashville) and found your article on Women in Assembly. It has been very helpful in my study. And it cleared up a lot of questions that I had. Great job.
December 29th, 2014 at 7:48 pm
My witness and prayer request
My witness:
My name is Kondepaga Benjiman belonged to Jaggapuram village. I lived
in the sins in my youth and unaware of God. Beloved god servant
Bethapudi Devadanam who had been to my village in the year 1982, Nov
10th to preach the Gospel. That made me to attend the prayer meeting.
He spoke that the wages of the sin was death and told about salvation
and added that Jesus Christ was died on the cross for me .and also
explained about external life. As he referred Romans 8:1,”No
condemnation to those who are in JESUS CHRIST. Then I confessed my
sins by this word of God .Then I was baptized and strengthened by his
leading according to Ephe 6:7 .Then, there was a clear call from JESUS
to do the ministry. I thank God for saving me. I have been doing His
ministry by having great burden towards many souls. Everyday I train
and send many people for His service.
My request:
As we have the great burden towards the earning souls to do the
ministry earnestly, for our team members (35-40). Pray and extend your
Co-operation towards lending missionary tools like ……. Bibles,
Pamphlets, Sound system and one Gospel Bus.
I request you humbly to come to my place and preach among us and see
the harvest in our area .I pray for you and your ministry.
Thanking you with prayers,
Benjiman ministries,
Edlapadu mandal,
Guntur dist-522233.
Andhraprdesh.
India. cell no: 919618620546.
http://benjimanbibleministries.blogspot.in/
http://benjimanbibleministries.blogspot.in/
http://goo.gl/3e7oHv
http://benjimanbibleministries.blogspot.in/
http://goo.gl/3e7oHv
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January 29th, 2016 at 9:49 pm
I very much enjoyed reading your article “Righteousness of Saving Faith: Arminian Versus Remonstrant Grace.” Dated 1991 Our “Articles of Faith” which we post on our site are in full agreement with your conclusions. Would you please look these over and any suggestions or observations that you make for improvement would be very much appreciated. http://www.presenttruthmag.org/archive/XLIX/49%20index.htm
We very much admire your gospel approach to justification by God’s unmerited grace alone through faith alone in the doing and dying of Christ alone. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus our Lord, Bill Diehl, editor
January 11th, 2017 at 3:32 pm
John Mark, thank you so much for helping a believer in Christ to better understand one of the many challenges of understanding God’s teaching in an ever changing world. Some of us try to deny the world is changing. But, at 87, my temptations and my opportunities have changed many times.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Hello, I found your video on command, example, necessary inference. Have been searching web for days for a chart the shows this concept. Am studying with a friend that has dyslexia and really need something with few words, lots of scripture, that gets the concept across. Have found many articles and some charts that show the concept but no scriptures. She was raised Catholic and is now Baptist. Would you know of any existing charts or resources that I could download? Appreciate any suggestions! In Christ, Karen
December 19th, 2023 at 2:35 pm
Perhaps a few other articles on my blog might be helpful: https://johnmarkhicks.com/2008/08/13/it-aint-that-complicated-applied-theological-hermeneutics-vi/ or https://johnmarkhicks.com/2008/08/01/it-aint-that-complicated-applied-theological-hermeneutics-i/. My book Searching for the Pattern addresses this question, here: https://johnmarkhicks.com/2019/08/31/new-book-announcement-2/
As you notice from my work, I am a critic of the blueprint pattern use of command, example, and inference. I don’t think Scripture teaches us to look for a blueprint to replicate in the New Testament through command, example, and inference. The lack of Scripture is one reason I question this approach. I’m not surprised it is difficult to find what you are seeking.
Perhaps I misunderstand what it is exactly you need. Feel free to ask again. Thanks, and peace.
March 8th, 2024 at 11:18 pm
how about the names of each individual CoC you taught or preached at? You seem like a true liberal, but I take offense at you claiming to be part of the church of Christ. I think you have deceived too many by using the CoC as a hiding place to sell your false doctrine.
March 10th, 2024 at 8:02 pm
I am a member of the body of Christ, the church of Christ. I was immersed upon a confession of faith, and I lived and servant in the fellowship ever since for over fifty-six years. I have never hid, but I have always taught what I believed. I can supply the names of the churches of Christ I have served, such as, Northeast Philadelphia Church of Christ in Philadelphia, PA, Ross Road Church of Christ in Memphis, TN, and Prattville Church of Christ in Prattville, AL among many others where I have been invited to speak, hold retreats, or consult with elderships. I’m grateful God has blessed my ministries within the body of Christ in so many ways despite my failures and shortcomings. Peace to you, Tom.