Reverend Mark Hester is in his 9th year serving as the Pastor of Loudon Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of East Tennessee. He had a long career as a bi-vocational minister serving often as an Interim, Stated Supply and Pulpit Supply. Before his retirement from full-time secular work in 2021, he was a Registered Investment Advisor and Certified as a Financial Planner. In his 43 years in the financial world, he managed wealth for clients in 27 states and specialized in taking care of ministers and their families. Mark studied Communications at the University of Tennessee, Religion and Arts at Lambuth University (University of Memphis), Finance and Estate planning from Michigan State University and The American College and Theology from Southern Seminary and Memphis Theological Seminary. He is a Program of Alternate Studies graduate and beginning a final year in a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Therapy program from Memphis Theological Seminary. He is the Chair of his Presbytery’s Committee on the Ministry – Clergy Care and has served on various boards and agencies at all judicatory levels. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees at Bethel University. He has been an Instructor for Program of Alternate Studies and Memphis Theological Seminary in minister’s finance. Mark is at least a 4th generation Cumberland Presbyterian and a Cumberland Presbyterian “preacher’s kid”. He is a native Tennessean and he and his wife live happily ever after in Farragut, Tennessee.

Mark is working on a doctoral research project on clergy care for Cumberland Presbyterian ministers. The purpose is to better serve ministers involving self-care and continuing education. If you are Cumberland Presbyterian minister, click the link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7T3RTYF. The survey is point and click and takes approximately five minutes.

Music is provided by Pierce Murphy, Caldera Blue.
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Greg Bowen writes, "Hello, I’m Greg Bowen, and I have the incredible privilege of serving as the full-time pastor of Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church in McMinnville, Tennessee. Sharing the gospel and helping others grow in their faith is my passion, and I love seeing lives transformed by God’s truth. I’ve been married to my wonderful wife, Sue, for 38 years, and together we have been blessed with a beautiful family. Our daughter, Keri, and her husband, Ryan, live in Glasgow, Kentucky, and they have given us the joy of being grandparents to our sweet granddaughter, Blakely, who is 11. Our son, Grant, and his wife, Brittany, also live in Glasgow and have blessed us with our energetic grandson, Gatlin, who is 2. Before stepping into full-time ministry, I spent over 17 years in the broadcasting media industry. While that was an exciting chapter of my life, God had bigger plans, leading me to serve Him and His people in a new way. Now, my heart is focused on preaching, teaching, and helping

others experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ. I love connecting with people, whether through worship, Bible study, or just a good conversation about faith and life. I believe God’s Word is powerful and relevant, and I’m excited to share this journey with you!"

Music is provided by Pierce Murphy, Caldera Blue.
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Additional comments: modifications made to shorten and loop song for introduction and closing of podcast.
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Originally from Cali, Colombia, Juan Manuel Cabezas Torres is a husband and father who loves God and believes that everyone can contribute to God’s kingdom uniquely. He graduated from Colegio Americano, a school founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Mission in Colombia. Then, he earned his degree as Dentist from University Santiago de Cali. Juan and his wife later made Memphis, Tennessee their home. Juan has been an active member of Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church for years, sharing his musical talents as a drummer in the worship praise band. His journey of faith led him to pursue ministry, earning his Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary in 2024. In early 2025, he officially joined Faith Church as Associate Pastor, working in a supportive role alongside Pastor Rev. Dr. Andy McClung. With a heart for service, connection, and spiritual growth, Juan is committed to boosting his congregation and supporting our community meaningfully.

Music is provided by Pierce Murphy, Caldera Blue.
Source: https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Pierce_Murphy/through-the-olive-branches/caldera-blue
Comments: http://freemusicarchive.org/
Additional comments: modifications made to shorten and loop song for introduction and closing of podcast.
Copyright Attribution and License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/