05/09/2026
Mark Finley received an honorary doctorate last Friday from Andrews University. Despite suffering a serious fall in March that resulted in a dislocated femur, Finley stood smiling before the dozens of attendees gathered for the ceremony.
During the event, Arthur Stele, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, paid tribute to Finley’s remarkable ministry:
“Mark Finley has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a pastor, evangelist, teacher, and administrator for nearly six decades. His passion for leading people to Jesus, sharing the Gospel, and training future generations of ministers has impacted countless lives.”
The citation also noted that Finley holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry. He has previously received honorary recognitions from Southwestern Adventist University and Montemorelos Adventist University.
Currently serving as president of Living Hope Evangelistic Ministries, he has produced hundreds of videos for the HopeLives365 YouTube channel and directs a pastoral retreat center in Haymarket, Virginia.
For more than 50 years, he and his wife have ministered together in evangelism and continue serving at schools and pastoral conventions around the world.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to education, evangelistic training, and Christian media ministry, Andrews University awarded him the honorary title of Doctor of Divinity.
May God continue to richly bless you, our beloved Pastor Mark Finley. We are deeply grateful for your faithful ministry, your dedication to sharing the Gospel, and your lifelong service to God’s people. Your work has inspired and strengthened countless lives around the world.
Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Church,
