Chris & Mark Dumas

First United Methodist Church — Jefferson City, Missouri

Chris and Mark Dumas both grew up with a strong faith. And while their life stories and backgrounds are different, their paths crossed and led them to the same place. When they met, Mark was working as a flight attendant; Chris was a physical therapist. “I believe that church ministry had flashed before my eyes, but I believe I was first called to be a physical therapist,” she says.

During their courtship, Mark worked for Trans World Airlines (TWA). Outside of work, he was involved as a lay speaker at Maplewood United Methodist Church. “My sense of call became deeper with involvement in ministry. I was teaching Sunday school and participated in a 34-week Disciple Bible study. This commitment to weekly study became a major turning point for me. A new pastor to our church started me thinking that I could do that,” he says, referring to preaching.

The Dumases had a busy life. They have two young children. Chris was working as a physical therapist while Mark finished his undergraduate degree and worked at TWA. They both continued to discern their call into ministry. After researching several seminaries, Mark and Chris decided on Eden. It was close to their home and was accepted by the United Methodist Church.

We knew Eden was the right place for us.

Chris started at Eden one semester before Mark; Mark became full-time in the fall of 1999. “It was definitely challenging,” he says. “I really had to ‘step up to the plate’ academically. I appreciated the consistent application of my studies into everyday life. I also liked the fact that more than one denomination’s thought processes were at work. It was a community where many denominations were present and their differences appreciated.”

As Mark’s M.Div. studies progressed, Chris’ call grew more defined. She started at Eden on a part-time basis as a credit, non-degree student. “The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program is a perfect fit with the United Methodist Church. It fulfills the educational requirements for Deacon’s Orders and is a great preparation for ministry.”

Chris and Mark worked to complete their education in a way that complimented their family. “Mark and I understand that our ministries dance in sync. My experience at Eden was grueling, crazy, wonderful and completely illogical all at the same time.” Chris’ years spent as a physical therapist were an excellent preparation for ministry. “As a chaplain and minister, you use many of the same skills used in physical therapy. You are listening to people’s pain and working at making it better.”

They have both been called to serve First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City as Associate Pastors. Mark is Associate Pastor/Elder and Chris is Associate Pastor/Deacon. Eden has prepared them well for their call. “Eden serves people who are called differently,” says Chris. “The faculty helps you clarify and stand behind your call — they are very supportive.” Mark concurs, “I am learning the breadth and depth of knowledge that I have taken from Eden — it takes time to realize just how far your studies will go.”