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Mark Finney
Executive Director at World Relief
Mark Finney is a prominent pastor and community leader based in Spokane, Washington. He serves as the Pastor at Emmaus Church since November 2018 and is also the Executive Director of Thrive International, an organization dedicated to empowering multicultural communities, particularly refugees and immigrants, to thrive in their new environments.13
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication from Whitworth University (1999-2003)
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Fuller Theological Seminary (2005-2008)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, focusing on Preaching and the Arts (2012-2016) .12
Professional Experience
- World Relief Spokane: Finney served as the Executive Director from February 2017 until February 2022, where he worked closely with refugees and immigrants, helping them integrate into the community.12
- Church Planting and Leadership: He has experience as a church planter with the Evangelical Covenant Church and has held various pastoral roles in different congregations, including serving as an interim pastor in Thailand.12
Community Involvement
Finney is known for his advocacy for refugees and immigrants, often emphasizing the importance of faith communities in supporting these populations. He leads initiatives that involve local churches in resettlement efforts and community integration, aiming to foster understanding and compassion towards vulnerable groups.24 His work has included organizing trips for faith leaders to better understand immigration issues at the U.S.-Mexico border.2
Personal Life
Mark Finney resides in Spokane with his wife, Becky, who also holds a Master of Divinity. Together, they have been involved in various ministries aimed at supporting marginalized communities.24
In summary, Mark Finney is a dedicated pastor and community leader whose work focuses on integrating refugees into society while fostering a compassionate response from local faith communities.

