Rev. Mark Harkness is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He was born in Abbeville, SC but his family soon moved to Columbia. Rev. Harkness is the third son of six children born to George and Hazel Harkness. He graduated from W.J. Keenan High School in the Bi-Centennial class of 1976. He received a swimming scholarship to attend Johnson C. Smith University. In 1980, Rev. Harkness received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Johnson C. Smith University. After graduation, he was married to Kimela Robin Hutchinson and moved to Texas to work for Dow Chemical Company. He labored six years for Dow and Varian Associates for nine years. He was a member of Wesley Chapel AME church in Clute, TX. He served as a Steward and Trustee at Wesley Chapel. In 1995, Rev. Harkness and his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia in a job transfer with Varian where he started a career in sales. Rev. Harkness joined Turner Chapel AME in Marietta, GA in 1995.

He accepted his call to preach in January 1998 under the guidance and tutelage of Rev. Kenneth Marcus. He earned his Master of Divinity degree in May of 2003 at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta,

Georgia. Rev. Harkness also received his ordination as an Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in May of 2003. Rev. Harkness served as an associate minister at Turner Chapel AME church in Marietta, Georgia while completing his studies and growing in Christ. At Turner Chapel he was active in the prison ministry, Alpha to Omega recovery ministry, Men's Fellowship ministry, Pastoral Care ministry, Spiritlifters Choir, Male Chorus and Men's Choir. He was appointed the Purpose Head Leader of Evangelism at Turner Chapel in September of 2003.

Rev. Harkness was appointed to pastor Greater St. Paul as his first charge by Bishop W. P. Deveaux in September of 2004.

He has been married to his wife, Kim, for over 24 years and they have three children, Mark II, Kayla and Derek. His hobbies include fishing, golf, bowling and watching his boys play sports and his daughter dance.

He enjoys singing, researching scripture and preaching. He also enjoys watching sports, a good book, good food and good people to share a laugh. His goal is to lead as many people to a relationship with Christ as possible. He does not seek fame or fortune only to tell God's soul saving story.