Dr Charles Kutz-Marks

Senior Minister

Dr. Charles Kutz-Marks, or Chuck as he prefers to be called, was born in New Orleans, but grew up in Ocala, Fla. Chuck's father was Jewish and his mother is Christian, rooted in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in western Arkansas. He grew up attending both the Jewish synagogue and the Christian church making his decision for Christ at age 16. His upbringing set the foundation for a life-long interest in the Hebrew tradition, as well as a passionate desire to promote interfaith dialogue.

Chuck received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University with a major in Psychology and minor in Physics. He then attended seminary at Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago earning his Master of Divinity degree. There he met Becca Kutz who would join him in marriage in 1979.

Chuck then served one year in an ecumenical campus ministry at Michigan State University. In 1980 Chuck and Becca became co-pastors of the United Church of Wayland for eight years, during which time both of their children were born.

For two years Chuck and Becca then served as Co-Associate Regional/Conference Ministers for the Christian Church Michigan Region and the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ. During that time among other responsibilities, Chuck administered the statewide camping programs of both denominations, managed the three church campgrounds, and oversaw the statewide youth ministry programs of both denominations.

In 1992 Chuck was called to be the pastor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he served for over 13 years.

In 1999 Chuck earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan with a focus on Spirituality. In 2004 Chuck's sabbatical gave him a chance to make his third trip to Israel, where he spent five weeks studying at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem.

In Dec. of 2005 began serving as Sr. Minister of University Christian Church.

Chuck and Becca have two children. Marie married Sean Thurmer in Oct. 2010.  They live in Lincoln, NE where Marie is enrolled in the MFA program at U of N Lincoln.  They are expecting their first child in Dec. 2012.  

Son, David Is teaching English at the University of Scranton where he and Christine are parents of Arcadia (born Dec. 2009) and Lucas (born April 2012).

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