Meet Dr. Mark Francois
Degrees and Experience
- Ph.D., Theology, specializing in Old Testament (University of St. Michael’s College)
- M.T.S. (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)
- M.Div. (Toronto Baptist Seminary)
- B.T.S. (Hons.) (Toronto Baptist Seminary)
Biography and Professional Achievements
Dr. Mark Francois has recently joined the faculty of the School of Theology after serving twelve years as a pastor in Ontario, Canada. While serving as a pastor, he taught courses at Tyndale Seminary, Toronto Baptist Seminary, and the One Hope Canada School of Discipleship. Prior to serving as a pastor, he taught Hebrew Grammar, Hebrew Syntax, and a semester of Aramaic at Toronto Baptist Seminary.
Dr. Francois’s primary academic interests are Deuteronomy, OT law, OT Theology, OT textual criticism, Hebrew, and Classical Syriac. His dissertation focused on the relationship between the curses of Deuteronomy 28 and the Loyalty Oath of Esarhaddon based on the types of changes that occur when curses are translated from one language to another in bilingual texts from the ancient Near East. He has a strong interest in Semitic languages and is currently writing an introductory grammar of Classical Syriac.
Dr. Francois lives in Lakewood with his wife, Alecia, and his two children: Jael and Caleb.
Publications
- "“The Loyalty Oath of Esarhaddon and a Pre-Monarchic Date for the Earliest Edition of Deuteronomy.” In Exploring the Composition of the Pentateuch 2. Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns. (Forthcoming)
- Review of Deuteronomy for the Church: Who We Are, What God Requires by M. Eugene Boring. Themelios (Forthcoming)
- Review of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch by Jeffrey Stackert. Themelios 48.1 (2023).
- Review of Covenant: The Framework of God’s Grand Plan of Redemption by Daniel Block. JETS 65.1 (2022): 127–29.
- “An Introduction to the Song of Solomon.” Gospel Witness 98, no. 3 (Fall 2020).
- “In the Image of God He Created Them: What the Bible Means By the Term ‘Image of God.’” Gospel Witness 97, no. 2 (Summer 2018).
- Review of A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch: Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture edited by Richard S. Briggs and Joel N. Lohr. Themelios 39.1 (2014).
- “Interpreting Old Testament Narrative.” Gospel Witness 92, no. 3 (Fall 2013).
- “Introduction to the Book of Exodus,” Gospel Witness 90, no. 5 (November 2011).
- “‘The Ways of Yahweh are Right:’ An Overview of the Book of Hosea.” Gospel Witness 89, no. 6 (November 2010).
- “Repenting for Not Believing in Repentance,” Gospel Witness 88, no. 10 (March 2010).
Faith and Learning
Dr. Francois believes that the years students spend in college/university are crucial for setting the spiritual trajectory of their lives. His goals as a teacher are to help students develop a passion for the Old Testament, gain confidence in the trustworthiness of Scripture, and be solidified in their faith so they can remain strong in their commitment to follow Jesus and impact the world with grace and truth.