By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
RALEIGH — The Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League for the past 12 years, was awarded the Doctorate of Humane Letters from Sound Views School of Christian Theology on Wednesday.
As this year’s host of the annual meeting of the American Council on Alcohol Problems, Creech was surprised when the agenda took an unusual turn as Dr. David Hansley said he wanted to address the group at the Cardinal Club not only as CAL president but as chairman of the board of Sound Views School of Christian Theology in New Bern.
“Mark, I have investigated your reputation; I have investigated your ability; I have asked a lot of questions,” he said. “I have investigated your present and prospective educational qualifications, and I know some people that know you.”
Hansley went on to tell Creech that Sound Views School of Christian Theology had taken notice that “God is sending you, empowering you … entrusting you with a mission.”
“If you have love for your work, people will notice it. And we’ve been watching you for the love you have for this institution,” he added. “Your committed leadership gives insight and courage to endure adversity and critics; and in the midst of that, you have forged on to follow through with your plan. You know how to think on your feet, to improvise, make adjustments as well as to take responsibility.”
Dr. Hansley said during his time of serving with Rev. Creech he had seen the “depth, magnitude, scope, intensity, collaboration and strength of a godly leader.”
“You have grown and developed in His grace and knowledge greater than ever before as you have been the leader of the Christian Action League,” he told the honoree, explaining to ACAP members that Creech has spent “endless hours, day and night, working diligently to bring forth issues we must pay attention to in order to better the family life in this state.”
“No wonder Paul said (in the words of the Holy Ghost) ‘separate them for the work whereunto I have called them'” Hansley said. “Mark, you have been separated.”
Preaching since age 15, the Rev. Creech was ordained at 22 and served as a pastor for two decades. His ministry took on a unique character when he began applying the Gospel to a range of current social issues, resulting in wider attention. In 1999 he received the “Salt and Light Award” for Outstanding Pastor, presented by Dr. D. James Kennedy and Reclaiming America for Christ. Later that year he took the helm at the Christian Action League, where, serving as a registered lobbyist in the N.C. General Assembly, he meets regularly with lawmakers and addresses public-policy initiatives from a Christian worldview.
Not only has he helped get a number of very important measures passed, from pro-life bills to those protecting the health of Tar Heel residents, he also continues to battle attempts to promote the homosexual agenda, the advancement of legalized gambling and of course, the push for more lax alcohol laws. Often, he is the sole voice speaking out for Christians across the state, testifying before House and Senate committees and providing lawmakers with research-based information on a wide range of issues.
As a recipient of the Doctorate of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), Dr. Creech joins the ranks of former presidents, authors, distinguished scholars and others who have made significant contributions in areas related to the humanities.
A resident of Kenly, N.C., Dr. Creech and his wife, Kim, have two children and three grandchildren.