Daily Inspiration: Meet Curtis McFarland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Curtis McFarland.

Hi Curtis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t start out with a grand plan to lead a church, but I’ve always had a deep desire to teach the Bible. I came to faith at a young age and began serving in ministry when I was sixteen, learning early on both the joy and responsibility that comes with teaching Scripture and caring for people.

Over the years, my faith continued to deepen, shaped by both ministry and life experience. I also served in the military—the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army—which reinforced the importance of discipline, sound judgment, and accountability, especially in environments where confusion can be costly. Those lessons carried directly into how I approach leadership and ministry today.

That journey eventually led me into pastoral ministry and to my current role as the pastor of In Christ Fellowship in central Denver. I stepped into a church with a strong history and a firm foundation, and now I have the privilege of helping guide it through a season of renewal and forward movement.

I’m especially passionate about building a church that reflects the diversity of the city it serves—where people from different backgrounds can grow together with purpose, unity, and a shared commitment to truth.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Life—especially my early years—was challenging in very real ways. Like most people, I wrestled physically, spiritually, and emotionally with understanding who I was and learning to live in alignment with who God says I am.

Of course, over time, I learned that any work involving people, leadership, and change comes with its share of challenges. Working through my own obstacles became part of how I learned to help others work through theirs. Along the way, I’ve had to navigate seasons of uncertainty, resistance to change, and the weight that comes with leading through transition.

There were moments when expectations didn’t align, when progress was slower than hoped, and when leadership required more patience than momentum. Ministry, in particular, has a way of exposing both strengths and blind spots—your own and others’.

Those seasons shaped me in important ways. They taught me to listen more carefully, lead more deliberately, and stay anchored in purpose rather than outcomes. Looking back, I wouldn’t remove those experiences. They sharpened my understanding of the kind of leader I wanted to be and reinforced the value of consistent, principled leadership over quick wins. I’ve come to appreciate the old saying: through the issues of life spring forth ministry.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, I’d say my work centers on leadership, teaching, and community building. I serve as a pastor and Bible teacher, which means my primary responsibility is helping people grow—personally, spiritually, and relationally—while also guiding a church through seasons of change with care and intention.

I specialize in teaching the Bible in a way that’s thoughtful, accessible, and practical. I’m known primarily for helping people cut through confusion, understand what they believe and why they believe it, and apply that truth to real life without hype or pressure. Whether I’m teaching, mentoring leaders, or shaping the direction of a community, my focus is always on long-term spiritual health rather than short-term results.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a program or platform, but the people I’ve been able to walk alongside—helping them grow in confidence, maturity, and purpose. That includes leading a church with a strong history through a season of revitalization, while intentionally building a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community that reflects the city it serves.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just a pastor, but also a creative with an entrepreneurial spirit. I bring to our community a combination of disciplined, vision-driven leadership, pastoral care, and a deep commitment to thoughtful communication. I care deeply about people, but I also believe leadership requires structure, patience, and consistency. At the end of the day, my goal has always been to lead in a way that’s grounded, honest, and focused on helping people thrive over the long haul.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think one thing that might surprise people is how much of my work happens quietly behind the scenes. While most people see me teaching or leading publicly, I spend a lot of time working in creative and technical spaces—audio engineering, music production, video work, writing, web design, and building systems that support healthy communication and growth.

I’ve always been wired to think creatively and strategically at the same time. If I could design all day long, I would. I enjoy both creating and organizing projects, and I like shaping environments, messages, and processes in ways that help people understand things more clearly and stay connected. For me, creativity has never been about being in the spotlight—it’s about using what I’ve been given to serve others well. It’s simply another way I care for the people and communities I’m responsible for.

Pricing:

• Not applicable. My work is primarily community- and ministry-focused rather than fee-based.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.incf.church