Who Will Lead the Churches of Tomorrow?
How will young ministers today sustain the skills and spirit that it takes to survive and thrive in their work over time? Under the rubric of NextGen Consulting, Dr. Mason attends to the work of noticing, naming and nurturing the next generation of ministers. He will work with individuals, congregations, seminaries, denominations and nonprofits to create an ecology of call and and flourishing.
Seminary Teaching and Advising
Working primarily with Perkins School of Theology at SMU, Dr. Mason teaches masters level classes in Baptist History and Polity, Baptist and Free Church Theology, and a doctoral level class on Ecclesiology, Community, and Models of Leadership. He also serves at Lead Advisor to the Baptist House of Studies, helping to guide students in their vocational discernment and academic pursuits. He continues to serve as emeritus on the board of visitors and Baptist House board at Duke Divinity School, and maintains a close relationship with Brite Divinity School and Wake Forest Divinity School.
Church Internship and Residency Programs
Whether hosting seminary/divinity students for their required internship programs or conducting a congregation-based residency program for post-graduate ministers in their first call, Dr. Mason has decades of experience in overseeing mentor programs like these. The work requires true teamwork with staff and church, and each program should fit the ethos of the congregation.
Early Ministry Peer Learning and Coaching
The experience of the first five years of ministry is highly correlated to whether a minister will have longterm success in ministry. Establishing and nurturing peer groups and/or coaching relationships can strengthen the odds of ministry success.