Senior Pastor Rob Mason

Family of Origin

I was born in 1957 to Richard Mason and Evelyn Mason.  I am the oldest of three children having 2 sisters: Sandra, married 25 years to Ken Shaw in New York and Karen, married 2 years to Randy Schrock.  My Father died in 1990 from a heart disease.  My Mother currently lives in the house that my grandfather had built in Naples, Florida soon after he had sold the paint store to my father. 

Growing up, the household consisted of parents, my sisters, and my fraternal grandmother.  My fraternal grandfather died when my father was an adolescent.  We owned a house in a rural area of upstate New York, a small town called East Bloomfield.  My father’s only sister lived on a farm near by with her husband and 4 children.  All were older than myself.  My parents were divorced while I was in college.  We were very close.  Surrounded by family, I learned about love and the support of the family at a very young age.

Employment History

During high school, I worked in my Father’s paint store.  This experience taught me responsibility and the word integrity.  When I was only 16, my whole family went on vacation for a week leaving me with the keys to the store.  I felt this was quite an honor and felt privileged to be in charge of the family business.  I opened and closed on schedule, counted  cash drawers, took the money to the bank, gave out payroll checks, and, as the first one in each morning, made the coffee.  I felt such a sense of pride at doing this all on my own.  I would later learn that my Father had 4 men in town watching out for me.  

After earning my Master's of Divinity I took a church as the Senior Pastor.  But I left the professional ministry after 2 years to work with the mentally handicapped and mentally ill.  During this period of time I specialized in working with the mentally ill and chemically addicted (MICA), and I became certified as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor. These years of counseling and training have given me the tools to give real guidance to individuals seeking help.  I now work closely with our Recovery programs to be another resource and give needed support.  

I moved to Florida, with my family, my wife and our daughter, age 7, to pursue a new career. I was informed that I would have to be licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in Florida to pursue a counseling profession - needing more Master’s level education. Consequently, I took a job selling organs in Coastland Center mall. I worked as a recreational organ teacher and later a piano salesman.  Post ordination I returned to professional ministry and am serving at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Marietta GA.

Marital History

Nancy, my wife of 23 years, and I met while I was the minister of the Falconer First United Methodist Church.  She was the daughter of the church organist. She also was employed as a nurse in a nursing home. She later specialized in the care of persons with Alzheimer's/dementia. Currently she is employed at the Sanctuary in Marietta. We have one daughter, Robyn, who is currently enrolled in college as an education major.  Nancy and I work in our marriage as a team using each others strengths and supporting each other in both work decisions and home decisions.  We both enjoy vacations where we are able to relax, read, play a round of golf or two, and do nothing!  

My marriage and relationship with Nancy gives me a great perspective when counseling other married couples.  Becoming a Father and watching my daughter grow up has also enriched my life and given me the ability to empathize with other parents and children as they face issues today.

Spiritual Journey

I was baptized as an infant and grew up in the church.  My father served on many of the church committees and my mother was in the choir and later became the church organist.  While I was studying to be a music teacher in college, I was very active in the Wesley Center on the campus of University Southwestern Louisiana.  As I grew in my faith, I felt a call to ministry.  During my years at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, I went through much spiritual questioning as I grew in my understanding of my faith.  

After ordination and in my two years of ministry I tried to stay faithful to my call.  I often became discouraged and impatient with how slow the church was to act.  After leaving the ordained ministry I have continued my involvement in the church by leading bible studies for both youth and adults, directing a choir, singing solos in church, doing substitute preach, serving on finance committees, and administrative boards.  

In 2003 I came to the realization that my volunteering in the church was not enough.  I needed to fulfill my call to full time ministry.  This recognition led me to renew my vows of Baptism in November of 2007 and to be ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on April 6, 2008.  After entering the Search and Call process, I was fortunate enough to be called to the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Marietta, GA.  My time away has made my call stronger and I feel myself to be much more prepared.  My advice is no longer just theories but grounded in the real life experiences that I have now. 

Vision for Marietta First Christian Church

I am very excited to be a part of what is happening at The First Christian Church of Marietta.  To see the church finally addressing its vision to be all inclusive with no barriers based on race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.  Our church will serve everyone.  Our doors are open.  And what is best, is that because of the dedication of the entire Church leadership, I do not have to drive the change, but am working to let it happen--as a piece of the process rather than its leader.  Something is happening, and we'd like to invite you to be a part of it.