Continuing the Christian Legacy…
Asbury Foundation

Bill Mason Scholarship Fund

The Christian religion is only one generation from extinction. If we, the current generation, do not develop pastors for the coming generations, then our beliefs will fade with us. It is imperative that we support the development of pastors who encourage others concerning their spiritual development. To this end, the Bill Mason Scholarship Fund was established to help finance those interested in developing their pastoral skills.

“There is no better way that I know to honor Bill Mason and to secure the future of conservative Christian values than to support the education of pastors at Asbury Theological Seminary through this endowment.”
– Dr. Tom Harrison, Senior Pastor, Asbury UMC

Pastor. The word evokes images of someone who guides, nurtures, gives vision and solidly leads a congregation as they seek to know and serve God. Pastors are vital to the heartbeat of Christ’s Body – the Church. Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS) seeks to train pastors who will develop healthy, growing churches that honor God and shine His light to a dark world. This kind of pastor was embodied in the ministry of Bill Mason, and so the Foundation of Asbury United Methodist Church has developed a special endowment for students at ATS.

The Bill Mason Scholarship Fund is a permanent endowment that will support the seminary education of pastoral candidates attending ATS. Because the stated Beliefs of ATS are consistent with those of Asbury United Methodist Church, donors are assured that the intent of the fund will be protected over the long term. This special endowment fund was formed at the suggestion of Dr. Tom Harrison to honor Dr. Bill Mason who faithfully and successfully served as the senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church for 29 years.

Pastors are critical to the development and growth of churches that honor God. Churches that honor God are critical to the wellbeing of our families and therefore our country. It is critical that future pastors be developed and educated accordingly as defined by the statement of beliefs of ATS.

Priority will be given to Asbury United Methodist Church members, but the scholarship will not be limited to those students. Students must indicate, and show evidence of their support for the stated Beliefs of ATS, and the candidate will be asked to convince the Foundation board of his or her capacity to graduate, become ordained, and enthusiastically and effectively preach and teach in accordance with the Beliefs. Once the scholarship is granted, it will be reviewed each year.

For a complete look at the ATS Beliefs, go to www.ats.wilmore.ky.us/about/intro.php

The story of what God did through one ordinary, faithful obedient person is told through the ministry of Reverend Bill Mason.
At the age of 28, he was the owner of an office supply business when he attended a Billy Graham crusade and turned his life over to Christ. After his marriage to Jayne McFarland three years later, he began to feel a nudge from the Lord to change his life direction in a way that was unpredictable, and perhaps in the eyes of some, impractical. In the winter of 1961 he sensed in his spirit that God was leading him to enter the ministry. He was obedient to that calling, and after seminary, his first and only appointment was to a little church of 118 people – Asbury United Methodist Church. He came to Asbury in 1964 and served as pastor for 29 years, staying faithful to the people and the ministry that God had put before him. Upon his retirement, the membership had grown to 5,000.

His love for God was evident by the way he loved people.
Throughout his ministry he was busy not only preaching but pastoring as well. He had a heart for the lost, for the saved, for the sick and hurting. He ministered to people within the walls of Asbury and those outside it. He visited the homes of church members and the unchurched and unsaved. He visited the hospitals to give comfort to those who were physically hurting. Since becoming Pastor Emeritus in 1993, he continues to minister to people through weekly hospital and nursing home visits. The foundation that he laid for Asbury continues to reach far beyond the walls. Through the lives of those he has touched, one ordinary person has reached many souls for the kingdom of God.

What legacy will you leave for future generations?
The Foundation at Asbury was established in 1996 to advance the mission of Asbury United Methodist Church. When joining Asbury, we promised to uphold it by our prayers, presence, gifts, service and our witness. By supporting the Asbury Foundation, we can continue to fulfill the promise of supporting Asbury with gifts while developing a perpetual legacy. Charitable gifts to the Asbury Foundation endowment programs provide an opportunity to make a difference in the kingdom of God not just for the moment, but also for the years ahead, leaving a lasting legacy. Through the generosity of many, Asbury’s ministry of service can make a life-changing difference for tomorrow’s youth and adults.

How do I contribute?
If considering a current contribution or a bequest through a will, please contact Dwight Yoder at 392-1113.

Asbury’s mission, to glorify God and make disciples is at the heart of the Asbury Foundation.