Dr. Mark Turman discusses the dynamics of intergenerational discussions with Mark Jones, Micah Tomasella, and Conner Jones, focusing on topics such as politics and faith. They share insights on meaningfully engaging younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are characterized by their spiritual curiosity and unique perspectives shaped by technology and social media. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over political debates, encouraging listeners to approach family gatherings with openness, prayerfulness, and a focus on understanding rather than confrontation.
Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.
Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.
Mark Jones is the State Director for Texas Baptist Student Ministry (BSM). He has served with BSM for 27 years, including 21 years in Tyler, working with Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler. Mark grew up in San Antonio and came to Christ through a campus-based high school ministry (Youth for Christ / Campus Life). He attended Baylor University (BA in English & Religion) and sensed a call to full-time ministry. Mark continued his education at both Southwestern Seminary (M.Div) and Samford University / Beeson Divinity School (D.Min). It was at Baylor that he met his wife, Becky. They enjoy time with their children and grandchildren, all Baylor sports, and finding great pizza places in Dallas.
Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host ofThe Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of thePossum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation ofDenison Ministries.
Dr. Turman is the coauthor ofSacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Designand Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.
Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.
Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast,the Faith & Claritypodcast, as well as many books and additional resources.
