Program for the Future Church Team

Faculty & Staff

Dustin D. Benac, ThD

Director and Co-founder of the Program for the Future Church

Dustin D. Benac, ThD

Director and Co-founder of the Program for the Future Church

Dr. Dustin Davis Benac joined Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in fall 2020. As the co-founding director for the Program for the Future Church, Dr. Benac works at the intersection of practical theology and organizational theory to understand and explore the organizational ecology that supports communities of faith during times of transition and uncertainty.

Dr. Benac is passionate about coming alongside leaders and communities of faith as they discern their next step in ministry and witness. He regularly works with student and faith leaders to release new imagination about how they resource, organize, and sustain their vision for ministry and community.

A regular writer, speaker, and lecturer at congregations, conferences, and events, Dustin is the author of Adaptive Church: Collaboration and Community in a Changing World, co-editor of Crisis and Care: Meditations on Faith and Philanthropy, and the Associate Editor for Practical Theology.

If you would like Dr. Benac to speak at your church or event, please contact our team at pffc@baylor.edu.

Dustin_Benac@baylor.edu

Nathan Gibbs

Program Manager for the Program for the Future Church

Nathan Gibbs

Program Manager for the Program for the Future Church

Nathan Gibbs serves as the program manager for the Program for the Future Church (PFFC) at Truett Seminary. As program manager, Nathan manages the day-to-day operations of the program and oversees grant-related work such as financial management, deliverable tracking, and reporting. Nathan is also responsible for planning various PFFC events to help build a collaborative community that pilots solutions for emerging and pressing challenges facing the Church. Nathan graduated from Baylor University with both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration, as well as a Master of Divinity from George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Prior to serving in this role, Nathan worked in the manufacturing industry as a planning and procurement specialist.

Nathan attends DaySpring Baptist church where his wife, Kingsley, serves as the minister to youth. In his free time, Nathan is an avid tennis player, hiker, and coffee enthusiast.

Nathan_Gibbs@baylor.edu

Research Fellow

Emma Cartisano

Emma's roots are in the Northeast, but she is currently a fourth-year doctoral candidate in Baylor University's Higher Education Studies and Leadership program. She also works part-time at McLennan Community College aiding students. “I kind of fell into higher-ed because I wanted to work with college students, and I thought that studying learning theories was a neat way to blend my background in neuroscience with my passion for student success.” As the newest addition to the team, Emma said, “I found my way to Truett and the PFFC through a series of mutual connections and shared interest in studying belonging, celebration, and gratitude. It's a great community to be part of!” When she is not at Baylor you can find Emma reading in a local coffee shop, doing a craft, or exercising.

Graduate Assistants

Rachel Burton

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Rachel is a first-year Master of Divinity student at Truett Seminary and hopes to become an Army Chaplain once she finishes her degree. “When I felt the call to Chaplaincy, I had some great people recommend Truett to me. They spoke highly of it, and I saw it as a welcoming and encouraging environment.” As a new student, Rachel joined the PFFC team as the hospitality and events coordinator graduate assistant. “I love the importance of collaboration and the idea of working across lines of denominations, organization titles, and different ministry areas.” When she is not being a vital part of the team, Rachel spends her free time trying different exercise classes and exploring the best places to hike in Waco.

Jaida Shoffstall

Jaida came to Truett Seminary in 2024 from Las Cruces, New Mexico and is working on her Masters in Christian Ministry. “I particularly love to work with young believers, but I enjoy working anywhere in a ministry setting. It is so special to see God moving in so many ways!” Jaida is starting work with the PFFC as the communications and community graduate assistant. “I am excited to learn from the PFFC and experience the great lengths it takes to connect ministries, communities, and leaders together that may not collaborate if they aren’t given the chance.” In addition to her work with the PFFC, Jaida works part-time at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco, pouring into youth as the children's ministry associate. When she is not working or studying, she enjoys reading, painting, and playing soccer.