Mars Hill Church

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the welcome!

I agree with you - admitting mistakes is not enough. There has to be evidence of change. The thing is, I'm the first one to admit that mistakes are hard to learn from. Especially if they are so ingrained in me. I think Mark's mistakes, like anyone in the public eye, is much more pronounced, because it's for all to see. In my life, some mistakes are easier to correct and others feel more like an unending battle. Like the way I judge people. I do it often (and I do it well!) and then there's when I'm selfish which is a lot, and I can go on and on really. So I guess my point is, yes , we want to learn from our mistakes but I think human nature is such that change is not possible overnight, no matter how sincere or diligent we are.

A second observation I have, was that after going there for a number of years on and off, especially during times I went consecutive months, I see glimpses of change in Mark. One example is when there was a planned protest on one given Sunday and he went to a meeting with the protesters. He listened to their constructive criticisms and then after that, his sermons toned down a lot with regards to women.

I'm not trying to defend Mark but simply stating my observations, which may be biased because I have had quite a number of positive experiences at Mars Hill.

I can understand how you must see him and Mars Hill as a church about abstaining from "sinful" things. And I think it is part of what the church preaches. But also, I've seen Mars Hill challenge men to rise to their responsibilities, be good fathers and husbands, work with integrity and more. I've seen this lived out, not perfectly, but I suppose, with sincere attempts among many of the men and women, I'm sure just like in many communities of faith.

So there's my response. Whew.

Now, I do want to ask you, what do you think would be positive changes that Mars Hill can make, and Mark Driscoll, given your impressions on that visit/s (how long did you visit again? I haven't read your book yet, sorry!)? The motive is there to be an extension of Jesus as humanly possible, but I'm sure the execution isn't always perfect and could use ongoing transformation.

Hi Helen,

Thanks for the response!

I gave Mars Hill 2 stars in "friendliness" with regards to 1.the Sunday experience and 2. their "friendliness" towards a more diverse and broader audience.

So I'll try to explain briefly.
1. Sunday Experience: It's just not a warm "we're glad you are here" kind of place, no matter how many times they may say on stage that "we love you" particulary for someone who is new, doesn't know anybody, or uninvolved. It's a huge church and for practical considerations, ushers are thinking about getting you seated as quickly as possible, get the program started on time, etc. So I understand that. The atmosphere makes it really easy for someone like me to slip in and out unnoticed, which I think at this point in my life, I appreciate. I guess I'm not sure how megachurches can address that, because I also hate it when churches do a five minute "stand up and meet your neighbor" segue into the preaching. They really put the onus on the church-goer to get plugged in. And to their credit, they do have fun low-key events like hiking, movies, BBQ's that make it easier for someone to get involved beyond Sundays.

2. Friendliness towards a more diverse and broader audience: When I go to Mars Hill, I don't see a lot of diversity. Mars Hill has its own culture, which I think every church is bound to develop and it is somewhat exclusive. I think it's an area MH can work on - to really reflect the diversity of the city they want to love on - diversity in ethnicity, diversity in values/convictions, etc. For example, West Seattle is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Seattle but the church doesn't quite reflect that.

PS. I think people who are plugged in community groups may give it a higher rating.