At Mars Hill, we teach tirelessly the biblical truth that church is NOT something you simply “go” to. Christians ARE the church, we are called to BE the church, this is something we live and breathe as worshippers of the one true God with every aspect of our lives. In every season of life, we should ask how best to live that reality. This is the foundation for why we are piloting a Mars Hill Midweek Service in NE Seattle and welcoming anyone in the region to consider being a part of it.

The Core Gathering starts October 14, the first Wednesday following Mars Hill’s 13th anniversary, at the Lake City Campus of Mars Hill Church.

Ever since Acts 2 captured a vivacious glimpse of first century believers, people have met corporately in public spaces to worship Jesus and also in homes to fellowship and grow together in smaller groups, for the purpose of glorifying God and working together to proclaim him to others in word and deed. It even suggests the early Christians met “daily in the temple courts”. Public worship was not relegated to one day of the week.

Traditionally, but not exclusively, Christians adopted a method of gathering on the first day of the week for the public reading of scripture, song, preaching, communion, and fellowship. Meeting together in homes became a staple of other days of the week. While there is nothing wrong with this model (it’s traditionally done Sunday in keeping with the day of Jesus’ resurrection) the question remains: is it the best, or only, way of living in the time and place God has determined for us?

Time is perhaps our most prized commodity as a fast-paced western culture, perhaps to many even more than their money (though the two go hand-in-hand). Weekends are prized for activities, hobbies, cultural engagement, camping, film, outdoor ventures and more. To think someone with no interest, or marked disinterest – in God would give up their highest prized day, or hours, to join us in hearing about Jesus seems less than likely. If we are to be involved in their areas of culture, and if they might come and join us to see why we gather regularly for worship, in what way might we rearrange our lives to worship gathered and scattered? The following questions easily spring to mind…

How might the midweek service be different from Sunday Services?

From Core gathering to our official launch, we will leverage those interested to help build the ethos and facets of this service. Like all our Sunday Services, we will follow the Sunday preaching of Pastor Mark Driscoll with occasional live preaching by Campus Pastors at all campuses. There will be music worship and communion. We already plan to have an open door policy at 6pm for sharing meals together and building community before the service begins at 7pm. When it ends at 8:30, plans for post-service gatherings at local hotspots are a distinct possibility for discussion and application. As it is a late evening service, there are no plans for Children’s Ministry/childcare at this time, which means the demographic will largely consist of singles, married without kids, and those with older/adult children.

When might the half-curious accept an invitation?

Asking a non-Christian to skip the Sunday football game, or Monday night football, or television’s most coveted Thursday night programming slots, to come and check out your church gathering may not be the best way to engage them with the gospel. Wednesday night is not a big night for dates, going out on the town, parties, etc. and is typically a lower traffic and activity night. If you have an unchurched or ex-churched friend who might respond to ANY invitation, they might come to hear the gospel on Wednesday night. Also, churchgoers that have bad theology or sit under unbiblical preaching, or simply aren’t fed and growing, might come on a night that isn’t the Sunday they soak up lies and half-truths at another “church”. The midweek service is an all-new occasion to expose those God is drawing to the gospel, particularly those in a culture where working Sunday may even be a current block to attending with you.

How might we rearrange our weekend for mission?

Congratulations, your Sunday is free and clear… for mission, not mischief. With a corporate gathering midweek, Sunday is now open to all-new possibilities, as well as Saturday, that could include one or a combination of, the following:

Serving at the church in a FULL service capacity (Children’s Ministry, Security, something where you are unable to receive the preaching or join in music worship and communion)

Intentionally creating mixed occasions of Christians and non-Christians out in culture (movie outings, sports, pub hangouts, affinity groups for writers, gamers, etc.)

Creating a regular, recurring open-home event that invites Christians and non-Christians. The hospitality of the home, and reality that some of you hit church on Wednesday night, is the relational ground that might draw others closer to relationship with you, your church, and ultimately Jesus.

When will you meet as a Community Group?

If the corporate gathering is midweek, when is the BEST time to gather as Christians for accountability, fellowship of believers, and praying/planning to engage non-Christians? Could this be Saturday morning? Wednesday AFTER the service? Both? Discussion of the sermon could ensue directly after, and regular gatherings of just believers could happen at better spots during the week as well, deepening community.

In closing, a midweek service is not a “better” way to be the church in Seattle or likely anywhere. However, the addition provides an equal opportunity for worship, fellowship and mission that will likely open the door for a whole other demographic of believers and not-yet-believers. For those who can embrace it, I believe Jesus will allow us to embrace a whole new slice of His people that He is drawing unto Himself.

Those interested in being part of the core should email lakecity@marshillchurch.org to get in the information loop. Everyone is welcome to attend the midweek gathering October 14th, 7pm at the Lake City campus. Pastors will be there with open doors at 6pm and you’re welcome to bring a meal and eat with us and pray for what God is doing in Northeast Seattle and beyond.