Why are church members the first on the list to receive prayer, equipping, visits, counsel, and more from Mars Hill pastors? Don’t pastors care about church visitors and non-Christians? Is this some kind of membership club with exclusive privileges? Do we play favorites?

The answer involves unity, replication, doing church as a team, and humble recognition of finitude. Pastors aren’t superheroes, they are appointed by God to do their jobs with wisdom. When we jump to the assistance of members who’ve identified themselves as people on mission with Mars Hill, committed to live out the heart of Jesus as a big family working together to bless our visitors and our city, we are multiplying our impact on those who aren’t members, those who love Jesus and those who don’t. By investing in our members, we’re blessing those committed to blessing others who are on the same page with us theologically and practically.

Membership is very important, explained more fully HERE. To become a member, you can go through an automated, faceless online process through The City, self-regulating, self-motivating, and setting in motion the steps to understand who we are, what we believe, and what we ask of Mars Hill members. However, you know as well as I do that sometimes that creates a disconnect, plays to our weaknesses, and dodges real face-to-face connection with the congregants you’re preparing to call family.

With that in mind, we’re offering a more interactive track with three Sunday afternoon meetings this fall to go through our Doctrine and walk with pastors and members through these steps. Our Doctrine Class will take brief clips explaining what we believe and then allow you to interact with pastors to address questions and concerns. It will also give you time to meet different members of the campus and our leaders and connect in meaningful community and service.

Join us for DOCTRINE days October 11, November 8, and December 13 from 2pm – 4pm. Bring your Bibles or get a free one from us. Refreshments will be provided.