by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 22, 2011 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Easter Weekend, Leadership, Men, Mentoring, Self-Leadership, Top 5, Vision
Mars Hill is the kind of church men would love to attend.
Every Sunday, church pews fill up with despondent women who are forced to worship without the men in their lives. A recent survey by Ellison Research found that 31% of men never attend church even on holidays believing that church is for women, weirdos and wimps.
This sad statistic prompts parishioners and ministers alike to ask: “Where are the men?” While it’s true that several men spend their Sundays satisfying their vices for sports, beer, and sleep, men who don’t attend church usually have more substantial reasons for not attending.
However, I’d like to share five reasons why I believe Mars Hill is a church men would love to attend. (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 19, 2011 | 2011, Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Worship
I am sensing Easter Weekend will be HUGE! Why? The enemy is busy, the weather won’t cooperate, and it appears the distractions just won’t go away! However, I’m reminding myself to remain steadfast…unmovable…while ALWAYS abiding in the Word! In short, this too shall pass. I’m excited about my new series, “Simple AS A.B.C.” Why? You will discover a different side of Jesus that many rarely talk about.
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 14, 2011 | Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Relationships, Staff
God blessed me with an opportunity most pastors rarely experience – an opportunity to pastor a large and thriving congregation that grows daily (Acts 2:42-47). I’m humbled because I had a strong and solid foundation to build upon. Although our church experienced many changes, for the most part, our members remain supportive, prayerful, and committed.
As a family, we’ve experienced setbacks, disappointments, and trials, however, we’ve remained true to our mission, values, and vision. Although we’ve accomplished much, there’s more God wants us to accomplish and we are uniquely positioned participate in expanding God’s Kingdom.
Therefore, I want the world to know how proud I am to serve as your pastor.
Dear Family,
There are people in this world we hardly notice. There are people in our circle of friends we rarely observe. But you are different.
Because of your significant contribution to our church family, your dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ through our local body of believers, I’m writing this letter to say a big “Thank you.” I want you to know that your devotion does not go unnoticed.
You are there when we need you. You are available at extra times, and best of all, you back up what you do with a life of faith. I value your ministry among us.
With heartfelt gratitude, I put into words in this letter what has long been in my heart.
With best regards,
Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 13, 2011 | Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Sunday Worship Experience
The message of Easter is quite simple: “Jesus Did It…Just For Me.” He became the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE so that we may have a personal relationship with God.
At Mars Hill, we’re praying, planning, and preparing to serve thousands of people who will attend our Weekend services. I’m kicking off a new series called “Simple As A. B. C.” The message of Christianity is…well…quite SIMPLE. In a time when religious leaders and a religious system made it increasingly complicated to connect with God, a teacher appeared whose message was profoundly . . . SIMPLE.
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 11, 2011 | Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Empowerment, Leadership, Men, Self-Leadership, Worship
People often joke: “You have a greater chance seeing Marvin Gaye (R.I.P) at the Superbowl than seeing men attend church.” Although some men attend church regularly, it is a fact many do not attend…at least not with the frequency and regularity women.
Churches from every country, race, and ethnic group all ask: Where are the men? According to Church for Men website, “Women comprise more than 60% of the adults in the typical worship service in America. Some overseas congregations report ten women for every man in attendance. Volunteer ranks are heavily female.”
This is not the case at Mars Hill. Men regularly attend our worship experiences and are not embarrassed or afraid to worship God. In fact, there were a few occasions when our men led worship. If you find this hard to believe, check out the picture below. That’s right…men kneeling at the altar…going after God with everything they have.
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