by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 2, 2012 | regular
When I tell people the name of our church, People often look at me with a blank stare. That stare says: “Why in the world would you choose Mars Hill for the name of your church?” Scripture says:
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
Out of all the Names Available, Why did we Choose “Mars Hill?”
Before we begin to understand where Mars Hill is going, we must first know where we originated. The Areopagus or Areios Pagos is the “Hill of Ares” or Mars Hill. It is located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens. The Areopagus (Mars Hill in Latin), like most city-state institutions, continued to function in Roman times, and it was there, the Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech about the identity of “the Unknown God.”
As a traveling apostle, Paul’s custom was to preach the gospel, first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles (Acts 17:1-4). Paul was smart enough to know the importance of relating the gospel to different people and when working with the Gentiles, he employed different methods and language to convey the same gospel. A good example of this, was in his approach on Mars Hill (Acts 17:16-34).
Athens had been the home to Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Alexander the Great; it possessed a proud heritage as one of the greatest cultural centers in the history of the world. As Paul first entered Athens, he was burdened by the great need of a people who had unparalleled philosophy, literature, art, and education; but lacked Jesus. As he made the five-mile walk into town, he was troubled by the numerous idols that littered the land. Upon seeing this, he longed for the transformation of Athens.
After proclaiming the gospel to the Jews, in the synagogue, he continued his proclamation in the Agora marketplace; where vendors, farmers, healers, magicians, performers, and philosophers collected in the open courtyard, which served as the gathering place for the city. It was also the easiest place to draw a crowd.
Since the Athenians had never heard about the Jesus, whom Paul was preaching about, they brought him before the Areopagus (“Mars Hill” in Latin), which was the Athenian court of perhaps thirty philosophers, who sat as judges of Athens. The judges were entrusted with guarding Athenian philosophy by evaluating any new ideas brought into the city. Paul stood before the court in the same place where Socrates had defended his own teachings some 450 years earlier.
They asked Paul to explain his teachings, and a crowd gathered to hear the exchange. The scene, equivalent to how someone might be questioned on today’s “Oprah” television show. Courageously, Paul stood alone to proclaim the gospel, beginning by respectfully establishing common ground with his listeners, in an effort to work from their culture to the Scriptures. This method was the reverse of his approach, taken in the synagogue, where he worked from the Scriptures to the culture. He noted that the Athenians were a spiritual people, as was he. But, he also noted that their spirituality did not include an understanding of who God is.
Mars Hill Today – Our Church
Research today, shows how the emerging generation is very spiritual; believing in God, and committed to a life of prayer. However, when you ask them “what they think about God,” their answers are very Athenian. They study and believe in God and speak of Him, but have no idea who He is.
Today, we live in our own Mars Hill, as do all of God’s people. Surrounding us are multitudes of lost people, who hold false notions of spirituality, God, and salvation. Many of them, unfortunately, believe they are Christians.
The Mars Hill Church of Chicago continues the tradition of making Christ known to a world, who has no idea who God is.
We do this by leveraging the innovation and technology given to us by our Creator for the Glory of God. I’m proud of our name! What you call yourself and what you allow others to call you over and over will have a measurable impact on your life.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 30, 2011 | regular
I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of people who love their church and have a “by any means necessary” mentality towards ministry.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of Mars Hill, working with other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER hear from someone on staff.
#1 – “THAT’S NOT MY JOB.”
When a staff member is asked to do something and they reply, “That’s not my job,” then you can be assured that he/she does not have a heart that is fully devoted to the ministry.
The staff we have here at Mars Hill walk around with fire in their eyes…and when asked to do something they just make it happen. Now…I have seen this abused & do not think ANYONE should allow themselves to be ran over; however, when asked to do something that might not serve the person BUT WILL SERVE THE CHURCH…the answer should always be yes.
#2 – “THAT CAN’T BE DONE.”
I have noticed something about staff members that say something cannot be done…USUALLY the ones who say that are the ones who are going to be asked to do the particular project they are freaking out about…and it will require tons of work…SO, they just say it can’t be done. I have a confession to make…I don’t like hearing “it can’t be done.”
Here’s the kind of attitude I like:
Someone who’s realistic with me and says, “Now we CAN do that…but it will require such and such and we don’t have that–and if we want it then it is going to cost this…so what do you want to do?” I LOVE THIS ATTITUDE!
Trust me, when a staff member continually says that something cannot be done they either have a lazy work ethic OR a very small view of who God is…neither are beneficial for your team.
#3 – “ALL I NEED IS MORE STAFF & MONEY TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.”
When people begin to use resources as an excuse for a stagnant or failing ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have most likely became spoiled, thus forgetting the art of being innovative.
#4 – “RECOGNIZE ME!”
Beware of the staff member who is always telling you how much work they did, how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
HOLD ON
…as a leader it is our job to make sure that staff members are not sacrificed on the alter of ministry. We should pay them well and make sure they have adequate time off. BUT…when someone is always demanding attention for the work they’ve done then you can be sure that either pride or insecurity is coming out…and neither are good!
#5 – “MY MINISTRY NEEDS “BLANK” AND IF WE DON’T GET IT THEN…”
When a staff member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church as a whole…trust me, you have a HUGE problem. A good staff member does have passion and vision for their particular area of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the church as a whole and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is best for the church.
The church will either operate as a loosely organized group of sub ministries…OR ONE BODY with many parts…and if a staff member cannot be a part of the body then they most likely do not have a kingdom mindset.
Did I miss anything? What statements would you add to this list?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 29, 2011 | regular
Everybody makes mistakes. Yours can be a new beginning.
Sometimes your mistake in a relationship, with finances or work, is minor. Other times it can be life-changing. Either way, failure doesn’t have to be fatal. A Second Chance, shows you how God can transform your biggest mistake into a new beginning. What a way to begin 2012!
During this series I’ll share solid biblical insights, trustworthy wisdom, and practical strategies that’ll help you work through the guilt, suffering, and fear of your mess up.
Consequently, I’ll share numerous examples, from the Bible and recent history, to show you how God is in the business of redemption. Additionally, I’ll share biblical strategies to turn your biggest mess into an incredible success.
Set your schedule NOW and don’t miss a Sunday or Wednesday during this series! Join us each Sunday at Mars Hill at 8am or 10:30am and Wednesday’s at 7pm (Digging Deeper).
A Second Chance will show you how to use your mistakes as a prelude to a fresh start in life. This series will help anyone who’s had blow-ups, mess-ups or slip-ups.
Remember, failure is not an event but a judgment about an event. Unfortunately, we often make the wrong judgments about our failures, which causes us to wallow in them rather than learn from them.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 27, 2011 | regular
As a pastor, my mission is to help people achieve positive change in behavior: for themselves, their family, and their teams. Research shows that successful people have a strong need for self-determination. Simply put, this means, “I am doing, what I am doing because I choose to, not “I am doing what I am doing because I have to.”
People who are doing what they choose to do are committed professionals. They proactively apply their talents to make a greater contribution. People who are doing what they have to do are compliant employees. They are putting in time for money.
How much of our lives have been wasted in trying to change the behavior of people who have no interest in changing? What is our return on this investment?
WARNING – THIS IS A CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT…READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK
In my work as pastor, I finally decided to only work with people who care and who are willing to try. You should do the same thing. It is hard to make people change what they don’t choose to change.
Have you ever tried to change the behavior of someone who had absolutely no interest in changing? Have you ever tried to change the behavior of a spouse, partner or significant other who had no interest in changing?
How much luck did you have there? After a few days (or maybe even a few minutes) you can tell if the person whom you are trying to coach is willing to try. If they are willing to try, do whatever you can to help them. If they are not willing to try, either “live with it” (let it go) or find someone else to do the job (let him or her go).
Think of it this way: The time we waste on the people who don’t care is time that is stolen from the people who do care. My guess is that you have little time to waste. You are as busy today as you have ever been in your life.
SO, HERE’S A TIP I WON’T EVEN CHARGE YOU FOR:
Only invest your time where you are going to get a return on your investment. Don’t waste your time on a road to nowhere.
Experience has taught me that successful people are committed. Normally this sense of commitment leads to even more success. Committed people have a drive that comes from the inside, not from the outside. They don’t give up when times are tough. They try even harder.
Who or what are you willing to let go in 2012?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 26, 2011 | regular
Election season is in full effect. Candidates are competing to be the leader of the free world. However, the problems still remain. The stock market continues to remain volatile. I am not sure that this is so much a response to President-Elect Obama as it is a reflection of the fact that the economic environment is still enormously turbulent.
So is the glass half empty or half full? The truth is, both.
In times like these, leaders must do two things simultaneously:
- Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they may be.
- Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.
This is what author Jim Collins refers to as “The Stockdale Paradox.” In his book, Good to Great, he tells the story of Admiral James Stockdale, who was a prisoner of war for eight years during the Vietnam War.
After his release, a reporter asked Admiral Stockdale, “How in the world did you survive eight years in a prisoner of war camp?”
He replied,
I never lost faith in the end of the story. I never doubted not only that we would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event in my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade.
The reporter then asked, “Who didn’t make it out?” Admiral Stockdale replied,
Oh, that’s easy, the optimists. They were the ones who said, “We’re going to be out by Christmas.” And Christmas would come and go. Then they’d say, “We’re going to be out by Easter.” And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.”
Collins then goes onto state that an attribute of truly great companies and great leaders is that they are able to embrace simultaneously these twin truths of their current reality and their ultimate triumph.
Questions: Are you embracing the Stockdale Paradox in your leadership? If so, how?
