by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 15, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Mars Hill Baptist Church
I’ll admit, as a leader it’s quite easy to get caught up with a vision. It’s natural because as leader’s we’re encouraged to look out for opportunities and then take the lead in making things happen. But sometimes we find ourselves alone out front, and wonder what happened to the people we’re leading? Why aren’t they with us?
Going Fishing – Who’s in?
Take a scenario of a group of people going fishing on a lake. Typical leaders get the vision, jump in the boat and are off to fish straight away. But the rest of the group may take a different approach. As the leaders look back they find that half the people are still on the river bank. Some are still prepping their fishing gear.
Some are just starting to launch their boats. Others are on the water but are heading in the opposite direction. Some are going in circles and still others haven’t yet even decided if they feel like fishing after all. That’s when you realise that only leading from the front doesn’t always help facilitate transition.
John Maxwell in his book Winning with People admits that patience is not one his strengths. He says:
“When I was younger I constantly cast vision for the people in my organization and then left them behind – not a good thing for a leader.”
2011 saw some exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, I’ll share three humbling lessons learned.
Mars Hill Renovation (2011)
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 30, 2013 | Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Events, History, Mars Hill Baptist Church
Over two thousand years ago, in the Middle East, an event occurred that permanently changed the world. Because of that event, history was split. Every time you write a date, you’re using the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the focal point.
What’s so important about Easter? It’s important because it proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was God in the flesh, and He came to earth to save us. Four events occurred in a dramatic succession on that Easter weekend: the betrayal of Jesus, then the suffering of Jesus, next came the crucifixion of Jesus, and finally the resurrection of Jesus.
It’s been said a picture is worth a thousand words so Let’s look at each of those events and their implications.
But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” (John 6:64 NLT).
While we cannot be absolutely certain why Judas betrayed Jesus, some things are certain. First, although Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve, all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Jesus to be God. He even may not have been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah (as Judas understood it). Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Jesus and instead called him “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher. You can read more HERE.
But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man. Isaiah 52:14
Jesus suffered most severely throughout the trials, torture, and crucifixion (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19). As horrible as His physical suffering was, it was nothing compared to the spiritual suffering He went through.
Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded. Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” (John 18:22-23 NLT)
Beginning before 6:00am, Jesus was subjected to harsh interrogation, beaten, spit on, mocked, brutally whipped, and finally convicted and made to carry His cross to His own crucifixion. He was nailed by His hands (or wrists) and feet to the cross and left hanging for hours before He died. You can read more about it HERE.
Scripture presents conclusive evidence that Jesus Christ was in fact resurrected from the dead. Christ’s resurrection is recorded inMatthew 28:1-20;Mark 16:1-20;Luke 24:1-53; andJohn 20:1–21:25. The resurrected Christ also appeared in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11). The resurrection is not an event, it’s a person and His name is Jesus.
What a glorious truth the resurrection of Christ is! “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Did you enjoy the story?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 14, 2013 | Christian, Christianity, Current Affairs, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Sunday Worship Experience, Teamwork, Vision
On Sunday, January 13, 2013, the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago launched “Water Sunday.” It’s part of our global outreach strategy to make Christ know to the “uttermost parts of the world.” I want to personally thank Shauntai Stowers, my wife and leader of our Women of Worth Ministry for leading this initiative. They did an outstanding job leading and organizing this initiative.
The lack of safe water and adequate sanitation worldwide is a crisis. This crisis steals the lives of 5,500 people each day – more than war, natural disasters, AIDS or hunger. This crisis rarely makes the headlines – it is today’s silent killer.
We challenged our members & guests to skip their regularly purchased beverages and have water instead. And then for four weeks, take the money that they would normally spend on soda, coffee, tea, etc. and put it in one of these water bottles labeled “Water Mission Sunday.”
We had an OVERWHELMING response!
Over a thousand adults & children decided to partner with us and provide safe drinking water to people in developing & devastated countries. I’m proud of our members & guests who provided water bottles for everyone.
If you were not able to attend Sunday’s services or want additional bottles, you can pick them up Wednesday, January 16, 2013 during Diggin’ Deeper (7PM). We’re asking that you return your bottles on Sunday, February 10th filled with your sacrificial offering of at least $10.
Thank you Mars Hill & friends…you are great people!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 11, 2013 | Christian, Christianity, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Teamwork, Vision
Every day, close to 1 billion people wake up to another day without safe drinking water. Children are sick and weak. There is a constant struggle to find the most basic of human needs. Generations of poverty grip millions and won’t let go. The lack of safe water and adequate sanitation worldwide is a crisis.
As a result, the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago is happy to a announce…”Water Missions Sunday (January 13, 2013)
Our Partner
Water Missions International (WMI) is a nonprofit Christian engineering ministry providing sustainable safe water solutions to people in developing and devastated countries. WMI implements safe water projects in 9 countries: Haiti, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Peru, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya and Indonesia.
The Problem
Approximately 884 million people around the world lack access to safe water. Waterborne illnesses result in the deaths of nearly 1.5 million children every year. By partnering with WMI, Mars Hill Baptist Church will be a part of the solution.
Our Response
On Sunday, January 13, 2013, we’re challenging you to skip your regularly purchased beverages and have water instead. And then for four weeks, take the money that you would normally spend on soda, coffee, tea, etc. and put it in one of these water bottles labeled “Water Mission Sunday.”
Should you decide to partner with us, the water bottles will be provided by Mars Hill. Please be sure to pick one up on the day of our launch, returning it on Sunday, February 10th filled with your sacrificial offering of at least $10.
This endeavor will help us fulfill one of our 2013 goals, Global Outreach. As well, it will fall in line with our Year End Special Offering.
Mark your calendars, “WATER MISSION SUNDAY”, launching Sunday, January 13th and continuing on through Sunday, February 10th. Please join us in this great endeavor! Your sacrifice will provide one person safe water for life!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 13, 2012 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Encouragement, Mars Hill Baptist Church
Over the next few weeks, congregations will be taking up love offerings (hint, hint) and gifting their pastors with nativity-scene Christmas ornaments, sweaters, neckties, baked goods, and framed pictures of the church building.
Some pastors have no problems articulating their Christmas wishes (I’m one of them). However, some may be sheepish about their requests or feel awkward sharing their wishes.
But what do pastors really want for Christmas?
I thought long and hard about what I would like for Christmas and here’s my list:
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 21, 2012 | Mars Hill Baptist Church, Success, Thanksgiving
In a few days we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Historically, It is a day set aside to show how thankful we are. Families and friends will gather to eat, reminiscence, and watch football. It is the one-day we set aside to show our appreciation for all we have been given. I love Thanksgiving, but it should not be limited to one day. We should have an attitude of gratitude everyday.
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of the little things that are right in front of me to appreciate all year long. With that in mind, I decided to use my blog as a platform to express my gratitude. So, once again, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, this uniquely American holiday, here is the list of blessings for which I am thankful in 2012.
I’m Thankful For The Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago
The enemy always tempts us to look at the glass as half-empty. Rather, it is a good discipline to consider how that cup is actually overflowing. Every pastor has the temptation to get discouraged or frustrated working with people… just as every congregation has the temptation to get discouraged or frustrated working with their pastor. However, the joy of pastoring far outweigh the frustrations.
Here’s why I’m thankful:
- I’m thankful for the local church and still believe that it’s the hope of the world.
- I’m thankful that my church hangs around and talks long after the worship service is over.
- I’m thankful that my church expects & anticipates Scripture to be opened and explained.
- I’m thankful that my church members have developed friendship that extends well-beyond Sunday morning.
- I’m thankful for the way I’ve seen God work, in my life and the lives of others – in big ways and small.
- I’m thankful for the worship team who lead us into worship each week, not for a big performance or to focus attention on their own musical talents, but to give glory to God and help us do the same
- I’m thankful that God planned all of this – that He brought a small, faithful group to plant this church 49 years ago
That’s my list (or at least part of the list…there are so many more). What about you? What are you thankful for?
