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Quick! How do you keep the attention of a generation of church goers eternally distracted by the internet, cellphones, and technology. You make technology your friend – you leverage it for the Glory of God.
Mars Hill – TWO Churches in ONE Location
As much as I hate to admit it, in reality, I pastor TWO distinct congregations. Since we began offering additional worship experiences, I’ve noticed they’ve morphed into two very distinct, different, and unique congregations. We’re still Mars Hill – now we’re TWO churches in ONE location. How did that happen?
8AM Classic Worship Experience
Older church goers, business-types, and families with older/adult children mainly attend our Our 8AM Worship Experience. It’s early, convenient, and 60-90 minutes long. They enjoy softer music and love to reflect on the music and message. It fits their lifestyle and they primarily want worship and the Word! Period! However, it’s quite different during our 10:30AM experience.
The beauty and challenge of pastoring an urban, thriving, and large congregation are the number of singles who attend.
Our church is filled with people who’ve never been married, recently divorced, and widows. Since I counsel them all, most are eager to get back into the game before they’re healthy and ready. Since I’m a pastor, I approach dating from a biblical perspective and having a relationship with God is a given. However, since I like to keep it real and relevant, I decided to strip away the layers and give it to you – “straight up – no chaser.”
If you’re dating…considering dating…I advise you to NEVER break this rule for anyone:
If a man or woman doesn’t like you for who you are, just stop.
Why? If you have to change who you are to attract, or keep them, you are cheating both yourself and them.
Whoop, there it is (Man, I’m showing my age). What are your thoughts? Sound off?
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).
There are many reasons why Sunday mornings continue to be the most segregated day of the week. This video excerpt from the documentary, “Baptists and Racism,” attempts to address some of them.
Why do you think the Body of Christ remains segregated so many decades after the civil rights movement? In my opinion, any time you call upon the majority group to divest themselves of power and influence, you’ll have fear, insecurity, and skepticism. In short, they’ll passively sabotage any progress towards inclusion and multiculturalism.
Question: What do you believe are the fundamental reasons churches are segregated?
To say I’m excited about mentoring a fine group of men is an understatement. In fact – I’m ECSTATIC! How often are we allowed the chance to impart and pour our lives into others? I told our men that this will be one of the most difficult assignments they’ll ever encounter. I will teach them…stretch them…develop them…train them…correct them…as they transition into fine Christian leaders in their homes, communities, and church.
(Praying for our Men of Promise. Sunday, November 7, 2010)
I crossed the burning sands of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on March 4, 1987 @ 10:54:35pm while attending Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. While pledging* (The Men of Alpha Phi Alpha DO NOT participate in or condone any form of hazing :-D), my line (The Naughty 9) read poems that instilled hope and inspiration. The inspiration from these poems gave us the strength to reach towards the finishing line. I shared with the Men of Promise how nothing great comes without sacrifice, dedication, and hard work. Therefore, I believe this poem, “The Test of a Man” will prove beneficial to their development.
THE TEST OF A MAN
(Author Unknown)
The test of a man is the fight that he makes,
The grit that he daily shows;
The way he stands upon his feet,
And takes life’s numerous bumps and blows.
A coward can smile when there’s naught to fear.
And nothing his progress bars,
But it takes a man to stand and cheer,
While the other fellow stars.
It isn’t the victory after all
But the fight that a Brother makes.
A man when driven against the wall, still stands
erect and takes the blows of fate with his head held high,
bleeding and bruised and pale,
Is the man who will win and fate defied,
For he isn’t afraid to fail.
Question: What Scriptures, poems, or quotes get you through the day?
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
