life at mars
February 29th, 2008 by Todd Johnson
I’ve been off the blog for a while. I just don’t have it in me to write something for no other reason than to write something. Bigger fish to fry.
This week I have something that deserves a write up. There’s life at Mars! Not Mars the planet; Mars the church. I just returned from the National Resurgence Conference held at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. Having been a regular vodcast viewer of Mark Driscoll (pastor at Mars Hill) for some time, when the opportunity to cash in some sky miles presented itself I (and two other pastors) made the trip. It was time well-spent. I am happy to say that Jesus is alive and well in the Seattle area and He’s got His hands all over Driscoll and the work He’s given him to do there. There’s a lot of confusion among Christians these days with regards to what is termed the Emerging Church (Emergent Church; Emergent Village) and for good reason - it’s confusing, and much of it is garbage. There is nothing confusing about Mark Driscoll. The label doesn’t fit him. He’s a Bible guy. He’s a Jesus guy. He’s reaching Seattle’s 20-something’s with Jesus, the Bible, and nothing else. I went to see Mars Hill for myself, but It didn’t hurt that his guests for the week were Dr. John Piper from Desiring God Ministries and C.J. Mahaney from Sovereign Grace ministries in DC. The teaching was excellent. But what inspired me most was the site of an urban church (in one of the least churched cities in America) with a pastor on fire for Jesus. What God did in the late 60’s through Chuck Smith in sunny southern California He appears to be doing in the 00’s through Mark Driscoll in rainy Seattle Washington, and I’m glad to have experienced it first-hand. If you’d like to get a taste for what God is doing there visit Marshillchurch.org. If you are one that has had questions about the Emergent Church you would do well to listen to (or watch) his most recent message given on Sunday, Feb. 24th where he explains the history and beliefs of the movement that he refuses to identify himself with. Mark identifies himself with Jesus and with His Word, and I have no problem identifying with a servant of Jesus Christ like Mark Driscoll.
7 Responses to “life at mars”
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About Todd
Name: Todd Johnson
Location: Grass Valley, CA
Contact: todd@crossroadslive.com
About: Todd is the husband of Sharon, the father of Morgan, Caleb, Makenzie & Claire, and a pastor at Crossroads Church. He considers each of these roles the greatest of privileges.
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March 3rd, 2008 at 11:42 am
Todd
Alot of what’s going on up there really ties into yesterdays message.
Here’s a guy like Nehamiah taking a stand in his city, doing what the Lord has put on his heart.
The only label he wants is that of Jesus Christ. It’s convicting for the simple fact that God only needs one man do a work, but not many of us are willing to go all the way, to do what He’s called us to do. I can really see the diobedience in my own walk when you look at guys that are focused on His will not theirs.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:03 pm
You’re exactly right John! I’m convicted as well. Let’s pray that we continue to move forward under no other label than Jesus Christ, and to do so with grace, truth and holy boldness!
March 9th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
The 3 or 4 services I’m been to when visiting my daughter Cambria did remind alot of the early CC tent on fairview CM. I’ve also been challenged by Pastor Mark’s life of service to Jesus. I’ve also seen a change in his message since I first heard him in 2005. He speaks with more confidence in the message of Jesus and yet more humility in his personal applications. Beautifully my daughter who attends there is growing more in love with Jesus and loves to serve in various ministries at Mars. I believe the same fervent heart that’s in the Mars leadership is in our pastoral leadership team. Just listen to Duane’s T. message two Wed.s ago! God Bless you Todd for being willing to look at another ministries outside of what may be the normal Calvary circle and gleen what God is powerfully doing there.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I started listing to Mark about a year ago after reading Confessions of a Reformission Rev. Ever since then I have been hooked on his podcast. I do however find it interesting how excited both of you get when teaching through Nehemiah and it gets to the part when Nehemiah starts beatin’ on people. I think the two of you are more alike than you think.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Brian - It’s not that I get excited about Nehemiah beating the people (I can’t speak for Mark), it’s just that I find it so incredibly funny! I love the humor God has woven into the Bible, and I think we’ve got to keep a good sense of humor about us.
This is one of the reasons I resonate with Driscoll. When it comes to Jesus Christ, here’s a guy that’s as ’serious as a heart attack’ (as my dad used to say). But he’s learned to not take himself so seriously. In that way, we are definitely alike.
March 13th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Todd, I get into conversations with various people I meet. If there is one conversation I love is that in which I can give my testimony of all that God has done for me and that which I look forward to. Usually by the end of the conversation they tend to ask where I attend church. My response is Crossroads Church. They ask what affiliation. I tell them, but make sure I add the fact that the reason I call it my home church is that my pastor preaches Jesus Christ; he teaches the Bible. He doesn’t butter things up; he doesn’t tickle ones ears. If you don’t like it, change something in your life.
Listening to Mark Driscoll or any of your pastoral team is refreshing because there hasn’t been a time that it hasn’t made me reflect on my life to be sure I’m living up to God’s standards. And if not what do I need to change in my life. Thank you for being diligent to God’s word!
March 27th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Another great POD-cast listen is a church in Tualatin, OR., Athey Creek Fellowship…Talk about the word of God being spoken. They read directly from scripture, nothing else. Isn’t that what it’s all about?!! You can check it out here.
http://www.atheycreekfellowship.org/