Alan Andersen is the Youth Director for Mars Hill Church | West Seattle Campus. He and his wife, Sarah, have attended Mars Hill since late 2005.

Role at Mars Hill

Youth Director of MHC | West Seattle, which means I oversee everything to do with youth, from grades 5th to 12th.

Wife’s name

My amazing wife is Sarah, try calling her “Mrs. Andersen” she really likes that (I’m totally kidding, she thinks that “dates” her).

When did you become a Christian

I grew up in a Christian home; my parents modeled a Christ-like life very well. I can truthfully say that Jesus made Himself real to me at the age of 5. I did rededicated my life to Christ though when a junior in high school, because for a short season I became sidetracked from my active relationship w/ Him. I noticed I had been comparing myself to my unbelieving friends, justifying my coarse language or belittling humor to their drunkenness or sexuality. Thinking, I am not drinking or having sex, so I’m not really that bad, yet by God’s truly amazing grace He brought my slowly hardening heart, back to a breaking point, where He allowed me to realize just how truly depraved I was and in actuality we all are! When I rededicated my life to Christ, I began to understand that Jesus truly was and is the Author and Perfector of my faith. Yet! Without pursuing Him, spending time with Him through His Word, talking, praying, thinking and ultimately thirsting after Him, I would eventually restart that cycle of depravity. After this authentic and life changing understanding of God, I then found a passion for helping out others in a similar situation, which is all of us, as we are all sinners (Rom 3:23) specifically in the age group of youth and young adults. From that time forward I purposed, again by God’s amazing grace, that whatever I do, from what I wear, the tattoos I have, the music I listen to, the books I read, the food I eat, the shows I watch (which is either Sports Center or the Office, period.) I would do it for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31)! I truly wanted to live a life, which reflects God’s glory back to Him.

First set foot in MH

Sarah and I actually heard MHC first via Pastor Mark’s free pod cast (we couldn’t believe it was free!) in mid 2005, as we were living in O-town (aka Olympia, WA) where I was a Youth Pastor at a local church. When Sarah and I were married in November of 2005, we spent an extended weekend in Seattle after returning from our honeymoon in Mexico and by God’s providential grace decided to check out MHC w/ Sarah’s family. I was completely and totally blown away. Coming from church culture, I was certain that a church of this size could not be biblically sound and culturally relevant! I was just waiting for the eldership to mess up or something to be off balance! So, after getting the green light from God to start transitioning to MHC, we commuted from Olympia to Ballard to make certain that MHC was truly well stewarded, and by God’s amazing grace, it was and still is. God allowed us to move to Seattle in the beginning of 2007 and serve.

How did you end up in West Seattle

Only by God’s grace and mercy. In transitioning to MHC because of the sound doctrine and cultural relevance, I had thought God asked me to give up youth ministry which I was so passionate about, but knew that my primary responsibility was to have my family in a Jesus focused community. Also, MHC had just hired a youth pastor, by the name of Adam Sinnett, I don’t know if you have heard of him, but he’ kind of a big deal. Once that happened I figured I would serve and volunteer my time, although I still believed I was called to fulltime, vocational ministry. About this time last year Sarah and I completed the gospel class and I introduced myself to Pastor Adam and stated I would like to volunteer my time in the youth department. Little did I know that MHC was on the verge of a very rare and risky transition in hopes to allow more people that opportunity to meet Jesus. After many meetings and interviews, Sarah and I were asked to head up the Westside campus’ youth department! What an overwhelming joy, privilege and blessing from God. Not to mention that Pastor Adam is now my boss and an amazing man of God.

Scripture

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Quotation

“One of the most important discoveries I have ever made is this truth: God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in him. This is the motor that drives my ministry as a pastor. It affects everything I do.” -John Piper
Last book read…and what are you working on now
Last: “Practicing His Presence” [if you have not read this book yet, it is a MUST!! No Joke]
Now: 10 questions to diagnose your spiritual health

Last movie watched

Iron Man (which was sick, nasty! [that’s the new phraseology from kids these days [that means awesome to the layperson]).

Music

Old school Chevelle (02’-04’) or MHC Worship [E-pop, Team Strike Force, Northern Conspiracy, Red Letter, Ashborne, Sons of Thunder].

Favorite Seattle-area eatery

Easy Street Records (the one on the Westside of course). You cannot beat the ‘Johnny Cash’ special for breakfast.