Mars Hill West Seattle tithes off of the tithes it receives to support church planting around the globe because we firmly believe that church planting is God’s primary ordained means of establishing the kingdom of God on earth and seeing lives changed in, through and for Jesus Christ. MHC WS has the privilege of directly supporting four church planters. The intent of the article below is to introduce you to one of them. You can get more information on each of them here. Please keep these men, their families and the churches that Jesus has called them to plan in your prayers.

Epiphany Fellowship Lead Planter: Eric Mason Location: North Philly, PA Mission: We want to develop disciples that are able to minister in the culture and help new disciples to grow in God’s word in every area of their lives and shining the truth of the person of Jesus Christ to the glory of the Triune God. We cannot stress enough the realization that this Church will not be a “Hip Hop Church,” but a CHURCH.

Q: Tell us about yourself, your family and your work.
My name is Eric Mason. I play the role of our elder team’s lead pastor. I am originally from the other Washington (DC). I am married to Yvette and have one son (Immanuel and a kid on the way). Almost 6 years ago my wife had a liver transplant. She also suffered through 2 bouts with cancer and liver rejections. So for us to be able to have another child is a blessing because we thought it was a wrap.

Q: How did you discern Jesus’ call to plant a church?
I was actually challenged by some Baptists in Houston TX while I was an elder (assistant pastor) at a church there and teaching at a bible college. Their philosophy of the need for church plants that would reach those who were not being engaged with the gospel burned my heart. I began reading Acts and got jolted into the idea by Jesus. Ever since then I was looking to come back to the East Coast. Some Hip-hoppas from Philly were being asked to start a Hip-Hop church. They were interested in starting a church, but not a Hip-Hop church. The leader was to be Duce a.k.a. the ambassador from the crossmovement. He saw himself as more of an elder in a supporting role. Having a relationship with him for several years, he asked me to lead the plant. The group brought my wife and me on a site visit to Philly. She and I prayed Numbers 13. I began to sense Acts 16:6-10 speaking to me like an audible voice.

Q: What’s the significance of the name – Epiphany Fellowship?
Epiphany is a Greek word which means to show forth, to appear, to become visible, or to clearly show. In Titus 2:11-13:

11) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12) instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13) looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus…

Paul gives the basis for right (godly) living in the current time period which is based on the first and second comings (advents) of Jesus Christ. Paul uses this word to describe the two most strategic times that Christ appeared and will appear.

The first Epiphany describes Christ birth into the world and the second Epiphany refers to Christ conquering the world while displaying his Glory. In this present age, those who have been changed by his first coming are to be “Living Epiphanies or Glory Reflectors” which affirm the reality of the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Q: Why plant in Philly?

• 80-85% unchurched population (200,000 out of 1.5 million churched)

• High Crime Rate (www.city-data.com)

• The need for missional churches to plant in major urban cities

• Philly is strategic in reaching the culture we are seeking to reach

• Those influenced by Nation of Islam, Al-Islam, 5% Nation of Islam, Pan Africanists, Black conscious, Hebrew Israelites, and those with bias’ towards traditional expressions Christianity (ignorant, overly judgmental, immoral, hypocritical, greedy, elitists) are on the increase.

• Philly is the 6th largest city in America

• Hopelessness and disenfranchisement

• An overall dissatisfaction with Church

Q: What are your current needs and prayer requests?

• That People would stick (1 Thes 3:1-5)

• That the Lord will help us to be a giving, not just receiving inner-city church (2 Cor 8:1-5)

• That the Lord would raise up qualified men to elder (Titus 1:5)

• That the old would partner with the younger (Haggai 2:1-3; Titus 2:1-6)

• Family health (Neh 4:14)

Q: What are you currently reading?
Jeremiah, Dave Ramsey “Total Money Makeover”, and multiple commentaries on 1st Peter.

Q: Favorite quote?
“People are willing to be God-centered as long as they feel that God is man-centered.” – John Piper

Q: Last movie watched?
Babylon

Q: What’s on your top 10 list on your iPod?
Don’t have an ipod yet. I know I am technologically pathetic.

Q: How else can MHC West Seattle support you?
Pray and connect with us about getting the new facility we purchased rehabbed

P.S. Thanks for all the support. The Lord allowed us to engage hundreds of people with the gospel. We are now at 450+ in attendance on Sundays. Please continue to partner with us in this effort to live the light of Christ as we proclaim Him (Col 4:2-6).

Also, check out our online sermons…

MORE:

At Text & Context 2008, Lead Pastor of the Journey Church in St. Louis Darrin Patrick sat down for an interview with Eric Mason.
See the Video | Hear the Audio