Community is a vital part of what we do at Mars Hill Church, and we are constantly evaluating our groups, and how we can better train and equip our leaders. I am excited that the face of community is changing, and wanted to share with you some of the “new” things that are happening at the West Seattle Campus.

New Leaders and Community Groups

There is a new breed of leaders emerging that are innovative, authentic, and equipped to start new community groups all over the Southern Puget Sound region. We have commissioned ten new leaders who are starting up groups, and have several more launching groups next month.  West Seattle, The Rainier District, Burien, Des Moines, and Tacoma are some of the areas where these new groups are launching. Each new leader has gone through rigorous training, testing, and approving, and we look forward to the transforming work Jesus will do through these new shepherds.

New Training

We have improved our monthly leadership training process to better equip our leaders, and deepen the community experience. This month, we also have the privilege of having a world class teacher come and help train our leaders. Steve Timmis, author of the book Total Church, and pastor of The Crowded House from London, will be speaking at the Total Church conference coming up this Monday night. He will also be taking some time this Sunday to meet and speak with our leaders at West Seattle.  Steve is a master at linking the gospel, community, and missions together, and we are looking forward to our time with him.  This is one of the many opportunities we are able to provide this year, to fully equip and empower our leaders.

New Standards

Jesus takes caring for his sheep seriously, and we will be faithful to that calling.  Therefore all new leaders go through a rigorous training process to meet the Biblical qualifications for leaders.  What we are finding is that our new leaders are encouraged by these higher standards, because they feel far better prepared to lead, and they see Mars Hill’s commitment to healthy leaders, and the people they shepherd.

New Equipping of the Saints

We are now wrapping up the second round of community groups walking through the Biblical community class. By the end of Spring, all community groups will have gone though this training. This class equips the saints on what the Bible says about community, and how we can build community to reflect this.  It has completely transformed much of our groups’ vision and passion for Biblical community.  For example, one person who had felt trapped in fear and anxiety, felt for the first time, freedom to share who they were with those around.

Get Connected

It is truly an evidence of God’s grace to see lives transformed in and through community! If you are not part of a group and would like to join one, stop by the Community kiosk on Sundays, email westseattlecommunity@marshillchurch.org, or register on The City to find a community group that’s a good fit.