by Deacon Erik Henrikson

On behalf of Mars Hill Church Leadership in West Seattle, I have the honor of communicating some upcoming leadership changes in West Seattle and areas of oversight.

When Jesus says in Matt 16:18, “upon this rock I will build my church,” Jesus declares He is the chief builder and master architect of His church. As elders, deacons, community group leaders, ministry leads, volunteers, and church members we are all under the authority of Jesus and we are all under “construction” of the chief builder.

As we begin summer 2009, our Chief Shepherd has seen fit to make some leadership changes in West Seattle, (namely to our Elder & Deacon teams), and in the spirit of Acts 6:1-7, we want to provide healthy leadership for the body of Christ.

Below is a summary of all the leadership changes ahead:

1. Pastor James Noriega is joining the WS elders July 1st and will be overseeing Redemption groups and Biblical Counseling in West Seattle

2. Deacon Shan Applin is transitioning off of WS staff July 1st and remains as a Lay-Deacon in good standing assisting Alan in Children’s ministry

3. Deacon Alan Andersen will be overseeing Children’s ministry, 45, and Youth beginning July 1st.

4. Tim Van Liew joins the WS staff July 6th and will oversee welcome team, facility management, office, membership, & events

5. Deacon Ryan Mount is transitioning off of WS staff and joins the Central Operations Staff overseeing property management of campuses.

(To learn more about each of the WS elders and staff please click here.)

The leadership changes in West Seattle have been made after much prayer, communication, and careful consideration with Jesus and with each of the individuals involved. We dearly love each of these men and their families and invite you to pray for each of them, their wives, and families during this transition. The call of Jesus has been clearly discerned by each of them and we are enjoying the clarity of this call today.

We invite you to join us this Sunday, June 28th as we pray for each of these men and the changes ahead. Following the morning services we are also holding a transition BBQ from 1:30-3:30pm. This will be a time for asking any questions about these transitions you may have, for example, parents may want to attend to hear more about children’s ministry, or those interested in counseling may want to attend to ask questions regarding Redemption groups, or you may want to ask about our welcome teams.

Mars Hill West Seattle, we love you, we are praying for you, and we are trusting Jesus with you.

Laboring with you for Christ,

Erik Henrikson
WS Campus Executive