AUGUST 7, MARS HILL CHURCH, GRANDVILLE, MICHIGAN

Being that my annual family reunion was today, I needed to visit a church that was relatively close (and thank goodness! Gas prices have been killin' me!) Mars Hill was just the ticket. Founded just a few years ago by Pastor Rob Bell, Mars Hill has been something of a phenom. Simply through word of mouth, the new church's first Sunday attendance was over 3,000 people! After a year or so of GROWTH, the "budding" church moved from the local school to an old shopping mall where it still resides. As a matter of fact, unless you know EXACTLY what you're looking for, you'll never find the church. The only signs are simple decals on the mall entrance doors! (the YMCA which uses part of the mall gets all the attention.) Very little has been done to change the mall appearance. "Gantos" is now the entrance to one of the preschool wings. The sanctuary is simply one of the "flagship" stores which has been gutted, carpeted, and painted. As a matter of fact, the most updated part of the facility is the "Club 56" room, which resembles a teen night club. Sarah was with me this morning, and although she loved the Club 56 room, opted to stay with Dad in the "Big Church". We were joined by about 2,000 other people as the worship started much like a youth campmseeting. "GOOD MORNING! The Mars Hill Sanctuary Choir has once again met to worship!" We all make up the choir. Worship consisted of a combination of songs, hymns, and quiet scripture readings. Prayers were offered up by laypersons. The whole thing reminded me of Chapel services in college! After a few announcements, a guest speaker was introduced and then presented a great 40 minute sermon. I was completely surprised at how totally no frills and low key the service was. Members attended in shorts and t-shirts and sipped Mountain Dew between songs. Many believe that this is the future of worship in America. Something must right, for this church has at least 5-6,000 members. I believe that it is its simplicity and quality that makes it work. Remember, more isn't always better. The worship was great, and the sermon was great. No frills. Just great. Hmmmmm.