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We Flipped The Switch - Mars Hill Offers FREE WiFi!

Today, we walk into coffee shops and restaurants & see stickers on the windows offering free wifi.  If the aforementioned places can do this, so can the church.  

So where am I going with this?  

In an effort to promote the church as a great space to work away from the office, Mars Hill cast the vision of offering free WiFi.  The vision has come to past.  On Sunday, May 13, 2012, We flipped the switch & now Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago offers FREE WiFi.  Why?  Part of our vision is to leverage technology for the glory of God.  

Some may ask, “What is the theological reasoning behind Mars Hill’s use of technology to forward the Gospel?”  

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9 that he became all things to all men so that by “all means” he might save as many people as possible. It’s that simple. We use whatever we can to tell as many as we can about Jesus.  

Technology is simply a tool or an idol depending upon whether it helps or hinders the forward progress of the gospel.  We believe it’s a tool to further the advancement of the Gospel.  

What do you think - should churches offer FREE WiFi?

Growing up watching the 3 Stooges provided hours of laughter. Their comedy is timeless and still makes me laugh. The Three Stooges will always be remembered as comedic geniuses and as one of the best comedy dream teams who made our day by slapping the laughter out of us. Honestly, the slaps look real to me :-)

I chose this video to show that oftentimes we do something similar to guests each Sunday. Sometimes the way we treat our guests is equivalent to a slap in the face. And when that happens, guests forget everything else (awesome praise & worship, children’s ministry, & the message) - even the good that happened before the slap.

A slap in the face to a guest can be a number of things. It can be an insensitive comment from the pulpit, a moment of awkwardness, a harsh word from an usher, or a nasty glance from a member.

Since Easter is our “Spiritual Superbowl” let’s do everything within our power not to spiritually slap our guests. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Mars Hill, let’s make Easter Weekend memorable and not “spiritually slap” anyone.

The Cost of Freedom: Lessons From Trayvon Martin’s Tragic Death - Pt. 2

As I reflect on Trayvon Martin’s tragic death, I can’t help but view it through the lens of a father, pastor, and drum major for social justice. If you haven’t read the first installment, you can READ IT HERE. Today, we’ll take a look at Trayvon’s death through the lens of a pastor and resident theologian.

Personally, I don’t believe Trayvon was gunned down because he wore a hoodie (Sorry Geraldo Rivera – you’re dead wrong). We live in a broken world where people do evil things. Mr. Zimmerman allowed his prejudices, assumptions, and suspicions to cloud his ability to just walk away.

“Why did God allow Trayvon’s tragic death” is the #1 question people ask when they discover I’m a pastor. In dealing with the problem of evil in the world, we run into many problems like this one.

Could God have prevented Trayvon’s death? Yes, He could have.

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The Cost of Freedom: Lessons From Trayvon Martin’s Tragic Death - Pt. 1

When I think about Trayvon Martin’s tragic and horrific death, I can’t help but view it through the lens of a father, pastor, and drum major for social justice.  Before we begin, please allow me to offer my condolences to the family as they deal with the aftermath of this tragedy.  Today, we’ll take a look at Trayvon’s tragic death through the lens of a father of two teenage sons.  

When I think about Trayvon’s death, I think about my two sons, Myles (17) and Joshua (15).  You’d have to be a parent (especially sons) to understand that just because you’re free to wear anything, that freedom comes with consequences and responsibilities.  Furthermore, living in a racially diverse neighborhood comes with a set of unwritten rules and a certain way of doing things.  The rules were there before we moved in and they’ll remain when we’re long gone. 

Before my sons leave the house, I give them my standard stump speech:

  1. If you can, please don’t wear hoodies.  If you do, take the hood off.
  2. No saggin
  3. Always respect official law enforcement
  4. If anything goes wrong, CALL YOUR PARENTS IMMEDIATELY

Why?

Unfortunately, baggy/saggin jeans, hoodies, doo-rags, & New Era Caps, made popular by the hip-hop culture, are WRONGLY associated with criminal intent.  It’s sad and shallow to think that people make snap judgments and reinforce their biases based solely on first impressions. 

Again, although my sons are free to wear whatever they want, I teach them to limit their freedom since we live in a racially polarizing world.  I know some will push back and label me an assimilationist.  I’m fine with that.  I’d rather be an assimilationist with my sons alive than burying them for expressing themselves.  They’re mine and I’ll do whatever I need to do to protect them. 

What are your thoughts?  Do you agree or disagree?

The Back Story: There’s A Story Behind My Praise

Trying to describe what’s going on at Mars Hill Baptist Church is as easy as trying to nail jell-o to the wall. It’s IMPOSSIBLE and INDESCRIBABLE. Someone once said, “If you can explain what God’s doing, then God’s not doing it.” An authentic move of God cannot be reduced to a formula, three steps, or packaged and sold as the next great fad to grow churches. However, experience teaches that if you desire God’s presence, authentic praise is your catalyst.

Psalm 22:3, says, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” Ok, so what does that mean? It means God lives, dwells, and manifests Himself in your circumstance when you praise Him. Our praise penetrates Heaven and causes atmospheric disturbances (see 2 Chronicles 22:1-30; Acts 16:16-26). Praise is our weapon of choice when we face circumstances beyond our control.

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The Church of Apple Inc.

Last week, Apple summoned reporters to an event to unveil a new version of its popular tablet computer - The New iPad. “Apple clearly sent a message to all of the manufactures lining up to complete with it: Just go home.” (Andy Ihnatko - Chicago Sun-Times). Apple calls it “Resolutionary.”

Apple is a very successful company. They’re innovative, swimming in cash, and have the friendliest staff I’ve ever met. I began thinking: “What could the church learn from Apple?” Theologically, I understand the church is a body and not a business and incorporating business models is risky (some may even say it’s heretical). Whatever! I’m a believer in principles and if there’s a transferrable principle, I’m applying it.

After visiting Apple’s retail stores and buying their products, the church can learn a lot if they would open their eyes and use a little imagination.

Here’s what we can learn:

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What’s On Your List?

Questions I Ponder Daily…

#1 - How can I serve God with all my heart, mind, and soul…

#2 - How can I be a better husband…

#3 - How can I be a better father…

#4 - Is there anything in my life that I need to stop doing…

#5 - Is there anything in my life that I should start doing…

(By the way…the answer to #5 is YES…but in order for it to happen I REALLY need to wrestle with question #4!)



#6 - Will the majority of our members ever move from membership to discipleship…

#7 - How can I be more efficient in the way I use my time…

#8 - Why, out of all the people on this planet, is God allowing me to be a part of what He is doing…

#9 - Will I ever rejoin our denomination’s convention…

#10 - Will Mars Hill ever become a church with multiple locations…

So, what about you - what’s on your mind?

Are ‘YOU’ Where God Wants You To Be?

In 2005, Ice Cube (Nick) and Nia Long (Suzanne) starred in the hit comedy movie, “Are We There Yet?” Nick’s attracted to Suzanne and offers to drive her two very annoying children from Portland to Vancouver.  The trip’s a disaster from the outset as the three face numerous mishaps while entertaining the nagging question, “Are we there yet?”  As a parent who’s gone on numerous road trips with children, they have trouble understanding distance and how much time it takes to actually get ‘there.’

In his book, “Maximize The Moment,” Bishop T.D. Jakes references a “place called there.”  It’s not a neighborhood.  You can’t find it on a map.  Money, education, or influence can’t get you there.  There is the place God intended for us to be spiritually, relationally, financially, etc.  It’s God’s destiny for us and once you’ve been touched by destiny, your relentless pursuit begins.

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Just Because It’s Simple Doesn’t Make It Easy

After a long day at the office, sometimes I sit back and watch TV.  Recently, I found myself channel-surfing for about 15 minutes.  I was amazed at how many of the ads were about getting in shape.  Here are some of the exact phrases I heard:

“Six-second abs.”

“Easy shaper.”

“Incredible — a miracle!”

“It feels terrific! Let us show you how easy it is!”

“Quickly turn your flabby abs into that sexy six-pack!”


Where did we ever get the crazy idea that getting in shape is supposed to be quick and easy?  Why do we think that there will be almost no cost?  Why are we surprised when working out turns out to be arduous and healthy foods don’t really taste that good?

HERE’S THE PROBLEM:  WE OFTEN CONFUSE THE WORDS “SIMPLE” AND “EASY”

The changes I help people make are generally very simple.  However, they are never easy.  Just as with diet and exercise, changing behavior involves hard work.  It takes time.

Look in the mirror.  Not just at how you look but who you are.  If you want to be a better leader, a better professional, or just a better person — don’t kid yourself.  To achieve meaningful goals, you’ll have to pay the price. 

There’s no product, no diet, no exercise program, and (I hate to admit it) no pastor who can make you better.  Only you can do it.  If your source of motivation doesn’t come from inside, you won’t stick with it.  This may not be infomercial material, but it’s great advice for any real achievement.

Making The Most Of Where You Are

Quick!  How many have heard this phrase:

Bloom where you’re planted.

I heard this heard statement before and it’s about making the most of what you have and being content with your life.  Although I could not find the actual verse that bears directly on this statement, 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 suggest the idea of contentment.

Paul had been giving instruction in Chapter 7 regarding marital status. Apparently there was some level of discontent among the believers where there was an inordinate desire to change their state from single to married or from married to single.

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