by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 6, 2008 | Bible Journey, Christian, Christianity, Religion
WELCOME!
Dynamic, Authentic, Life-changing… this is the sort of thing I'm striving for with our online Cyber small groups.
It is my prayer that it becomes a place to connect and
develop meaningful and lasting relationships. It's life-on-life
interaction that should serve to strengthen your relationship with God
and everyone else around you as well.
Furthermore, I envision "Cyber Groups" to be a connection point at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. It is my prayer that you will experience the merge of Shared Passion, Shared
Purpose and Shared Lives.
Finally, It is our hope that everyone who comes to our online community will have the
opportunity to benefit from being a part of this experience.
LET'S GET STARTED!
<CLICK HERE> to review Sunday's message notes and download the discussion questions <HERE>. After you review the questions, please post your comments for all to hear!
Let's begin the discussion…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 24, 2008 | Bible Journey, Preaching, Religion
Trust me, this series will go down in history as one of the most innovative and controversial series at Mars Hill. What pastor do you know encourages their members to pull out their cell phones (DURING WORSHIP) and text their questions regarding the sermon. Guess what, THEY RESPONDED! The first person to respond had their question answered – LIVE!!! Additionally, they responded so well that we were overwhelmed with questions that I'll post and answer here. If you were not able to attend our services, you can view the outline here.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 18, 2008 | Preaching, Religion, Web/Tech, Worship
The"text me" project is your chance to get biblical answers to burning questions, concerns and hot issues in our culture. Over the next few months, I will preach on the 10 Hottest Topics that address spiritual, ethical or controversial issues facing Christians today. And guess what, you get to choose the topic!
All you have to do is submit your topic for selection via text message at (773-358 0356) or on our website by April 25, 2008. Your submission, along with others, will be posted on our website.
Members, guests, family and friends will cast their votes for the top 20 Hot Topics. The selected 20 Hot Topics will be posted on the website beginning April 27th. Beginning May 4th – May 10th, members, guests, family and friends will vote for the final 10 Hot Topic Sermons that I’ll preach on.
GUESS WHAT, IT GETS EVEN BETTER…
When the Top 10 Topics are confirmed, at the end each message you can (are you ready for this) text me a question relevant to the topic. For better or worse, I’ll answer the question ON THE SPOT!
That’s right, DURING WORSHIP you will be able to use your cell phone, BlackBerry, iPhone, PDA during worship and "text" me your question…TALK ABOUT INNOVATION…
I know you’re interested and would like to know more about the series and the official voting rules.
I can’t wait to hear your feedback!!!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 4, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Communication, Current Affairs, Empowerment, Family, Race, Religion, Vision, Worship
Next week I’m starting a new blog series entitled: "Ten Challenges Facing African Americans & What You Can Do." Trust me, I will hold no punches and exercise my 1st Amendment right.
Will I offend some, YES…
Will I spark debate…YES
Will you disagree…MAYBE
Will you engage…I HOPE SO
Will I cuss…STAY TUNED 😀
Will you comment…I PRAY THAT YOU DO
Stay tuned…Spread the word…Can’t wait till Monday…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 2, 2008 | Preaching, Religion, Worship
I have three children (13, 11, & 6) and all of them ask me "why?" about everything. Why is the sky blue? Why are there clouds? Why can’t I go outside? Why do I have to take a shower? Why can’t I stay up past 10PM? Truthfully, it’s frustrating. If you’re a parent, you know what I mean. Why are we frustrated?
We’re frustrated for two reasons. Often we don’t know the real answers to the innocent questions they ask, but even when we do, our answers don’t slow the pace of their relentless questions. That’s because we’ve misunderstood their language and think that when they ask "why?" they mean the same thing we mean when we ask why. Our cause-and-effect answers miss the mark, and so they fail to satisfy.
When it comes to understanding God, we’re just like children and ask "why?"
Ever wondered why you don’t feel the presence of God when other people claim they do? Ever had an unanswered prayer? Wondered why God would love you? Or why He would let bad things happen to good people? If you’ve ever wondered why…this may be just what you are looking for.
I’m planning something totally different this series…Imagine if we were able to get together and have a "Digital Conversation" regarding my series "Why." I’ll provide a link to the questions and we’ll use the comment section to share our thoughts and grow together. What do you think? Please share how we can make this experience better for all.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 24, 2008 | Christianity, Preaching, Religion, Worship
All I can say about this weekend is "OH MY GOD." This weekend we made history @ Mars Hill by offering a Saturday worship option and two Sunday options @ 8AM & 10AM. Seeing over 3,000 people at church this weekend pumped me up as well…who would
have thought that something like this could ever happen in Austin on the Westside of Chicago…OTHER THAN GOD! 🙂 In addition to thousands in attendance, I’m told our overflows were filled to capacity as well (God, we really need a larger space).
The Worship & Fine Arts Ministry BLEW my mind…
First, the children’s choir stole the show and ministered during our 10AM service. Thanks 1st Lady, Ella, & Philip for preparing our children to minister in excellence! Next, the choir/praise team/praise ensemble performed ”Before The Throne” which rocked the congregation by incorporating praise dancers, video, and still photos which told the resurrection story. I must say it was pure poetry in motion. Honestly, I believe God took the ministry to the next level musically, spiritually, and artistically. Yea God!!! I tip my hat to our staff, Michelle, Mark, Chuck, Carlos, Angelique, Tiaka, Chandra, The disciples, A/V, and my man Cody for the "Jesus" video remix. I’m still feeling that beat…
Regarding the message "Three Nails," it was a narrative sermon that included scenes from the Last Supper and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I must say the men really played their part and took the audience there. Thanks Ruby & Bert for making this dramatic presentation a reality. If you would like to order a CD or DVD of this service, PLEASE CLICK HERE!
As I told the story, the crowd was truly engaged in message. I shared with the congregation, in addition to the three "physical" nails that held Jesus to the cross, there were three "theoretical" nails that held Jesus to the cross. If you want to know what they were, PLEASE CLICK HERE!
Personally, I’m excited about what God’s doing @ Mars Hill. As we continue to seek God’s guidance, we’re trusting that He’ll continue to "make our paths straight."
