Mars Hill
Sunday afternoon we decided to check out one of the many campuses of Mark Driscoll's church in Seattle, called Mars Hill. Although I have enjoyed numerous Mark Driscoll sermons, I would say I'm generally opposed to the idea of a multi-site mega church. (I guess since I can invite our entire church over for a party at my house, this shouldn't come as a surprise.)
I will admit, though, that the entire experience was quite good. The bathrooms were beautiful - they had these lovely wooden counters and modern-looking basin-type sinks. (It goes without saying that they were also very clean.) The rest of the decor had a very hip and modern feel. There was an introductory video about this sermon series on the book of Esther that was very well done and professional.
I'm also fairly traditional when it comes to worship style. I love singing hymns, although I do love the "RUF" versions with a more modern tune as well. I was pleasantly surprised by the music. It was loud, but not too loud, very "rock and roll", but in a good way, and the selection of songs was surprisingly traditional. As in, mostly RUF-type hymns. I was a little surprised by the mid-song rap that was performed on one song, but even that was well done.
The sermon (given by an actual, live Mark Driscoll) was good. I may be a bit biased, but I didn't think it was as good as something Jeff would have done, but he is a dynamic speaker. The only thing that bothered me was that communion was served. There was no real instruction about who should or should not take communion, no words of institution ("Then Jesus took the bread, and broke it....etc"), and everyone just sort of got it somewhat haphazardly.
Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable experience. All that said, I'll be very happy to be back with my small but loving church family this weekend.
I will admit, though, that the entire experience was quite good. The bathrooms were beautiful - they had these lovely wooden counters and modern-looking basin-type sinks. (It goes without saying that they were also very clean.) The rest of the decor had a very hip and modern feel. There was an introductory video about this sermon series on the book of Esther that was very well done and professional.
I'm also fairly traditional when it comes to worship style. I love singing hymns, although I do love the "RUF" versions with a more modern tune as well. I was pleasantly surprised by the music. It was loud, but not too loud, very "rock and roll", but in a good way, and the selection of songs was surprisingly traditional. As in, mostly RUF-type hymns. I was a little surprised by the mid-song rap that was performed on one song, but even that was well done.
The sermon (given by an actual, live Mark Driscoll) was good. I may be a bit biased, but I didn't think it was as good as something Jeff would have done, but he is a dynamic speaker. The only thing that bothered me was that communion was served. There was no real instruction about who should or should not take communion, no words of institution ("Then Jesus took the bread, and broke it....etc"), and everyone just sort of got it somewhat haphazardly.
Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable experience. All that said, I'll be very happy to be back with my small but loving church family this weekend.
Comments
Love, Marian