“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Matthew 9:37–38
The harvest is plentiful
This year marked the beginning of a movement in the young people of Mars Hill Church. Every week, hundreds of young students across the church are gathering in community to hear about Jesus, worship him, and be equipped with his gospel to live for the fame of Jesus everywhere they go. We celebrated with over 150 students who professed faith in Christ. A great harvest has begun! And we’re just getting started.
But the laborers are few
Behind this great harvest is a team of people—faithful adults from all walks of life who want to see teenagers changed by Jesus: Mars Hill Students volunteer leaders. They aren’t ministry professionals with Bible degrees or hipsters meticulously versed in youth culture. They are baristas and moms, ranch hands and software developers, landscapers and paralegals, students and restaurant owners. These volunteers have a simple job description: 1) Share the gospel, 2) Share your life, and 3) Do it in a way that students imitate you. Mars Hill Students leaders are simply adults humbly bringing the gospel to a new generation.
We asked our leaders, “What’s so great about serving with Mars Hill Students?” Here’s what they said:
“I love to see the light of gospel come on in middle schoolers. While they can be challenging and fun (and they have a hard time staying on topic) there are moments of depth and understanding the love and grace of God through Jesus that make it all worth it! These boys are becoming men of God and I feel privileged to see the Lord work in their lives as he reveals sin and calls them to himself!”
Nate, 29
Roof gutter/cleaner, Bellevue
“I love being able to share gospel truth with girls at this sort of ‘crossroads’ age, where they’re figuring out who they are and deciding who they want to be. If they get their identity from Christ now, what a warrior they can be for his kingdom!”
–Olivia, 31
Personal trainer, Downtown Seattle
“As a guy who grew up with no father and few male role models, it’s important for me to be there to disciple the young men. . . . It’s a tough place to be as a high schooler trying to figure out what it means to be a man. Media and culture portray something that is far from true. . . . I hope to point them to Jesus as a true example of tender/tough manliness. . . . I love seeing boys turn into men who love Jesus, lead well, and serve faithfully.”
–Jim, 35
Advertising and public relations, Shoreline
“It is an extremely joyful environment to serve in. The relationships I have formed with other leaders through Mars Hill Students have become some of the greatest friendships I have developed at my home church.”
Leanna, 24
Homemaker/mom, Bellevue
“I get samples and glimpses of the greatest joy, namely, seeing people meet Jesus and the humbling satisfaction of knowing that in some small abstract way, God’s work in me, through me and in spite of me, contributed to his mission of saving the lost.”
Ryan, 24
Ranch hand, Sammamish
“I love serving at Mars Hill Students because it’s an opportunity for us to do life together. Just as [adults] need community, students need it too. This is a very crucial time in their lives . . . today the world screams of ways to deal with life that only lead to death. This is an opportunity to love and lead them to life, which is through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s all about Jesus!!!”
–Adrian, 36
Restaurant manager, West Seattle
“I love the sense of community among the other leaders. They are an amazing group of faithful, godly people!”
–Melisa, 33
Marketing manager, Bellevue
Pray for the Lord to send out
We have a great harvest ahead of us in Mars Hill Students, but we are in need of more laborers. We’re praying that people from all walks of life join in the mission of God with students at Mars Hill Church. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer with Mars Hill Students or getting more information, please let us know here.
Thinking of serving with high school students this fall? No better time to jump in than the high school summer camp, August 27–30 in Oregon. Talk to the student ministry lead at your local Mars Hill church or email summercamp@marshill.com to get involved.
