Any time a larger church plants a new location in a new area, there is pushback. In our case, as a large conservative, reformed yet missional church, we get pushback from all sides. We get it from the left because our theology is too conservative. We get it from the right because our methodology is too progressive. One type of pushback that typically gets overlooked is the pushback by the churches that are similar to us.
When Mars Hill goes to a new city, there are many who prejudge our motives. We get accused of moving into a new city for the purpose of stealing people from churches that are like-minded.
I, like other Mars Hill lead pastors who have planted in new cities, have received much of this friendly fire. It can be discouraging and frustrating when others decide what your motives are. I have to say though, we have gained a lot of ground in making sure like-minded churches know that we are battling alongside them and not across from them in the work of the gospel.
In the two months that my family and I have been in Phoenix we have received a lot of friendly fire, but have also convinced many that their idea of our motives are incorrect. I have sent no less than ten members and leaders from other reformed, conservative churches in Phoenix back to their elders to get direction on whether they would like to send them to us to help us plant Mars Hill Phoenix. The response from the other church leaders has been encouraging and unifying.
Local trainings
We started our first Community Group leader trainings this last week. Phoenix is such a large and spread out city that we are holding two trainings a week in two different areas (north and south) of Phoenix.
Last Tuesday in our north training, we had five pastoral residents show up from a mega church here in Phoenix to get trained in the theology of community. They were uncertain at first whether this would be okay with Mars Hill for them to take up space and time in our trainings. They quickly learned that we are not territorial, but are all about making disciples and planting churches. We want all the churches in Phoenix to be trained and strong in the work of the ministry for the purpose of lives being saved and Jesus getting worship and glory. The five pastor residents approached me after the training to thank Mars Hill and ask if they could continue being trained so their church could benefit from our teaching as well.
We had 43 people show up last week to be trained as Community Group leaders. After the two nights of training I was incredibly encouraged. The Holy Spirit gave me a good sense of the big picture of gospel ministry. I am learning that being all about Jesus means more than just training our people, but rather using the gifts and opportunities that Jesus gave me, being all about Jesus is also being intentional and open with training all pastors and volunteers in the work of ministry.
Jesus’ kingdom
I am stirred up with joy and peace that our presence here in Phoenix is a presence of big picture, life-changing, Jesus-glorifying work, and not just what is best for our church plant. The truth is what is best for Jesus’ kingdom is what’s best for our church plant.
We are off to an exciting start. I am confident that the Holy Spirit is blessing and directing our efforts in Phoenix. The city’s response to us being here has been, overall, very good. People are excited, leaders are emerging, and training has begun.
If you’re interested in getting involved with Mars Hill Phoenix or want to attend one of our trainings, please don’t hesitate to touch base with us at phoenix@marshill.com.
Pastor Ryan with his wife, Kate, and kids, Ella, 4 years old, and Liam, 16 months old.
