This week, Mars Hill executive pastors (XPs), executive deacons (XDs), four executive pastor residents (XPRs), and our executive support team came together from five different states and all of our fifteen church locations to join our Executive Elders for the annual XP Retreat. The intended goal was to learn and grow together, encourage and challenge one another, and eat and laugh with one another—a lot.
Pastor Mark Driscoll spent hours teaching through the entire book of Nehemiah, who was a great XP from the Old Testament.
Pastor Dave Bruskas went through the pastoral epistles of Peter and Paul focusing on what the Apostles instructed regarding elders and shepherding the flock of God.
From Acts 20, Pastor Sutton Turner gave commentary on Paul’s leadership of the church in Ephesus. He shared from Scripture how to lead by example, and that as we serve the Lord, the Holy Spirit will carry us through tears and trials as we care for the people.
Pastor Brandon Andersen (Mars Hill Everett) taught through 2 Peter 1:3–11 on the effectiveness and success of a pastor.
Pastor Jason Skelton (Mars Hill Bellevue) taught about the importance of unity and how to grow in leadership as an executive pastor at Mars Hill Church. It was awesome for the men to throw ideas around the room together and to learn from each of the speakers as we do all we can to carry out Jesus’ mission at Mars Hill Church—one church in many locations.
Not only was there plenty of teaching from the Word, but they also spent hours getting to know one another in cohorts and growing in camaraderie as a team. They spent several meals together talking, learning, and of course, laughing. Pastor Sutton graciously opened his home for one of the dinners.
The definite highlight, though, was praying with, for, and over each other. They concluded their time together in prayer last night, and left knowing that as they disperse to various cities and states, they have grown as brothers with one unified goal to tell people it’s all about Jesus.
The Executive Pastor Residency is a two to three year program that equips leaders to be executive pastors at a Mars Hill church. It exists to send out called and competent men who can faithfully implement the vision of the lead pastor and have the ability to spearhead the day-to-day operations of the church. If you have stewarded resources well and feel like this is you, apply today.
