Every Sunday I go to the mall. Not to shop, as my traditional, conservative parents would fear, but to go to church. Yeah...church at the mall. Sounds weird, but true nonetheless. Mars Hill Bible Church is an extraordinary place that I have been able to attend over the past few years. Due to the massive growth it has experienced, it relocated to an old mall a couple years after it began. It is now home to over 10,000 attendees every Sunday.
Much of the expansion of the Mars Hill community is due to the teachings of Rob Bell. Perhaps you've viewed one of his 15 Noomas, a series of short teaching DVDs that are popping up in youth groups and churches across the country and around the world. He has an incredible ability to teach and inspire, and I have benefitted greatly from the words he brings. Though he has received much criticism for his progressive ideas and views, I have found his insights to be honest, truthful, grounded, and Christ-centered.
Worship is an amazing part of the Mars Hill experience on Sundays, and this past Sunday was no exception as the David Crowder Band paid us a visit. They are a phenomenal group, and I loved the energy and passion that they brought to our service. Their style is a bit unorthodox, and probably a bit frightening for a few of the Mars Hill members, but it was wonderful having them with us.
Before beginning our time of singing, Rob spoke briefly about why we sing. A number of reasons were entertained, but one in particular stood out to me: we sing because we need to put great words on our lips. In an age of complexity and confusion, war, terrorism, scandal, and moral deterioration, sometimes I need great words to remind me to be hopeful, optimistic, and secure in the knowledge of whose hands the world truly resides in.
Here are some great words that were on our lips last Sunday. Feel free to offer any of your own...
This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!
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For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night
Hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light
Lord of all, to You we raise our songs
Hail glorious King, our reason to sing
Creator of all that is good
Robed in majesty’s light while power and might
Wait at the foot of Your throne
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