Trouble on Mars

Just listened to last Sunday's sermon from our friends at Mars Hill. Filling in for Brother Bell was one of the church elders, David Livermore. BC was surprised and more than a little confused by the 39 minute and 50 second sermon. It was ostensibly a continuation of the study of Philippians but we're still not sure what it was actually about - somewhere between a public apology for a lack of leadership and communication and a good, old fashioned, recommit to the cause because even with all our issues, we really are great, pep talk. Looks like the Michigan Mars Hill community is troubled by leadership turnover and too much planning or too little planning, too much Rob Bell or too little Rob Bell, we couldn't tell what people were complaining about because it seems that they are complaining about everything.

Two things to say about this. First, Mars Hill is bigger than the group that meets in Michigan on Sundays. Even if the virtual tribe isn't much valued, it exists so if you're going to have a Sunday dedicated to inside baseball, let the rest of us know. Or even better, consider a preface. Some context for the newcomers or the people listening online. We're pretty regular followers of this place and we were confused, can you imagine the random stranger - either in person or online?

The second, and much more important point, comes in the form of a little tough love. To our beloved friends in the congregation and leadership at Mars Hill, SUCK IT UP! Radical love causes friction, not everyone can go at the same pace, deal with that reality, don't get crushed by it. From here, it looks like the Mars Hill community might be suffering from a little too much entitlement and a little too little grace. No place is perfect but this is a blessed community on the front lines of the revolution started by Jesus. Don't lose that, there are enough tame, self-satisfied, self-protecting, insular churches around to care for the people who are tired of the tumult of world changing risk. It's okay for people to go, it's loving for you to bless them in that choice. What isn't loving is to smother the spirit of Mars Hill in a blanket of appeasement. BC can't help but wonder how much Brother Bell can take, called to lead, tempted to please. Our prayer for everyone at Mars Hill right now is a simple one, may they lighten up on each other just enough to remember how good they have it.