I was born again in the Disneyland of churches.

It hasn’t been all roller coasters, cotton candy, and laughter, but I feel like I’ve experienced a lifetime of grace in the 12 years since I became a Christian at Mars Hill. This church is where I was baptized, where I met my wife, where we’re raising our four kids, and where I’ve served on staff for ten years (read my story on the Mars Hill Blog).

My Job: Lead Pastor

Today, I serve as the Lead Pastor of Mars Hill Church. That may not seem readily apparent to those of you that follow our church and the ministry of Mark Driscoll, so allow me to explain.

Two years ago, after working on staff for many years, I took on the responsibility of leading Mars Hill: day-to-day operations, staff oversight, casting vision, organizational strategy, etc. This change allowed Pastor Mark to focus the majority of his time using his leadership and communication gifts that we all benefit from.

Obviously, Mark still serves as a significant influencer of Mars Hill—and Acts 29 and The Resurgence. One of the things I admire most about Mark is that he really isn’t motivated by titles and positions but rather using his influence to glorify Jesus for as much Gospel fruit as possible.

5 Men, 3 Movements

I love my job. I get to work with some of the best men I’ve ever met: the Mars Hill Executive Elders. Together, the five of us lead, oversee, and shepherd everything we’re doing:

• Mark Driscoll
• Scott Thomas, Acts 29 Network Director
• Rick Melson, MHC Campus Network Director & Re:Train Director
• Tim Beltz, Executive Pastor

The Executive Elder team is where the leadership of three unique yet related movements converge:

• Mars Hill Church: Starting new campuses, providing free resources, and serving as the local church.
• Acts 29 Network: Starting new churches and providing brotherhood for pastors around the world.
• The Resurgence: Training leaders, providing resources and events, and publishing books and music for the benefit of the greater church.

Mars Hill Global

Each of these entities is a work of God in its own right, and each has a unique, bold vision. So how does Mars Hill Global fit in?

We unveiled Mars Hill Global on Easter Sunday this year, and the new website features the logos of Mars Hill Church, Acts 29, and Resurgence.

Mars Hill Global is a platform to serve these three movements by sharing stories of Jesus' work and generating support to build and continue the collective effort. We want to use the influence and favor that God has given us to bless as many others as possible.

Pride Must Die

Our pride would like to take credit for the fruit we enjoy, but we don’t deserve any acclaim. Jesus is the head of the church (1 Peter 5:4), Jesus changes lives (Eph. 2:8), and Jesus causes the church to grow (Matt. 16:18). “And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16).

This is Jesus’ work, and we gladly share in it with the rest of his body.

Find Pastor Jamie on Facebook and Twitter.