Multi-Site Exposed Conference

Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA April 14-15

Here are some quotes that caught my attention in the conference. These are not comprehensive notes, just thoughts that took my fancy. 

Multi-Sites Are Fully Functioning Churches, Not Just Download Sites

When I listen to the dialog about the multi-site approach, I hear about technology but what I'm not hearing is "what's a church"? Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor Mars Hill Church

You need to think through ecclesiastical issues of what is a church before a site is launched so you plant churches and not sects. Otherwise you start with a culture of permission and end in disappointment because people with wrong heart will work their way in and take over the heart and mission of the church. Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor Mars Hill Church

Remember there really is a Satan, sin, demons and false teachers. So watch out. We need to be sure that what we mean by church, God means by church. Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor Mars Hill Church

What the church is was just assumed before the Reformation. The first book written on the church was by Cyprian On Unity in the Church AD 251 no other book was written until Wycliffe in 1378.  The Protestants define church as: the word, sacraments, church discipline and leadership. Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor Mars Hill Church

The printing press forced a sharper definition of the church theologically, so too has the invention of the internet and video. Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor Mars Hill Church

Jesus is the head of the church and you have to put him on the top of your organizational chart. This is the order of church leadership and the flow of the gospel into the word: Jesus then elders, then deacons, then members then guests taking the kingdom of God into the mission field. Jamie Munson, Lead Pastor Mars Hill

How Mars Hill Church defines the church:

1. Jesus is the head of the church. If anyone is the Senior Pastor of your church make him Jesus.

2. The Holy Spirit is the source of regenerated life. Everything is about making the world know how great God is.

3. Leaders devoted to health and well being of the church. Elders, senior pastor, staff pastors.

4. Preaching. If you don't have a preacher you don't have a church.

5. Membership

6. Sacraments rightly administered. We serve communion every week and baptise converts.

7. Discipline is rightly enacted.

8. Worship is gathered and scattered.

9. The great commandment of love.

We have found that each campus must function as a complete church. If you want to be a multi-site church, make sure you start a church and not just have an event. Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor Mars Hill Church