After Pastor Mark ended his sermon last week recognizing the abundant grace of God in his life and in the life of Mars Hill Church, I feel compelled to praise Jesus for all he has done so far in the college ministry.

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus…” (1Cor. 1:4)

When we launched the college ministry in October, I literally didn’t know a single college student at the University of Washington.  Not only has God graciously allowed me to quickly connect with tons of college students at Mars Hill and UW quickly, but he has led me to some of the most amazing students I have ever worked with.

A week after we launched I went from knowing no one to not having enough time to get to know everyone.  I try to connect with new students as quickly as possible, so I have like 2 lunch appointments a day! (Thus the need to get a gym membership).

By God’s grace:

Leaders
We have seen God raise up some absolutely amazing student leaders who are growing in their faith faster than I or anyone can keep up with.  Most of them have been Christians for less than a year!  My awesome wife is discipling about half a dozen girls towards leading missional community groups and knowing Jesus more.  And I am leading about a dozen men through missional living, Systematic Theology, and how to keep their…, well how to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, repenting of sin.

Community Groups
We have gone from having zero “College Community Groups” to having 10 started and at least four more leaders in the queue.  With 2 of those in Fraternities where almost everyone that comes doesn’t know Jesus yet!

Vintage Jesus
God has been amazing in bringing out almost 1000 people between the two Vintage Jesus lectures we have had so far.  With hardly any promo, leveraging good old Facebook, we have been greatly encouraged.  In the last event we took in 100 questions via text message, so students definitely have some questions about Jesus!  Sign up for the Round three in April on Facebook.

Song of Solomon
As we start to look to next fall’s Song of Solomon series, my wife and I get the chance to take some students through the material this Spring, so that we can launch some “Relationship” community groups during the series in the fall.  One of the awesome things God has done so far has been to get some great college dating, engaged, and married couples involved in the ministry.

We will be taking seven or eight couples through this awesome book of the Bible this spring with the hope that some of them will lead other groups in the fall.  Please pray for this group; Amy and I were greatly transformed by this book in college and we hope God will use it in the lives of these couples.  If you’re in college and interested in this, email college@marshillchurch.org.

Me
God has taught me more over these last few months than I ever imagined he could.  Meaning he’s also teaching me I don’t know much!  Most of all he’s teaching me to trust him, and that he is faithful when he calls me to do something.  Jesus has been so faithful.

Gospel
Most of all I am thankful for Jesus and his Gospel, because every bit of grace comes from his life lived on my behalf, his death in my place, and his resurrection for my new life. My only response to him can be my life lived as worship, trying to see as many people as possible experience the grace he has poured out on me, through the transforming power of the Gospel.