"First-century eyes, twenty-first century questions" is the theme we're exploring this summer. As we explore the Bible together and discover how to live out the way of Jesus as a community, we'll be joined by the following teachers.
Brian McLaren [August 17]
+ worship with Aaron Niequist
Brian is an author, speaker, pastor, and networker among innovative Christian leaders, thinkers, and activists. A former college English professor and church founder, he has written several books, including A Generous Orthodoxy and The Secret Message of Jesus. Brian is also on the international steering team and board of directors for emergent, a friendship among missional Christian leaders. His personal interests include fishing, hiking, music, art, and literature.
Aaron is a familiar face in Grand Rapids and at Mars Hill; he and his wife Shauna live in the area and are former staff members at Mars Hill. Aaron led worship and served as Worship Director during his time on staff. Since leaving Mars Hill, he has been dividing his time writing, recording, creating, and "trying to follow God into the next adventure." Aaron's new album, "With Broken Fists", is available at aaronniequist.com.
Ed Dobson + Kent Dobson "Jesus And Children" [August 24]
Ed is the Vice President for Spiritual Formation at Cornerstone University and the Pastor Emeritus at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in Religion, as well as a doctorate in Higher Education. A consulting editor with Leadership Journal and the author of many books, he also served as a member of the consultive group representing The World Council of Churches in dealing with the international problem of HIV/AIDS.
Kent is a teacher and worship leader at Mars Hill as well as a guide for study tours in both Israel and Turkey. A student of languages and religion, he holds degrees in English, fine arts, and History and Geography of the First Temple Period. His particular interests in archaeology, Jewish and Christian Relations, and Historical Jesus Studies have led to his involvement in projects including television productions with both the Discovery Channel and the History Channel.
Steve Carter [August 31]
+ worship with the fifty6 Band
Steve oversees the kids and student ministry at Mars Hill—in his words, he "works with a great team of people who are committed to helping kids and students live the best kinds of lives for God." Steve has a degree in Biblical Studies from Pacific Christian College [Fullerton, California], and he teaches at Mars Hill Gatherings often. Steve is married to Sarah; their immediate family includes their son Emerson and a dog named Fenway.
The fifty6 Band leads worship with 5th and 6th graders at Mars Hill every other week or so on Sunday Mornings during fifty6. The band is led by Mike Edwardson, Jim Kast-Keat, and Mandy Meisenheimer.