In November 2002, I walked into a Sunday service at a small church building in north Ballard with a beautiful woman on my arm and enough pride to shame the devil. I’d been a Christian for a few years then, you seen, and had therefore mastered all things holy – the theology, the music, the moral elitism. But I’d never seen this. The musicians seemed unaware of contemporary Christian culture, spouting lyrics of profound depth out an auditory spigot as Seattle as Pedro the Lion. The preacher, a heavyset, bearded man, stood in front for the better part of an hour, proclaiming things I’d never heard in a manner I’d never encountered – at least not from the pulpit.

Six years later, I’ve married the babe and ditched some of the elitism (God help me). I’m still digging the music and the only things that fiery preacher has lost is weight and facial hair. More importantly, I love Jesus more now, and I love this church and the Church more, too.

I’ve grown up here during my time at Mars Hill, emotionally, theologically, spiritually. I’ve had two daughters, bought my first house, and got my first real job. I’ve learned a few things about life and family and God – namely, that I don’t know jack. There have been ministry lessons, too: a few community groups with the attendant birth pangs of plowing through sin; regular preaching and evangelism at two downtown homeless shelters; the chance to oversee the Shoreline children’s ministry for the first eight months of our grand experiment called campuses.

Now, the next step: eldership. With much encouragement from my cheerleading wife (she digs me), I entered the process last spring and stand just a few weeks away from joining the Shoreline pastoral team. I’ll be coming on to help lead our campus into more regular expressions of mercy and justice throughout the North End. I want so much for our church to image God’s compassion to our neighborhoods, and I will beat that drum as long as I’m here.

Ultimately, I believe God is calling my family to go out and spread the wisdom and beauty he’s injected into Mars Hill. In recent months, the idea of church planting has become increasingly difficult to shake. But for now, my ministry and my heart are here at this church in this city with all of you. After all, Mars Hill could use a second Pastor Mark-albeit, a slightly less freakishly talented version.

Note from the Editor: The shoreline Campus is excited to welcome Mark Bergin to our Campus elder team. Pastor Steve introduced him from the pulpit on Sunday Dec. 14th which marked the beginning of a two week waiting period in which we want to present Mark before the body to ensure that he has a good reputation with outsiders.  If you have any concerns about Mark’s qualifications to hold the office of elder please email them to elderprocess@marshillchurch.org