Three years ago, a small group of students embarked on a mission in Seattle’s University District to start a college ministry from the ground up. This weekend, Mars Hill U-District officially opens its doors as our newest campus (service times and location). For a number of reasons, this is an event worth celebrating throughout our church.

People are Meeting Jesus

In community groups and Sunday services, people are becoming Christians every week. Many got baptized this summer, including six in the middle of UW’s landmark Red Square. "The most fundamental way that life is different after meeting Jesus," says student Jason Murray, "is the deep-rooted security and joy in Christ."

UW Influences the World

The Times of London recently ranked the University of Washington the 23rd best university in the world, and the fourth best public university in the United States. Students at UW represent 100 different nations. Through Mars Hill U-District we have the opportunity to share Jesus with the young men and women who will lead throughout the world for generations to come.

Back to Our Beginnings

Mars Hill Church traces its early roots to the U-District: Pastor Mark began a college ministry in the neighborhood 15 years ago, and we used to rent space for Sunday service on the Ave. We’ve maintained ties to the neighborhood ever since, always hoping for a more permanent return. In the past two decades, however, to our knowledge only two church buildings in the U-District have gone on the market, including the one we were finally able to purchase last month. God has been very gracious and generous in answering our many years of prayer.

Our Kids Will Be in College Someday

There are well over 1,000 children at Mars Hill Church every week. As they grow up and strike out on their own, the U-District campus could be the place where many of our kids find training and community to mature as fruitful missionaries and disciples of Jesus.

The U-District Needs Jesus

In addition to college students, the U-District attracts a lot of street youth and homeless people. Over the years our U-District congregation has worked hard to build relationships and meet the spiritual and physical needs of the neighborhood. Now that we have a legitimate campus we look forward to serving the community more effectively, proclaiming the message of Jesus and demonstrating his love for a broken world.

Students Can’t Do This Alone

The U-District congregation will welcome families and singles, kids and senior citizens alike, but we expect college students will always be in the majority, which means the church will always need financial help from our extended church family. Until now, our college ministry has operated out of the much larger Ballard campus. In order to thrive as a separate campus, the U-District congregation will need ongoing support from alumni, friends, family, and anyone with a heart to see the college experience redeemed by the gospel. Check out the Legacy Project for more info on giving to Mars Hill U-District. The college years are a crucial window for reaching people with the gospel, and the University District is at the forefront of a region in desperate need of the love of gospel. I am so grateful to God that he has given our church the opportunity serve this neighborhood, by his grace for many years to come. Finally, thank you to Pastor Matt Jensen, who leads our U-District ministry. Please pray for Pastor Matt and his family during this busy season.