After sifting through over 100 applications, we finally selected our five lead pastor residents for the first year of our Lead Pastor Residency Program. This month, our residents are getting settled in at some of our Mars Hill churches and preparing for long-term pastoral leadership. Earlier this week, you met Aaron and the two Ryan Ws. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alex and Drew.
Alex Early
Ballard
I planted Four Corners Church in Newnan, Georgia, three and a half years ago with Acts 29. Our church plant was a bit peculiar being that the calling to plant was birthed out of first seeing an interview in 2006 with Pastor Mark where he described his week of ministry as a pastor who was on mission in the city, reaching the broken, burned out, and hopelessly lost. After that I was convicted: I quit my easy church job, got a job at a bar, and started reaching out. Before long, I had a vision and planted the church in Newnan, factoring in a one-year leave where Jana and I moved to London to pursue my second master’s degree in hermeneutics at the London School of Theology. The church was planted and today has over 300 in weekly attendance.
Jana and I have been married for eight years and have two kids. Our daughter is Tovah (2), and our son Jude (13 months).
I joined the residency program because I deeply love the ministry of Mars Hill and now have the opportunity to bring the ministry of Mars Hill to our city of Atlanta to preach Jesus, train men, and live on mission in the city.
Drew Hensley
Mars Hill U-District
I’m coming from South Carolina to be a part of the Mars Hill Lead Pastor Residency program. I’ve been privileged to serve as an associate pastor in a variety of contexts over the past 6 years: from the inner city of Atlanta to the rural community of Spartanburg, SC. I’ve also been incredibly blessed to be married to my wonderful wife of five years, Laura. She is such an encouragement and has a great heart for those in need. Throughout my years in ministry I find myself constantly reminded that everyone needs Jesus, regardless of background, income, or upbringing—it’s all about Jesus and the hope and healing only he can offer. That truth, along with the moving of the Holy Spirit, is what brought me to Mars Hill and this residency program. It’s an opportunity to do ministry with a church that shares a passion for making disciples and leaders who multiply themselves out of a love for Jesus, the church, and a community in need of a Savior.
You can follow pastors Alex and Drew on Twitter.
The 2012 Lead Pastor Residency Program application process is closed. If you are interested in applying for the 2013 program, please email residency@marshill.com and when applications reopen we will let you know.
