How long does it take to become a Christian?

Is aborting a pregnancy resulting from rape wrong?

If I’m so utterly sinful I can’t even choose Jesus, what right does he have to judge me?

These are the kinds of questions Pastor Mark receives live via text message during his sermons at Mars Hill Church. Our “SMS Q&A” has become a regular feature at certain services and a phenomenon that’s attracted both local and national attention.

The whole “text your question” idea started during the Religion Saves series—itself a result of the “Ask Anything” campaign. It’s been a huge success on a number of fronts:

• The anonymity allows people to broach certain subjects that are commonly discussed in daily life, but rarely within a church context.
• In addition to using the technology during sermons, we’ve integrated it into many of our conferences—allowing people in multiple locations (including at home, for those watching streamed video online) to participate.
• Q&A via SMS avoids those awkward open mic moments, keeping the questions on topic and focused.
• It’s quick, concise, and cheap.

On a typical Sunday, the text messaging occurs during the 7pm Ballard service—the last of the day. The team that handles the messages receives about fifty questions during the allotted time.

In the future, we’re hoping to include Q&A at more of our services so that anyone watching in the same time zone can pull out their phone and send in a question. For now, you can watch recordings from the SMS Q&A on our YouTube channel, or on our sermon series pages.

Keep those questions coming. All you texters are participating in our worship service in a truly meaningful way. For example, the question about abortion after a rape has generated a lot of attention and some amazing stories have emerged of God’s grace, goodness, and transforming power.

On behalf of Mars Hill Church and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, thanks for the text.