The Powerful Blend of Tradition and Innovation
at Mars Hill Anywhere
While distance may often create barriers, at Mars Hill, we're passionate about building bridges that keep us connected no matter where we are. As Mark 16:15 instructs, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Let's remember to be bridge-builders in a world that often feels divided.
Meet Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
I train/coach highly motivated & creative people to take decisive action to level up in all areas of life and get their most outstanding work in the world.
As pastor at the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago, I'm passionate about helping people connect life's dots so they can live abundantly.
I thrive on assisting people, leaders, pastors, and those in ministry think through life, leadership, goals, and strategy.
My specialty is organizational and personal leadership, so in addition to my role as a pastor, as I have time, I consult with business, church, and ministry leaders.
I also write on personal development, leadership, finance, relationships, inspiration, and motivation.
Find Your Spiritual Home at Mars Hill Chicago
Our Mission
At Mars Hill Chicago, our mission is to guide you on a transformative spiritual journey. Through Bible-based teachings, a devotion to love, and a passion for community outreach, we create an environment where you can deepen your connection to Christ while growing together as fully devoted followers.
The Great Commandment
“Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart...soul...and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” Matthew 22:36-40
The Great Commission
“Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
Our Vision
We dream of extending the reach of our church through multiple campuses (online & in-person) throughout the Chicagoland area – with beautiful, yet efficient facilities including an intimate worship center, a counseling and prayer center, classrooms for Bible study and training; all of this designed to minister to the total person - spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially.
We dream of a place where the hurting, the hopeless, the discouraged and depressed, the frustrated and confused can find life, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance, and encouragement.
We dream of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with hundreds of thousands of residents in the Chicagoland area.
We dream of thousands of members growing together in spiritual maturity through Bible studies, seminars, retreats, and fellowship –loving, laughing, and learning together.
It will be set in a peaceful, inspiring garden setting with bright flowers, beautiful trees, and water with pools, and fountains.
Church Online
The Church Transcends Boundaries
Church isn't confined to four walls - it's a living, breathing community united by faith.
At Mars Hill Chicago, our Web Campus embodies this truth, serving as a digital sanctuary where people from all walks of life can experience the timeless message of hope, redemption, and Christ's love - no matter where their journey leads them.
IIn today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, our Web Campus provides a flexible, innovative way to integrate your spiritual journey into your daily life. You can deepen your connection with Christ’s teachings from anywhere through dynamic online services and an engaged digital community of pastors, believers, and spiritual explorers.
Led by Pastor Clarence Stowers, we embrace our calling to be both disciples and disciple-makers, radiating God's eternal truths and boundless love through this digital gateway. Our online community cultivates connection, forges lasting bonds, nurtures spiritual growth, facilitates fervent prayer, and provides a space to explore life's most profound questions.
Here’s our blueprint for digital discipleship:
Worldwide Welcome
Engage with God and a community that cares deeply about you—just as you are, wherever you are. Each week, our volunteers extend a warm welcome at our distinctive services, filled with stirring worship and messages that resonate with our times.
Experience Soul-Stirring Worship Wherever You Are
Our weekly online services extend a heartfelt invitation to engage with God and a community that cares for you deeply - exactly as you are, no matter where your journey takes you. Be uplifted through powerful worship and thought-provoking messages that speak to the core of your spiritual path.
With our Church Online's live interactive chat, our hosts are ready to accompany you throughout the service.
Discover a church community that embraces innovation while remaining firmly rooted in Christ's eternal wisdom. Experience flexible, accessible spiritual growth tailored to your unique lifestyle. Join us at Mars Hill Web Campus - you belong here.
Become an Online Member
Embrace Spiritual Belonging Without Boundaries
At Mars Hill Web Campus, you'll find a boundless spiritual community that fits seamlessly into your modern lifestyle. No matter where you are, our innovative online platform provides an ever-present sanctuary for deepening your faith journey.
We understand the demands of work, family, and daily responsibilities, which is why we've created this digital gateway. With just a click, you can access a transformative spiritual experience tailored to your unique needs.
As an Online Member, you'll be embraced by a global spiritual family that transcends time zones and geographical borders. This is far more than just joining a platform - it's a chance to cultivate real roots and forge bonds that nurture your soul.
Spiritual Covering: Being part of Mars Hill Online enwraps you in a spiritual fortress, steadfast against the fiercest winds (Matthew 16:18).
Prayer Support: The vigilant prayer of our pastoral staff mirrors the united intercession that swung open Peter's prison gates (Acts 12). As an Online Member, you're continuously uplifted in prayer for breakthroughs and triumphs in your life.
Belonging: Online Membership grants you a place in our church family—a fellowship where every soul is cherished, and every heart finds its chorus.
Purpose: Engage in a cause greater than oneself. Your Online Membership is the key to unlocking a life steeped in purpose and communal contribution.
Unity and Power: In unity, there's an amplified strength that can move mountains (Matthew 18:19). Your voice joins ours in harmonious accord, magnifying our collective prayer and purpose.
Anointed Fellowship: Connect with an anointed congregation, and partake in the blessings and spiritual abundance that flourish in Mars Hill's ministry.
Practical Teachings: Our online campus offers poignant teachings and sermons that enrich your spiritual understanding and provide applicable wisdom for elevating your daily life.
Find Your Spiritual Home Online
No matter where you are in your faith walk, Mars Hill Web Campus provides an innovative way to integrate spirituality into your busy lifestyle. Join our global online community and experience the powerful transformation that occurs when you surround yourself with believers who support your growth.
Discover the full grace of belonging and growing with us. Embrace your place in the house of the Lord and flourish (Psalms 92:13). Become an Online Member today and let your spiritual roots deepen in Mars Hill's fertile ground.
Embark on this digital discipleship and experience the transformative power of Mars Hill's online campus.
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Discover Our Pillars: The Core of Our Faith Journey
At Mars Hill, we believe in a holistic approach to faith, where each aspect of your life intertwines with your spiritual journey. Our pillars stand as a testament to this belief, guiding us in worship, relationships, growth, service, and generosity.
Generosity
We envision you becoming graceful givers (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Practicing GENEROSITY makes us more like Christ:
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Our Goal: Unleash A Culture of Generosity
Our aim is to teach our people to excel in the grace of giving.
Our Attitude: We can’t help but help.
Long-term goal: Build community partnerships with great organizations. Places like…
Service
We envision you helping to transform our community, culture, and world with Christ’s love and power. (Matthew 28:19)
Fulfilling our purpose requires SERVICE:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; Jeremiah 5:1a (NIV)
Growth
We envision you growing spiritually and relationally. (Matthew 28:20)
Growing in Christlikeness is part of our life calling:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. . Matt. 28:19-20
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 (NIV1984)
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . .” 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)
Relationships
We envision you building relationships and sharing your gifts with others as you walk with Christ. (Matthew 22:39)
Cultivating RELATIONSHIPS advances the Body:
“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NIV)
Worship
We envision you actively involved in a personal and corporate encounter with God. (Matthew 22:37)
Prioritizing WORSHIP glorifying God:
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23 (NKJV)
Mars Hill Anywhere: Your Physical & Digital Spiritual Home
Our History | Part 1
On July 22, 1963, Rev. C. E. Stowers, Sr., along with seventeen believing people organized the Mars Hill M. B. Church. Those present were: Bettye Dowell-Liddell, Rubin Heath, Mr. & Mrs. Bennie Hooks, Bessie Jenkins-Honeysuckle, Berman Jenkins, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Pearson, Florence Stowers, James Stowers, Leroy Stowers, Mother Margaret Stowers, Margaret Stowers, Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Wilson, Wiley Williams and Willie Williams
This body planned to locate a church that would adequately meet the needs of the people and not be classified as a mere store front church. So, with this thought in mind, the group donated $800.00 to initiate a plan. The first site of the church was 3311 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois. This building was without heating, without seating facilities and needed a lot of repairs in order to be classified as a place of worship.
These supporters under the guidance of Pastor Stowers, Sr. and the Holy Spirit decided to use their muscles, brain and prayers to remodel. First a choir stand was built, walls were painted, seats were acquired, a piano was donated and the heating was put into working condition. On August 24, 1963, the job was finally finished. The chapel was beautiful.
The night of August 24, 1963, the church was organized by the Progressive District Association. The name Mars Hill Missionary Baptist Church was submitted and chosen by Nadine Hooks.
On August 25, 1963, the first service was held. There were ninety people present. God has blessed. Rev. Stowers preached from Exodus 3:7 – “The Lord Will Make A Way.” The Lord added 21 souls that day. God continued to bless Mars Hill week after week and year after year.
Mars Hill had truly been blessed, for her two year stay she had outgrown this location and could no longer accommodate the need for this fast growing church. Mars Hill and her strong supporters, with necessary finance at hand, set out to purchase new property at a new location. Mars Hill made it. The facilities for this fast growing institution were hard to find. The location at 440 N. Maypole was a potential new home. Mars Hill made the necessary preparation to acquire this property. However, the owner decided to sell to another buyer.
Pastor Stowers, Sr. had not given up for he knew that God’s church was needed in another location. God directed him and the members to another location at 2809 W. Harrison Street. Mars Hill had $21,000.00 and the owner wanted $38,000.00 in cash. Due to the cancellation of the first location, the bank refused to negotiate their second location. Mars Hill was turned down again and again and no church came to her aid.
Pastor Stowers, Sr. was working at Hygrade Meat Company; having been employed there for 14 years. He went directly to one of the Presidents of the company and told his story. Pastor Stowers, Sr. having faith in God and seeing how God had blessed had no doubt. The President never seeing him before loaned him the money without any other signature.
Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Sr.
Our History | Part 2
In 1966, Mars Hill brought property at 2809 W. Harrison Street in Chicago with cash money. The members marched from Roosevelt Road with approximately 200 people. The membership grew quickly and we was able to burn the mortgage on April 16, 1971. After becoming settled in the new home, there came a great need for more room. As the membership increased, Mars Hill was no longer able to accommodate the members comfortably.
In 1972, Mars Hill was remolded. The color of the pews and carpet were burgundy and white. The choir ranged from 100 to 150 voices, all dressed in burgundy and white robes. For twelve years the members continued to labor at 2809 W. Harrison Street. It’s progress was very successful with the power of the Almighty God. Many new ventures were revealed to Pastor Stowers, Sr. We purchased property that then served the Lawndale area. Mars Hill had a Currency Exchange, Medical Center, and Parking Lot.
In 1976, Mars Hill had grown to her fullest and she was once again in need of more space. Pastor Stowers, Sr. took the matter to God in prayer. He kept the church informed of his every move. He viewed several churches and each time came away disappointed. Although things didn’t seem to be in his favor, never once did he give up the faith. Finally, when all hope seemed to be gone, God answered the prayers of many other praying people.
On December 11, 1977, Mars Hill marched into its present edifice at 5916 W. Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois; having six spacious offices, two floors of classrooms, a basement and kitchen. From 1980 until 2000, Mars Hill Baptist Church served its community through the outreach efforts of Mars Hill Christian School, Day Care Program, and Jr. High School. Over 1,000 students matriculated through Mars Hill during these glory years.
First Lady Margaret Stowers
Mars Hill Anywhere: Our future is bigger than a building.
Welcome to Mars Hill Baptist Church—a place where tradition meets innovation. Mars Hill is more than a location; it's a vibrant community of faith, accessible everywhere through Mars Hill Anywhere.
This digital platform brings our church to you, offering live services, past sermons, and virtual fellowship, all at your fingertips. It's our way of nurturing growth and connection across the globe.
Embrace this new chapter with us; experience Mars Hill from anywhere. Join us and be a part of a church without walls, making a greater impact together.
Mars Hill Anywhere Platform: Bringing the Church to You
What is the Mars Hill Anywhere Platform?
At Mars Hill, we believe in creating a holistic ecosystem that caters to the diverse needs of our community. The Mars Hill Anywhere initiative is not just a platform; it's a comprehensive suite of tools, services, and experiences designed to nurture your faith, growth, and leadership. Here's a breakdown of what's involved:
In-Person Gatherings: While our digital tools are expansive, nothing can replace the warmth of face-to-face interactions. Our in-person gatherings are spaces for worship, fellowship, and growth, allowing you to connect with the Mars Hill community in a tangible way.
Live Streaming Across Platforms: Whether you're on our official website, YouTube, or Facebook Live, you can access our services in real-time. Experience the power of collective worship, no matter where you are.
The Gathering - Digital Discipleship: Our midweek service, The Gathering, is more than just another online meeting. It's a dedicated space for digital discipleship, designed to help you deepen your relationship with God from wherever you are.
1:1 Coaching: Life is a journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Our 1:1 coaching sessions are tailored to help you reach your personal goals and continuously improve, even if it's just by 1%.
Stay Informed with Text Alerts: Never miss out on what's happening at Mars Hill. Our text alerts ensure you're always in the loop about events, updates, and important announcements. Text MARSHILL to 33777 to opt in.
The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast: Leadership is often a lonely journey, but it doesn't have to be. The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast shines a light on the often-overlooked leaders, offering insights, stories, and inspiration for everyone.
The Breakdown - Weekly Insights: Understanding God's word is a journey, and we're here to guide you. The Breakdown is a weekly newsletter that delves into Sunday's sermon, providing clarity and a 5-day devotional to help you reflect and grow throughout the week.
Pastoral Care
OUR MISSION
To ensure that every member is touched, loved, and cared for through prayer, counseling, and excellent service.
OUR VALUES
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Our Beliefs
Essential Beliefs
Our Statement of Essential Beliefs - Important Note About Our Beliefs
In Essential Beliefs - we believe that there should be unity. Ephesians 4:4-6
In Non-Essential Beliefs - we believe there should be liberty. Romans 14:1,4,12
In All Our Beliefs - we believe that we must maintain love toward each other. I Corinthians 13:2
1. About God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each of Whom possesses equally all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality. We believe that in the beginning God created, out of nothing, the world and all the things therein, thus manifesting the glory of His power, wisdom and goodness. By His sovereign power, He continues to sustain His creation. By His providence, He is operating throughout history to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Genesis 1:1,26; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1, 3; 4:24; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 1:20; Ephesians 4:5-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2. About Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man. Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:25-38; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13
3. About The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to apply to mankind the saving work of Christ. We believe that He enlightens the minds of sinners, awakens in them recognition of their need for a Savior and regenerates them. We believe that, at the point of salvation, He permanently indwells every believer to become the source of assurance, strength, and wisdom, and uniquely endows each believer with gifts for ministry. We believe that the Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and applying the Scripture. We believe that His power and control are appropriated by faith, making it possible for the believer to lead a life of Christ-like character and to bear fruit to the glory of the Father. John 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:8-11,13; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14; 6:19-20; Hebrews 9:14
4. About Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which is separation from God, and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and become guilty sinners in thought, word and deed. Genesis 1:26-27; 3:1-24; Romans 3:25; 5:12-18; I John 1:8
5. About The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the verbally and plenarily inspired Word of God, inerrant in its original manuscripts. The Bible is our supreme and final authority in faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
6. About Salvation
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; that He rose victorious from the grave on the third day; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. Isaiah 53; Matthew 20:28; John 3:16; Romans 3:24-26; 5:1; I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; I John 2:2; Matthew 28:6; Romans 10:9; I Corinthians 15:14 We believe that all who come by grace through repentance and faith to accept the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God. John 1:12-13; 3:3,5; James 1:18; I Peter 1:23; Ephesians 2:8-9
7. About The Church
We believe that there is one true Church universal, comprised of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We believe that the Scripture commands believers to gather together to devote themselves to worship, prayer, the teaching of the Word, the observance of believers baptism and Communion as the ordinances established by Jesus Christ, fellowship, service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts and outreach to the world. We believe that wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to this command, there is the local expression of the Church and that under the watchcare of Pastors and other supportive leadership, its members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the one ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47
8. About Christ's Return
We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17
9. About Eternity
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting joy of the saved and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost. John 5:28-29; I Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:4-6,11-15
10. About Baptism
We believe that all Christians are baptized by the Holy Spirit when they are born again. We believe that water baptism by immersion is the Biblical testimony of the professed believer in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Acts 2:28-41,47; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:36-40; 10:47; 18:8; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 12:13
11. About The Lord's Supper
We believe that those who partake of the Lord’s Supper should be born-again believers, walking in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 2:42-46; I Corinthians 11:23-29
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for Mars Hill Chicago
Last Updated: November 22, 2023
Welcome to Mars Hill Chicago's website. Protecting your privacy is crucial to us. This Privacy Policy explains how Mars Hill Chicago, accessible from "https://marshillchicago.org", collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you visit our website.
1. Information Collection
a. Personal Information: We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when registering on the site, expressing an interest in obtaining information about us or our services, or otherwise contacting us. This information may include your name, email address, phone number, and other contact details.
b. Non-Personal Information: When you access our website, certain non-personal information may be collected automatically. This includes your IP address, browser type, operating system, access times, and the pages you have viewed directly before and after accessing the site.
2. Use of Information
The information we collect may be used to:
3. Sharing of Information
Your information is not sold, rented, or traded to third parties. We may share information with affiliates and third-party service providers to assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when its release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others' rights, property, or safety.
4. Data Security
We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information. However, no electronic storage, transmission, or internet-based system is 100% secure and, as such, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
5. Cookies and Web Beacons
We may use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies on our website to track the activity on our site and hold certain information. You can choose to disable cookies through your individual browser options.
6. Third-Party Links
Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third-party products or services on our website. These third-party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We, therefore, have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites.
7. Children's Privacy
Our website does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal identifiable information from children under 13. If you think that your child provided this kind of information on our website, we strongly encourage you to contact us immediately and we will do our best efforts to promptly remove such information from our records.
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us.
