“We believe that God has begun something very special through Mars Hill Phoenix.  As things come to an end on Sept. 28, we want to explore next steps to continue as a church family and essentially start a new church of what was Mars Hill Phoenix. Our first service together would be Oct. 5, at a location to be determined.”

A meltdown at church headquarters in Seattle has not cooled the faith of churchgoers at Mars Hill Phoenix, one of three mega church campuses being shut down due to a cratering in church contributions.

A notice has gone forth. It reads:

“We believe that God has begun something very special through Mars Hill Phoenix.  As things come to an end on Sept. 28, we want to explore next steps to continue as a church family and essentially start a new church of what was Mars Hill Phoenix.

“Our first service together would be Oct. 5, at a location to be determined.”

The new congregation will be called the Phoenix Bible Church.

Mars Hill has announced it is closing three of its 15 “campuses,” two in Seattle and the church in Phoenix. The church’s congregations in downtown Seattle and the University District are being incorporated into Mars Hill Ballard.

The Mars Hill campus in Huntington Beach, Calif., has been told that its future is “in jeopardy,” but is being kept open in hopes for an increase in contributions.

Senior Pastor Mark Driscoll, currently on a six week “reflection” leave, has been a vortex of controversy during the past six months. Driscoll has faced charges of personal misconduct, notably bullying and intimidating behavior, from 21 former Mars Hill elders.

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