We asked Paul, a member of Mars Hill Sammamish, and part of the Bellevue band, Torn Curtain, what his experience has been like as a part of a Mars Hill band.

Mars Hill: How did you get into playing in a Mars Hill band?
Paul: I grew up in the Seattle area, and was part of a few secular bands that recorded and played in the Seattle area.  Mars Hill’s strategy for music and worship bands was a draw for me.  Most churches have a worship team that mixes musicians, and that works, but I really appreciate Mars Hill’s approach of building and developing bands and encouraging creativity.  With the multi-church model, Mars Hill has a pretty diverse cultural make-up and having bands developed from within the body ensures relevancy at each location.

MH: What is it like being in band?
Paul: It’s awesome.  A great way to use the talents God has blessed me with.  Developing the songs and arrangements for Sundays is great, but the relationships built within the band and the other service areas are a great part of it, too.

MH: What commitment is required to be a part of a band?
Paul: While being in a MH band is rewarding, it is also quite a bit of work!  Bands typically rehearse weekly, sometimes writing their own worship songs, and usually creating unique arrangements.  On Sundays then, band members arrive at church early and stay after the last service to pack up.

MH: What is your role with music at Mars Hill Sammamish?
Paul: I’m helping put bands together by bringing musicians together, and helping them develop their unique sound.  I am really excited about the opportunity in Sammamish and the Plateau.  The chance to preach the Gospel and reach the Plateau is foremost, but also the chance to build community and grow the church body.  It will be awesome to see God move and work in people, to step in and serve and become leaders.

MH: Are you looking for more people to serve?
Paul: Right now, we need band leaders, singers and musicians.  Opportunities are pretty extensive for musicians.  Bands serve the Lord and the body on Sundays, but bands can also get the opportunity to record and potentially tour.  The church is creating a record label to create more opportunities to expand on the Gospel’s mission through music.

MH: Do you have any highlights from serving in a band?
Paul: Witnessing baptisms is amazing. One in particular stands out from last Christmas.  The daughter of our band’s leader (Kenny) decided she wanted to be baptized.  We’re mid-song, and I can tell something is happening when Kenny’s wife motions to him from backstage, then points to their daughter, then to the tub, and we realize what is about to happen.  Kenny runs off-stage mid-song, Seth jumps up, grabs a guitar and finishes the song while Kenny baptized his daughter.  I couldn’t make this stuff, so cool.

If you are a singer or musician and want to serve, fill out this form or join the Sammamish Musicians group on The City.