Cross & Crown Church

I've attended this church for the past five years. The preaching is completely Jesus-centric and is in line with good Biblical doctrine. Really strong community focus as well. I'd highly recommend any of the locations. more

I found the other reviews interesting - I attended for about 2 years. I had positive experiences in general with the other attendees although I did not get too deep with anyone in particular. Mark is indeed VERY entertaining; however, ultimately, I am not interested in being entertained (that is what YouTube is for...). He is a mediocre theologian - relying basically on pre-medieval traditions that he cloaks in kind of a hip style (ripped jeans, etc.). I was disappointed with his lack of respect for other human beings - and his arrogance. These characteristics are so prevalent, they sort of trademarks which I think he takes pride in. An example was his juxtaposition between vegans and homosexuals as well as between "potheads" and "theives", etc. But it comes accross on a regular basis. I did like one Pastor - James Harlman over in the Lake City/Wedgewood church - he seemed genuinely humble and yet was also a genuine human being. No guarantees - I have not gone further. However, if you want run of the mill Evangelical that is sort of culturally hip - maybe this would work for you. As for me, I need the fullness of God in Christ in my life - and, unless God specifically directed me to attend again, I would not use my time in that manner - I need to spend it meeting Him rather than being entertained by Mark. Aner more

As a mental health counselor and a survivor of spiritual abuse, I perceive many signs of cult like control/spiritual abuse: Controlling Pastor/ with “Yes Men” Elders; No Talk Rule; No Dissent; Emphasis on Submission/Obedience; Shunning of "Unrepentant" Former Members; Dis-fellowshipping Questioners/Critical Thinkers; By Laws Removing Accountability of Pastor/Elders; Mind/Thought Control; Membership Covenant and Financial Giving Pledge Required; "Biblical" Counseling Only, if Referred Out, Must Sign Release Form (no confidentiality allowed); Kangaroo Court Firing of Two Elders Who Dared to Question; Extreme Gender Role Enforcement; Members Must Attend Accountability/”Community” Groups… Scary! more

Bad: This place is a cult and I am saying this from years of experience with Mars Hill as a member who use to love this palace, follow them blindly and function as a "serving member". If you are a baby C. more

Visited last summer (I live in Tacoma). Would definitely be there if I lived in Seattle. more

We attended Mars Hill for about two years, and MAN, do we miss Mark Driscoll (sp?)!! He is an amazing preacher - it's worth going just to check him out (or, as Robin said, you can hear him online). He's NOT the typical preacher - he didn't even become a Christian 'till college, he's only in his mid-thirties, he's hilarious, and he often uses words you'd never here from the pulpit. Some of the things we didn't like about the church: the music is loud, the room is dark (I'm just talking about the Ballard location), most of the people who attend are between the ages of 20-30, and the church is HUGE...despite all that, though, you've got to go hear this guy!!! more

If you want to try it out before you visit, just podcast the sermons and music. You can type in "Mars Hill" to your podcast search engine. I listened for weeks before actually attending and found that I hung on Mark's every word. Since I've been there, it's only been better. He really understands Seattle and preaches to us, not some hypothetical congregation. Plus, there's a coffee bar and you can bring your coffee into the sanctuary. How very Seattle! more

I attended Mars Hill a total of 12-15 times. The church wasn't terrible, but definitely was not a good fit for me and my fiance. The music is good for worship. The messages were fairly hit and miss, and the crowd was a little "trendy" for my taste. Overall, however, this body seems to be serving a good purpose for the city, just not the right fit for us. more