Now, I completely understand the anti-Driscoll sentiment that seems to have existed for a while now, but for a long time I tried to justify his actions.
"Maybe he's just under a lot of pressure."
"Maybe that's something that comes with comes with scandals and/or negative publicity."
"Perhaps he has a sinful struggle with pride."
After a while, the rumors started pouring in. I heard talk of elders being forced to step down without reason. Real Marriage had controversy over both its content and falsified sales records. Zach Bolen, an elder at Mars Hill and frontman for the band Citizens, resigned. Something clearly was going on.
Slowly, I began to watch, and time after time again I realized that something was not right with Driscoll. And I think the problem is this: Driscoll needs to spend some time reevaluating what the character of a Christian and a pastor looks like in Scripture.
Titus 1:7-8:
"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined."So, maybe he struggles with some of these characteristics as a shepherd. But what about as a layman?
Maybe Driscoll has some character issues he needs to work out there as well.
Ephesians 5:1-2:
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."But the purpose of my writing isn't to be critical. Sure, acknowledging the sin has to come at some point, but I don't want to just point fingers.
I want to call us to prayer.
I would never disagree with what was written in Acts 29's statement on their website, suggesting that the actions of Driscoll and Mars Hill "dishonored" the name of Christ; however, I would challenge each and every one of us that are so critical of the character of Mark Driscoll to throw the first stone.
I've seen the worst of leadership issues within ministry. I've had first hand experience within my church's congregation over leadership stepping down and the tolls it can take on a church's health. I've had indirect experience outside of my church with quite the opposite—someone not stepping down from leadership who should, and how it affected that ministry in particular.
So, Mars Hill, don't think I'm not sympathetic. But don't think I'm going to be silent where Scripture speaks.
The proper response of the Church—you and me— in this instance should be to pray for repentance, forgiveness, and even reconciliation.
Repentance is a positional change of turning away from on thing and turning to another. Even more so, it is turning away from sinful nature and turning to Christ. It isn't turning away from pride to turn to humility as a false savior. Repentance isn't a humble-brag. Repentance is a positional heart change, and the attitude of it is what draws us closer to reconciliation.
As frustrated as I can get with churches, I'm guilty of not praying over them. I'm guilty of trying to lash out Biblical standards and identifying where they fall short. I'm guilty of warning people about false teachings in a manner that comes off as more offensive than loving. I get it. I'm faulty. But the bride of Christ—the Church—deserves something more faithful than faulty prayer, faulty leadership, or faulty membership. The Church deserves laborers who will be ambassadors for Christ.
Instead of whispering gossipy words of spitefulness about Driscoll's ministry and the attributes that have taken Mars Hill down a bumpy road, let's instead pray that God would kindle a new spirit within Driscoll, one of humility and love.
I had the pleasure of hearing D.A. Carson bring the message one day at CROSScon on the text that follows that I feel is applicable here. You can watch his message here, but this is the text I want to end on.
1 John 4:7-12:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he has loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love on another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."Ultimately, God loves His church and commands us to love His church as well. Such is the case with Mars Hill. He commands us to, so that we might be a testament to believers and unbelievers alike—for if no one has seen God, how will they know of His great love?
God loves Mark Driscoll. God loves Mars Hill. And because God has loved us, we are expected to love them too.
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