Mark Driscoll resigned his position as pastor of Mars Hill Church, Seattle, this weekend. The Christian media hype has been mind-numbing for quite some time now.
Mark has made it crystal clear since he entered ministry, that he comes from a very abusive and dangerous childhood experience, noting that many of his weaknesses and faults are due to his journey of faith to overcome those hardships and the personal character flaws which accompany that type upbringing.
Mark has also been extremely candid in his ministry style, especially when he preaches or teaches from the platform or pulpit. He has never seemed to mince words or hold back a male-chauvinist opinion, which is why he's facing some of the challenges he's facing today. Mark states that the pulpit is sacred ground, so he highly regards the opportunity to shepherd his flock (congregation) known as Mars Hill Church, now a multi-campus mega-church numbering into the 10s-of-thousands of members. Mark has stated consistently, that he was 'not ready' for the demands of leadership in his young 20s, when Mars Hill Church began to explode beyond his expectations.
As an author, Mark has included his wife and family into the storyline of their journey, noting their difficult decisions to correct their personal flaws as they attempt to lead a church that has literally exploded with growth in a region of the U.S. which has been quite resistant to the Bible, to Christ-centered Gospel theology, and to Christianity as a belief system in general. Their accomplishments in ministry have been impressive to say the least.
I LOVE MARK DRISCOLL because he's a REAL GUY. I've been told by some close friends that I almost resemble Mark in my 'looks'. HA!! I'm a 5ft-11in, 220lb guy with a raspy tenor voice, and I'm known to all family and friends as a bit of a cut-up, sometimes crude, most of the time unpredictable and impulsive, and by my doctor's diagnosis -- adult ADHD. Not sure how closely that resembles Mark, but that's me.
The REASONS that I love Mark Driscoll for his life and ministry are many, but I'll name a few in this quick blog:
1. MANHOOD. Mark celebrates God's grand design of manhood. Guys are guys. Or, at least they're supposed to be. Men are wired by God to fight, to chase dreams, to win battles, to take their reward, and to melt in the arms of a truly beautiful woman with whom they dream of sharing life with. That's what REAL guys do. They live out fairy tales to the best of their God-given abilities.
2. GUTS. Mark has real "guts". He doesn't appear to be afraid to boldy state his claims, his beliefs, his opinions, and -- until recent 'corrective' disciplines demanded of him -- he really was not all that concerned with how you FELT about his courageous stand. We need more Christian guys today who will STAND up and fight for what they believe in; even when it calls for 'corrective' discipline at times.
3. HUMILITY. Mark has displayed an uncanny humility through the correction process, at least the most recent process mandated by Acts 29 Network during the 2014 calendar year. His emotional statement to his home church this past weekend conveys a truly repentant and subdued spirit. Well, that's my opinion on his statement. I'm sure critics and non-fans will eat him alive on some of the details of the speech.
4. VISION. Mark speaks consistently throughout this process of his love for his family, for Mars Hill Church, for Jesus, and for the yet unsaved and unreached peoples of the nations who he dreams will discover the amazing Grace of God that is found through personal relationship with Jesus. Mark's vision seems to never waver; and that takes incredible fortitude and persistence in the wake of such difficult personal challenges.
My "love" for Mark Driscoll will draw the ire of many who say they are my 'friends' -- and especially those hyper-critics in 'ministry' who just love the legalistic correction process. I could lose connection with some who call me a social 'moderate' and at best a theological simpleton. Bring it. I've dealt with those who don't 'like me' for more than four decades in ministry. In fact, take a number! I'll do my best to pray for you during my quiet time meditation, and hopefully I'll show you grace and mercy should we meet at the grocery; but, no promises pal! (( ha ))
Mark, if per chance you read this, please know that a small town country boy Gospel singer turned 'worship leader' for churches on the Gulf Coast LOVES you, and I'm praying for you. I love your attitude about this whole mess, and I pray that God gives you, Grace, and your precious family a much-needed SABBATICAL ... or REST season ... or, whatever you guys are calling it.
As for the rest of us who are broken, messed up, jars of clay who feel like God called us into ministry ... we could learn much from Mark. He seems to have a truly repentant heart about his anger, his chauvinism, his struggles in marriage, and his inability to effectively lead his congregation at this time.
Lord, help us all who claim your Name and who call others to You ... that we might LOVE one another through difficulties, through failures, through trials and temptations, and through assaults from the enemy himself ... as we press towards the mark of the high calling of the Gospel. (Phillipians 3:14)
That is all ... for now. Carry on. #LoveWins
1 comment:
Mark spook at the AACC conference last year. I was impressed with him. I don't understand why he is still being held accountable for mistates in the past. I am praying that he will be able to see God's hand in what is continuing to take place. I am also praying for those who are being so critical of him today. They also need to take a look at their own territory. Praying for all involved
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