5 Lessons From The Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church Controversy
Let me be clear. I am not here to cast stones. I don’t know all the details about Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church, so I am not going to make any snap judgments.
All I know about Mark Driscoll is a few brief interactions and what I have read about him and from him.
Any time accusations and blame are thrown towards church leaders, it doesn’t just hurt them. It hurts the entire church as a whole.
By the way, if you don’t know what I am talking about, you can read a good summary of the events surrounding Acts 29’s Removal of Mars Hill Church from their church planting network here.
I was hesitant to even write this article, because I do not want to add to the pile of mud being slung around the internet.
Personally, I know that I have benefitted from listening to some of Mark’s teaching and reading some of his books.
So why am I writing this? I think all pastors can and should take a moment to learn from what is going on.
5 Lessons We Can Learn From The Mark Driscoll Controversy
1. The Greater Your Influence, The Greater Your Criticism.
The more influence you have, the more critics you will have. If Mark Driscoll was the pastor of a 50 person church in rural America, we wouldn’t be talking about this. The more eyeballs you have on you, the more criticism you will receive. If/when your ministry grows, you can expect more criticism. Prepare for it now and don’t give your critics any extra ammunition.
2. Be Careful What You Post On The Internet
Social media is instant, global, and permanent. The comments Mark Driscoll posted under a fake name 14 years ago have come back to bite him. Even though the site was taken down, people can still dig up old posts or even save posts before they are taken away.
Don’t run away from social media, but be careful what you post. Anything you write or say in a video online can and will be used against you.
3. Seek Reconciliation Before Accusation
Regardless of how high a pedestal we put Christian leaders on, none of them are perfect. We all make mistakes. We all commit sin.
If you have committed a sin or made a mistake, seek reconciliation and forgiveness before you are caught or accused. An apology after an accusation never carries the same weight.
4. Too Many Christians Love To Attack Their Own
I am horrified by how many Christians are getting an almost sadistic pleasure in these recent events. Reading comments on articles and entire blogs from people wishing Driscoll and Mars Hill Church harm makes me incredibly sad.
Regardless of what wrong has been committed, shouldn’t Christians bond together to seek reconciliation and forgiveness? Shouldn’t we pray for Mark instead of casting stones? It is sad that we live in a time where many pastors have to live more fearful of fellow Christians than we do of outside attacks.
Pastors and Christian leaders need to be aware that their greatest criticism will often come from their own people. Be prepared for it. Think about how you want to handle this kind of criticism if/when it comes.
5. Christian Leaders Must Operate Above Reproach
Right or wrong, the actions by Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church that led up to these events were not above reproach. Whether you believe you are operating in the right or in a morally grey area, you have to ask yourself, “If this decision became public, can/would people object to it?”
If any choice you make could cause a negative reaction from church members or others, think long and hard before pulling the trigger. Not all of your decisions as a leader will be popular, but always seek counsel and ensure that you are firm in your conviction that you have made the right decision.
Conclusion
Like I said above, I don’t have all the details. I am not here to cast judgment. I simply think that all pastors and Christian leaders should look at the situation unfolding with Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church, and learn something so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
We are all just one bad decision from hurting a lifetime of good work.
