What can we learn from the collapse of Mark Driscoll's church?
"Storm clouds seem to be whirling around me more than ever in recent months," said Pastor Mark Driscoll to his Mars Hill congregation last August, "and I have given much thought and sought much counsel as to why that is and what to do about it."
In the same announcement, he said, "I have requested a break for processing, healing, and growth for a minimum of six weeks while the leadership assigned by our bylaws conduct a thorough examination of accusations against me."
Those storm clouds raged harder. Gale-force condemnation whipped up tumultuous seas of public criticism until, as those six weeks closed, a Seattle Times headline read: "Mars Hill Church reeling as Pastor Mark Driscoll quits." Reporter Janet Tu attributed his departure to "an avalanche of allegations," ranging from "charges of bullying," to "abusive behavior," to "plagiarism and overseeing mismanagement of church funds."
Two weeks after Driscoll's resignation, Mars Hill's Dave Bruskas announced in an October 31 post on the church website that as of January 1 2015, "the existing Mars Hill Church organization will be dissolved." After the church lays its central structure to rest, its 15 local bodies will float alone, if possible.
Thousands of Christian worshipers gathering weekly across four states, their church boasting annual revenues of more than $30 million, dissolving. Done. Read more
Multi-site churches, denominations, judicatories, and other para-church organizations all can learn from the collapse of Mars Hill Church.
No comments:
Post a Comment