Mark Driscoll's Controversy: The Public Reacts to His Resignation

By Shanequa Lee
Mars Hill Church
Mars Hill Church

Mark Driscoll, former head Pastor at Mars Hill Church, provided a letter of resignation on Tuesday. Driscoll has been the head pastor at Mars Hill for over 18 years and the public has many thoughts on his resignation.

Mars Hill church released a statement to the public, explaining Driscoll's resignation,

"On Tuesday, October 14, Pastor Mark Driscoll submitted his resignation as an elder and lead pastor of Mars Hill Church. The Board of Overseers has accepted that resignation and is moving forward with planning for pastoral transition, recognizing the challenge of such a task in a church that has only known one pastor since its founding. We ask for prayer for the journey ahead.

As is well known, inside and outside of Mars Hill, Pastor Mark has been on a leave of absence for nearly two months while a group of elders investigated a series of formal charges brought against him. This investigation had only recently been concluded, following some 1,000 hours of research, interviewing more than 50 people and preparing 200 pages of information. This process was conducted in accordance with our church Bylaws and with Pastor Mark's support and cooperation."

To read the full version, please visit https://marshill.com/2014/10/15/pastor-mark-driscolls-resignation.

Supports of Mars Hill Church respond to Driscoll's resignation over Facebook and other social media outlets. The following are some comments left by people who are sad to see Driscoll resign:

I think I liked pastor Mark's teaching style because of his human failings. I could see him growing in grace as I also grow in grace. But I respect his decision and pray that he finds healing and grace within the church community. We love you, Mars Hill Church and Driscoll family.

-Heather Fetty 

I deeply respect Mark Driscoll and absolutely love his fighting Irish non-sugar coated style in preaching and life. He is passionate about what he believes in. His and his families light will not fade one bit or be hidden. They can only move forward to even greater things in the name of Jesus Christ! May God bless his family abundantly.

 -Laura Johnson

 I've been part of Mars Hill since 2004. He spoke like a dad to his kids and because of this, I began to learn what a father sounds like. The Holy Spirit speaking through Mark brought me closer to Jesus than I knew could be possible.

Today feels like a funeral day. The wolves went berserk, but by the grace of God Mark mirrored Stephen from Acts.

Driscoll family, I love you. I will not cease to pray for you that you lean and cling to Jesus. I am so sorry this happened.

 -Gene LeAndra Malmoe 

May God bless and keep Mars Hill Church and help them with the leadership transitions they're making during this time.

Want to weigh in? Sign into facebook and post your comments.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories