Famous pastor and elder Mark Driscoll resigned from Mars Hill on Oct. 15 after elders accused the leader of plagiarism, arrogance, a quick temper, and domineering towards elders. Over the years complaints mounted that Driscoll was allegedly brash, pompous and cursed at staffers.
Another complaint was the misuse of church funds to help distribute new Driscoll’s book to the amount of $25,000 and accused of plagiarism. One Christian book store pulled his book off the shelves and online. With bad publicity mounting, Driscoll stepped aside in August.
“Pastor Mark has never been charged with any immorality, illegality or heresy. Most of the charges involved attitudes and behaviors reflected by a domineering style of leadership,” according to a letter from the elders.
The Religion News Service published the resignation letter from the 43-year-old citing that he’s an imperfect messenger and has repented in public for his weaknesses and shortcoming as a leader. You can read it here.
“Recent months have proven unhealthy for our family—even physically unsafe at times—and we believe the time has now come for the elders to choose new pastoral leadership for Mars Hill. Grace and I pledge our full support in this process and will join you in praying for God’s best for this, His church, in the days and years ahead.”
Driscoll started the church in 1996 years ago in Seattle and it grew to 13,000 members with 15 branches. Many closed down after funding dropped over the years.