Mark Driscoll is hot news again, this time with protesters and many calling for his resignation. What do we do with the Mark Driscolls of the world? I have little doubt that Mark loves God and desires to serve Him. I also have no doubt that Mark is a strong leader, a charismatic leader and people are drawn to him. He has been successful in planting a very large church and gathering a large following. Do these things combined together to make a good pastor? May would say that Driscoll illustrates a resounding NO.
There seem to be two types of men who go into Pastoral ministry, or really any church leadership position. The first are the truly called. These men have a calling from God on their lives, they have been set aside for Ministry by God. He has called them, equipped them, ordained them and they will follow. The second groups are people who want to be in charge. It’s easier to be a pastor than a CEO, the church is always looking for leaders. Many men want to be in charge, they are in love with leadership and so the church is a great place for them to be leaders. Many of them love God and genuinely want to serve, but are missing the key elements.
Is Mark Driscoll one of these men who want to be in charge? I don’t know, but I have recently seen some things that think maybe he isn’t equipped with the supernatural traits which we generally refer to as the fruit of the spirit. It seems that Mark is very harsh with those who disagree with him or cross him. I have seen this behavior in other men, more than one. When they are challenged and their leadership or authority questioned, they bristle like a porcupine and begin to shoot quills. From my understanding, Driscoll has many of these same qualities. He has put himself in a position of absolute authority, with very few if anyone to challenge his leadership. Those who do are dismissed and removed, marginalized and slandered.
If you are a pastor, let me share with you a few things you should never do. First, you should never, ever slander or defame a member of your church, especially another leader. It’s a sign of pride and ego, it’s sinful, divisive and just plain wrong. Second, you should always be under some type of authority, if you have deacons or elders or a council, they should have the ability to call you out on things. There should be people in your church who can tell you that you are wrong and being pig-headed without fear or negative reproductions. You should have a mentor or a peer who can tell you the hard things and you can be transparent with. Lastly, you should be secure in who you are. Insecurity can cost you a lot. Be secure with who you are in Christ and who He’s called you to be.
If you are called to be a Pastor, God will ensure you will have what you need. If you are not called, then step down and get out of the way. I am not sure about Mark Driscoll, I have never met the man. I know what I have read, but it’s not my place to pass judgment on the man. I pray that he finds a way to change his ways, provide a healthy ministry and really succeed. I have enjoyed some of the things I have heard him say, and I hope the best for his future, and for yours.