I saw many warnings but there seemed to be some explanation for most of it. It was because of a backfire in strategy by then executive pastors Jamie Munson and Scott Thomas, who handled my discipline case. They did not want us to leave. The disciples send him off to Tarsus and after that-there was peace for a time in the churches in Judea, Galilee and Samaria.:o). kinda like a person who has been abused i think, they sometimes have to get past that people may judge them for being stupid for falling for it, or they have to reconcile with the results of them speaking out, shunning, slander ie: the church calls them heretics because they dont attend anymore. Did Paul plagiarize? James River is a mega church. I know you are already familiar with it but for anyone else not familiar, it was written in the context of David and Saul. I am not the most wonderful guy in the world, i am not a saint, but when i asked Jesus to forgive me and fill me with His Spirit i changed inside. Analogously, there are certain qualities that police forces screen for, to hopefully screen out bullies who want a uniform. When that donor eventually supported our decision to leave peaceably, Jamie Munson was in a pickle. One needed them because they were somehow spiritually qualified (?) Ever heard a sermon about Slaying your giants? Im fairly certain MD would enjoy being categorized with a so called revolutionary. In attempting to keep us from leaving they recruited the largest donor to Agathos (who was also a large donor to Mars Hill Church) to encourage us to stay. I wonder how much of this concern over gay rights is to deflect people from considering their own deficiencies. Mark also provided the all important yet elusive authentic community so long as you bow to him and stay on his good size. Christian institutions are trying to express an organic Jesus in non-organic structures. Dont forget his church plant was asked to leave my kids school at the time. Of course, we have yet to determine whether there has been a real change in Mark Driscoll's life. And we in the real world of Jobs & Lives have to deal with the resulting Speshul Little Snowflakes. "Our desire for things God has forbidden is a reflection of how sin has distorted us, rather than a reflection of how Christ has made us.". Applying this mode to spiritual abuse has gotten me thinking..and I wonder if in the future Mark will only hang around people/churches that are willing to stay on this Drama Triangle. I see him as a conference speaker on a different circuit. Far as I can tell Driscoll is arrogant, a lover of money, unholy, not above reproach, etc. Mark pretty much mandated participation in weekly Life Groups plus you had to use their social media platform The City to stay connected. I do hope that nobody is still saying these same things before they clean up their own act. Mega-church Christianity with its rock bands, light shows, huge screens, and glitz reminds me more of Broadway than a church. I believe that.' You are doing exactly what you accuse the bloggers of. In December 2007, Merle and I quietly left Mars Hill Church. Monday, December 15, 2008 I take it to mean: Don't feel so bad, there are whole lot of other people hell-bound, too. Welcome to the James River Church YouTube Channel where you will find weekly encouraging sermons from Pastor John Lindell and others! It takes at least 6 months before you start seeing things clearly. Do you know his history and what he represents? Years ago, he spoke from the pulpit against the expansion of casino gambling in Missouri. They stay in and around the very thing that ruined them in the first place. Great insight. . Anyone who invites Driscoll without knowing his background also displays no judgement. http://www.smh.com.au/national/hillsong-conference-shows-interview-with-controversial-us-pastor-mark-driscoll-20150630-gi1y6d.html, As a follow-up (Sydney Morning Herald 1 July 2015), Hillsong conference shows interview with controversial US Pastor, Mark Driscoll. News flash: Jesus is the hero of scripture. . Three women have now blown the whistle on a program operated by the Ministry, including allegations they entered as independent people, however came out of the program as broken and suicidal. an important thing you wrote about gateway i think. It was dingy and old. there is a minor child involved that both of them love deeply. The SGM defenders used the no criminal charges aspect of innocence, too, when it came to CJ. Thats why places like TWW are imperative. When you go to these posh country clubesque entertainment centers their #1 priority is to get visitors connected and plugged in. In his introductory remarks, he spoke of Marks kindness, humility, and genuine interest in people. Driscoll also distanced himself from past crude and misogynistic remarks, calling the perception of what I think about womenentirely my own fault. I seriously doubt that most younger people then or now who appropriate his image (here in N. America) know much of anything about him. One co worker attends and stated that they requested to see W2s and that he tithe accordingly when he was inquiring to become a member. Others obviously put a lot more emphasis on organizational structures, so they might see things differently. Youll see they have no standards regarding truth, salt of light. Not a fan but many are. It is certainly understandable we would see it differently. Actually are pews still in general use? Thats why these massive megas arent likely to represent the narrow gate. and humility i think is something that is a mark of a true christian that cant be faked, it always looks fake when people try to do that. Great comment Bridget. Same deal with Driscoll, just a different sound track. According to the Pastor John Lindell, Driscoll has spoken there on three other occasions. The youngest generation may be leaving the church in record numbers but at least they have a fighting chance of finding the real God later. I want to have the heart for the women in the future who will allow me to be their pastor that I have for my daughters, he said, and that is if they have spiritual gifts, and are called by God, and are godly, I want to help them achieve that intentionally and encourage that and be a support for that.. Seriously? It was like my eyes were open. He essentially called the Driscoll victims liars and persecutors. @ LT: James River Church is a multi-site church that exists to impact the lives of people through relevant teaching,. There are plenty of people within the Christian faith that have their own issues with mega churches but people outside of it especially do. I am always eager and willing to learn, so no argument here. You might be interested in this post from this recent post at Stand Firm, an Anglican blog, regarding Hillsong. Here are just some of the phrases he uses as he shares the story. Thanks for your comments. peaceable disposition. kinda like a person who has been abused i think, they sometimes have to get past that people may judge them for being stupid for falling for it, or they have to reconcile with the results of them speaking out, shunning, slander ie: the church calls them heretics because they dont attend anymore. Working at James River is never be boring because of the mission that you are pursuing and the amazing things that you get to be a part of. What am I saying? This is what the giving unit is looking for, not God. I dont want other people having that same regret. COuld someone explain how its supposed to work without a leader . It was like my eyes were open. In the wake of this and other scandals, the Mars Hill Church collapsed . . Does it lie with Driscoll/Chandler or does it lie with the people whom they want to trust them? vinegar is disinfectant for wiping yourself. Seems odd that Robert, Tom Lane and Jimmy Evans need to be pounding their book sales so hard when they are all getting raptured in the next 3.5 years. So where is the money coming from now? I strongly recommend the brief article by Jon Zens at Searching Together entitled Going to the Root Mark Driscoll and the Celebrity System. This captures precisely what I have been sensing as well. Hasnt it been around long enough that either people (especially younger guys) are sick of it, or they have finally realized its harmful or obnoxious. Penalty Flag? They use lots of hair gel and work on their golf tans. i would rather be in fellowship with people that realise they still have sin but instead of rationalizing or blameshifting, show fruit of the Spirit in overcoming it. I do not for one minute believe they are suddenly open. Well-meaning people are attempting to put Jesus in structures that do not foster the expression of his life in the saints. How can they do that? Thats why every post they make against corrupt churches matters. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Mars Hill Church was ending its relationship to Agathos. I think its much the same thing. James River Church attenders should google What happens if you get a bad teacher. http://jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/answers/jewish-polemics/texts/christian-proof-texting/, from reading rob smiths post about the orphanage Agathos in Africa being defunded by Marks Hill church and marks telling missionaries not to work with them it is clear where Matt Chandler got the idea. When not enough graduates came forward they started begging people please any graduate or relative of a graduate, even if you just graduated from Kindergarten, please please come get your free gift because what Kindergartner doesnt need advice on how to buy a car? This has nothing to do with the recent downfall of Mark and demise of Mars Hill. That has made logical sense to me forever. I do feel bad for the guy in many ways. Yes, Lord, he answered. Within a few months most of the members of Mars Hill Church withdrew their support of orphans under our care. Somebody cited a study that the most common characteristic of a Sociopath (well over 90%) was successfully Playing the Victim Card when caught. Is this similar to Radical Chic? My Comment was Deleted And Lindell knows none of that is because of him. Yes, I have been witnessing first hand over the years of the Calvinism in the AG. "Join us as we welcome guest speaker, Pastor Mark Driscoll, while he presents Paul the ForgivenPastor Mark Driscoll speaks from Acts 6:8-15 to discuss the importance of forgiveness in our own lives through the example of the Apostle Paul. Mark Driscoll has a lot of repenting to do and until he does that he should not be permitted to preach/speak at any church. standing. I asked people who were about as famous (if that is what you call it) as him what they thought. "This ordinance reduces freedom of religion to freedom of worship," he said. mark chose to step down not mark was removed. Have you not spilled all your dark secrets at Freedom Ministry? The introduction sounded like it was coming from a caretaker role. I dont equate it with forgiveness at all. This is not a measure of faith. I think many. They really believe that God has anointed the leaders to lead them. The issue, however, is character, evidenced by a pattern of behavior reported with regard to bullying behavior, narcissitic traits, etc. ), Warren Throckmorton quickly put up a post on this development and featured the following video. In other words, his behavior did change. pure grace are you or have been in similar situation to stephen? I dont see him pastoring a church and I am not even sure his legal problems from the last one are over. "Nor is it outside the parameters of a gospel ministry. These are the views of Steve Pokin, the News-Leader's columnist. I really appreciate your insights Lydia. Sovereign Grace Ministries It was especially appropriate to hear last night since our current sermon series is on the topic of Worship. your post is so right LT, the whole post, and it really needs to be said again and again. . As for my outsider perspective he seems like someone youd want as a pastor if you wanted to get big and have lots of revenue streams. stephen is suffering for doing right. I hope others will join in at places like this blog and help shed light on local megas in their area. James River Church, a multi-campus, 17,000-member megachurch in Missouri, is now fending off strong criticism from the public and health officials after pictures posted on social media showed what appear to be hundreds of unmasked people, practicing very little social distancing packed inside their Springfield location to participate in Christmas services. Even his outrageous speak was a game where he would then delete then repent then do againshampoo, rinse, repeat. He is not going to go run to a car dealership the minute he gets out of jail.
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