Mike Corley recently interviewed Mark Driscoll, the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. You can find the interview over at oneplace.com (see link over to the left and below). Many of you know by now that I'm a Driscoll fan. He, along with Matt Chandler at The Village in Dallas, have been God's instrument to inspire me to either plant my own church or take a small church and help lead it to become a battleship for the Kingdom.
The interview covers the usual topics: why does he use strong, course language when he teaches & preaches? how does he respond to the criticism by folks like John MacArthur who praise his theology but condemn his style and use of pop culture? does he regret his bold criticism of Brian McLaren, Rob Bell and Doug Pagitt at the Convergent Conference?
As an aside, Driscoll states that John MacArthur recently wrote him a five page letter but didn't state what was in the epistle. Driscoll has great respect for MacArthur, as well as C.J. Mahaney, Tim Keller, John Piper, Wayne Grudem and other members of the Reformed honor guard but I hope he tells even his best critics to you know what you know where. While those fine gents are scratching their heads wondering how to reach 20-something, single perverts, Driscoll is reaching them and in droves! Some estimate that Mars Hill's conversion rate is 40% (if you don't know, that's high!). Let us not forget that Driscoll has been God's tool to build a church of 6000 in the most unchurched area of the country. So, I hope he doesn't fall into the trap of becoming a member of the dry, quick tempered, humorless, khaki wearing Calvinists who just need to lighten up!
and a great Christianity Today article on Driscoll here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/september/30.44.html
and Driscoll's church is right here--http://www.marshillchurch.org/
Enjoy!
