It was all over social media yesterday.

This past Tuesday, Mark Driscoll (church planter, pastor, author, speaker, evangelist), stepped down from ministry at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. After 18 years of ministry service, yet recent months of public scrutiny, he submitted his resignation.

Driscoll stated, “By God’s grace I have pastored Mars Hill Church for 18 years. Today, also by God’s grace, and with the full support of my wife Grace, I resign my position as a pastor and elder of Mars Hill. I do so with profound sadness, but also with complete peace.“

There’s a lot to learn here.

As the story of Driscoll’s resignation is unpacked, it is clear that grace and humility (perhaps on both sides) could have prevented this tough ending.

3 Reminders About Pastors

There is so much we can learn about pastors in general, through the Driscoll controversy and conclusion. I believe we, as the church, should remind ourselves of the following 3 truths whenever working with our pastors.

1. Pastors are Human

The Elders of Mars Hill Church conducted an investigation into numerous allegations against Driscoll. They found that he has, “at times, been guilty of arrogance, responding to conflict with a quick temper and harsh speech, and leading the staff and elders in a domineering manner.” (Marshill.com/2014/10/15/pastor-mark-driscolls-resignation)

However, the Elders were also quick to recognize, “we do not believe him to be disqualified from pastoral ministry.” Furthermore, “Pastor Mark has never been charged with any immorality, illegality or heresy.“

These 2 findings are so important and should be highlighted over and over again.

I’m not saying that arrogance, harsh speech and domineering leadership is acceptable. (Lord knows I’ve been there and don’t ever want to go back.) Nevertheless, these are typical human behaviours that come out during times of weakness and anxiety. These can and should be dealt with swiftly and strategically (as they happen) within the team of Elders.

2. Pastors are Leaders

Any manager, supervisor or CEO can and would easily relate to the above statements regarding Driscoll’s aggressive behaviour. They have felt the desire to lash out in frustration as pressure mounts within a complicated project or difficult employee. Leadership can be very stressful.

Life as a leader causes us to make decisions that many others don’t have to make.

Leaders have to have conversations that many people get to avoid. Leaders have to embrace a public face that feels excellent when life is going well, but carries terrible pain and heartache when life gets difficult.

As ChurchLeaders.com reported yesterday, “Mars Hill grew to 15 branches in five states with total attendance of 13,000. Driscoll also founded Acts 29, a church planting organization responsible for starting hundreds of churches around the world.” These are amazing achievements.

Perhaps they went to his head? Perhaps the pressure was too great? Perhaps there’s a lot more to this story? Either way, we need to recognise that God worked through Driscoll, to accomplish these achievements. He was used by God and therefore, he couldn’t be all bad. Therefore, he was and perhaps still is, a great leader.

3. Pastors are Husbands and Fathers

This is truly the most tragic part of Driscoll’s story; he has a wife and children ranging from child to teen. They have and will suffer through each and every accusation and rumour; and now through the process of moving away from a church and ministry that they have known for 18 years.

Yet, his devotion to his wife and children have never been in question. In fact, many believe that Driscoll has shown incredible integrity, in regards to his balance and focus on ministry versus family life. This is something that he has championed, unlike many other public pastors before him.

Too many times, we see the man behind the pulpit, but neglect to see the wife and children in the pew.

We should try to see the man through his wife’s eyes, or if appropriate, include her in difficult discussions. This can prove to be a highly beneficial approach to dealing with apparent and/or proven conflicts.

What I’m Not Saying

Sure, questions still hover as to why these situations weren’t dealt with swiftly, as they occurred? Why did they mount up over so much time and in such a public manner? Couldn’t Driscoll have been disciplined in by his elders, as each situation unfolded? Maybe they tried to, but Driscoll was unresponsive.

But maybe they didn’t, and this whole thing could have been avoided.

I’m not saying that Driscoll shouldn’t be held accountable for his words, actions and behaviours. He made some poor decisions. He has to own those decisions and the repercussions. Nevertheless, considering his very public and clearly, heart-felt apology on August 24th of this year; he was in fact, owning his decisions and the repercussions.

Pastors have a difficult job.

Obviously, as a pastor, this statement may sound like I’m striving for sympathy about my own position. This isn’t my intent. I have felt that the pastoral position was a difficult one far before I felt the call into ministry.

We must find the balance between truth and grace, to get our pastors through difficult situations. Conversations with him must be frequent and followed up. Action items on correction and decisions must be clearly stated and backed with accountability.

Numerous encouraging words can make a single tough word a lot easier to hear.

Let’s catch our pastors doing something right. And when we do, let’s tell him about it. May we never take the approach of “well, that’s what he should be doing” and remain silent.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

What else should we remember when working with our pastors?