Related article: Former Mars Hill Elders Plead For Mark Driscoll to Resign Immediately
A few months later, Driscoll was removed from Acts 29, the church planting network he founded. The network cited, “It is our conviction that the nature of the accusations against Mark, most of which have been confirmed by him, make it untenable and unhelpful to keep Mark and Mars Hill in our network.”
LifeWay also announced in August 2014 that it was pulling Driscoll’s books off their shelves due to the multiple allegations against him.
A couple of weeks later, Driscoll announced he was taking a leave of absence for six weeks as a review took place concerning all the accusations of bullying by 21 former elders. “I’m very sorry for the times I’ve been angry, short or insensitive,” Driscoll said. “I’m very sorry for anything I’ve done to distract from our mission by inviting criticism, controversy or negative media attention.”
The board”s review of Driscoll determined that he was guilty of “arrogance, responding to conflict with a quick temper and harsh speech, and leading the staff and elders in a domineering manner,” but found nothing that disqualified him from ministry.
On October 14, 2014, in a shock move, Driscoll announced his resignation from the church and stated in a letter to the elder board, “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.” Driscoll cited that the recent months were unhealthy for his family and even physically unsafe at times, therefore they felt it was time for Mars Hill Church to appoint new pastoral leadership.
