It’s been 10 years since the implosion of Mars Hill Church. Hard to believe. Like most things, Mars Hill had some beautiful and terrible fruit from its ministry. I will always treasure the good but want others to learn from the not-so-good.
In the spirit of the anniversary, here are 10 reflections from working in and through that difficult season:
1. Don’t Let Your Platform Outpace Your Maturity.
1 Timothy 4:16: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
One of the greatest kindnesses the Lord can give is to reduce our ministry to the level of our maturity. Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill outpaced their maturity. Mark’s success expanded a platform he wasn’t ready for. I’m not sure many men would be ready for it. Mars Hill’s notoriety grew but her maturity was tied to Mark and that ultimately sank the ship. The same captain who launched her was the one who led her to the rocks.
Pray the Lord only gives you a ministry size commensurate to your godliness and maturity. Then be content if He does.
2. Never Presume Upon Momentum as a Cover for Ungodliness.
1 Samuel 15:23: “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry…”
Too often character issues were overlooked and excused because Mars Hill was “successful” in the eyes of most. Our culture tends to place success synonymously with godliness. We think because lives are being changed and the church is growing, we MUST be honoring the Lord. The truth is, success can be a judgment from the Lord in order to draw out what lurks beneath the surface: pride, self-reliance, and arrogance.
A LOT can be ignored when people, money, power, and platforms are expanding. Don’t let success excuse ungodliness. If not, the Lord in His wounding grace will bring it to nothing.
3. The Church Isn’t a Stage to Display Our Giftedness. Don’t Use the Church To Build Your Resume.
Galatians 6:14: “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Using the church to exercise your gifts is a dangerous business. If you lose contact with the privilege it is to serve King Jesus as an undershepherd, you may very well believe the church exists to showcase you.
The church is where we collectively shine a floodlight upon the face of Jesus, not ourselves. Siphoning glory or using the Bride to make a name or prove your awesomeness is a sure way to rob Christ of the glory due to him alone.
4. Conflict Is More Like Milk Than Wine. It Gets Worse With Time, Not Better.
Matthew 5:23–24: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
