This week in Christian history: Henry VIII honored by Catholic Church, Mark Driscoll resigns

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 10, 2021

Mars Hill Pastor Mark Driscoll resigns - Oct. 14, 2014

Mark Driscoll preaches at The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. | YouTube/Real Faith by Mark Driscoll

This week marks the anniversary of when Pastor Mark Driscoll submitted his resignation as head and elder board member of the multisite megachurch Mars Hill Church.

Driscoll, who had pastored the Seattle, Washington-based Mars Hill for 18 years, stepped down from his pastoral position following multiple accusations and complaints about his leadership style.

In his resignation letter, Driscoll wrote that “after seeking the face and will of God, and seeking godly counsel from men and women across the country, we have concluded it would be best for the health of our family, and for the Mars Hill family, that we step aside from further ministry at the church we helped launch in 1996.”

Shortly after Driscoll stepped down from his leadership roles, Mars Hill announced that it was shutting down, with their multiple campuses becoming individual independent congregations.