[Mark Driscoll has an] infatuation with the vulgar aspects of contemporary society…the lifestyle he models—especially his easygoing familiarity with all this world’s filthy fads—practically guarantees that [his disciples] will make little progress toward authentic sanctification. (John MacArthur, Pulpit Magazine, December 2006)
That’s what John Macarthur had to say about Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington.
Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? (the scribes and the Pharisees, Mark 2:16, c. 30 AD)
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”
(Jesus, Luke 7:34-35, c. 30 AD)
I can respect John Macarthur as a teacher and pastor; but sadly, even he has a mindset that makes mission more difficult than it has to be.
I hate it when one leader of part of the kingdom tries to be King to another part of the kingdom.
I was at a friend’s house last week and they had one of Macarthur’s books on their coffee table. Out of curiosity, I picked it up and skimmed through it since I’d never before read anything from him. The book starts off with some harsh words about Rob Bell and Brian McClarren (sorry, if I butchered his name!) and then goes on to rip apart the ministries of Rick Warren and Mark Driscoll. I’m not joking when I say that the book spent more time tearing these guys apart than it does telling a story or proving a point. I was more disappointed than upset that someone of his influence would write a book (and no doubt make plenty of money doing it) to tear apart the ministry and leadership of another person. His skills could have been better used doing something else.
Interestingly enough, I went to Macarthur’s church website to learn more about his ministry. Most of the people pictured there were of the older (50-60 year olds) generation. I got the impression that this is the generation that he is primarily reaching. I’d be willing to bet that his harsh approach has turned off our younger generation. And that’s too bad!