Well, I don’t love Mark Driscoll in the sense that I know him. I’ve never actually met him, though I stood about five feet from him once at a conference.` I heard about him three years ago from a friend who was listening to his sermons via podcast. I downloaded a few and periodically listened to them while driving back and forth to seminary.
I am not an expert on Driscoll. I cannot tell you everything about his ministry. I have listened to a few series of sermons online, I have been to two conferences where he spoke, I heard some of his stuff from the UK, I’ve read only three of his books, I saw his debate at Mars Hill, I’ve read a couple of his articles online, I read his blog sporadically, and I occasionally post some of his rants from YouTube on this blog. That might sound like a lot, but honestly it is a small percentage of the stuff available from his writings, conferences, books, and videos.
I’ve also read and heard much of the controversy surrounding Driscoll. If you Google “Mark Driscoll” it will not take you long to learn some of the issues surrounding his ministry and preaching. Well known evangelical leaders have literally blasted Mark for some of the things he’s said at his church and in other settings. I can say with confidence that he has been one of the most controversial figures in the American evangelical world in the past few years.
My goal here is not to defend Mark on every point. He is human. He sins. He’s said things that he has had to publicly apologize and confess for. My goal here is to simply celebrate some of the things that I love about Driscoll. I have seen much criticism about him, I want to add a little commendation about him. Here are a few reasons why I am a fan of Mark (no certain order).
He’s Cool
I know we are in the age of “coolness.” But the way the dude dress and talks and preaches and writes is just cool. Even if he weren’t all over the web and such a public figure, I still think he would be cool just to hang around.
His Theology
Mark is Gospel-centered in one of the least Gospel-centered cities (Seattle). His emphasis on Reformed doctrine, complimentarianism, and missional ecclesiology is highly attractive to me.
His Family
Mark loves his wife and kids! It will not take much listening or watching him to learn this.
Men
Mark wants to reach young men. He is radical in this regard.
Controversial
Mark makes me uncomfortable. He even scares me at times. I would not want to be in his position. But I am learning that I need to be challenged and made uncomfortable in my life.
John Piper
Piper loves him. From what I’ve heard Piper has called Mark out on a few accounts. He does this because he loves him.
Influence
You can say what you want about him, but God is using him. People are coming to Jesus in one of the least churched cities in America. This cannot be overlooked.
Acts29
I am a huge fan of A29! It is producing many young, focused, ferocious church planters who will impact this nation with the Gospel.
Well, thats enough! I don’t want to venerate him as THE model for preaching or pastoring or anything else. I would however, commend his ministry and teaching to you. Just be sure to wear a helmet!
GB
