One of the most well-known and contentious figures in American evangelicalism is Mark A. Driscoll. He is renowned for his forceful preaching, combative demeanor, and career that was both characterized by notable controversy and quick success. Driscoll’s path has been anything but typical, from starting Mars Hill Church to his current position as leader of The Trinity Church.
Early Life
Driscoll was born in 1970 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and grew up in a difficult environment in Riverton Heights, SeaTac, Washington. He characterized his childhood as “rough,” characterized by exposure to criminal activity and dysfunctional family dynamics. He publicly talked about his tumultuous family past, which he attributed to generations of “uneducated alcoholics, mental patients, and women beaters.” He was raised Catholic.
In spite of these obstacles, Driscoll showed remarkable leadership during his time in high school by holding the positions of newspaper editor, baseball team captain, and student body president. He received the title of “most likely to succeed” after graduating from Highline High School in 1989.
He converted to evangelical Christianity as a freshman in college at the age of 19, describing it as a supernatural summons to marry Grace Martin, preach the Bible, train men, and start churches. In order to prepare for his future ministry, he pursued higher education, graduating from Western Seminary with a Master of Arts in exegetical theology and Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts in communication.
Mars Hill Church
Along with Lief Moi and Mike Gunn, Driscoll co-founded Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, in 1996. The church swiftly expanded after first gathering in his house because to Driscoll’s engaging sermons and emphasis on connecting with a “postmodern” audience. Mars Hill counted 14,000 members in 15 locations by 2014.
Driscoll was not just a Mars Hill leader. He took part in The Gospel Coalition and co-founded the church-planting group Acts 29 Network. His works for magazines like The Seattle Times and Fox News, as well as his co-authorship of well-known Christian novels like A Call to Resurgence, further increased his impact.
But Driscoll’s time at Mars Hill was characterized by growing controversy. He received a lot of criticism for his “aggressive” preaching style, conservative views on gender roles, plagiarism charges, and culture of abuse and fear. Dissident pastors were fired as a result of the 2007 reorganization, which concentrated authority in a small number of “executive elders,” sparking internal dissension.
Formal complaints were filed in 2014 after staff and congregants allegedly engaged in abusive behavior. Act 29 asked Driscoll to resign and expelled him from its membership. In October 2014, Driscoll left Mars Hill due to increasing pressure. The church disbanded in three months, and its campuses either closed or gained independence.
The Trinity
After leaving Mars Hill, Driscoll moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he established The Trinity Church in 2016. Prominent megachurch pastors supported the new church, which also featured former Mars Hill staff.
Still, the disputes persisted. The resignation of Driscoll from The Trinity Church and his total disengagement from ministry were demanded in a letter that appeared in July 2021 and was signed by forty-one former Mars Hill elders. According to the letter, his suitability for leadership was called into doubt because of the persistent abusive actions and issues during his time on Mars Hill.
