As anyone familiar with this blog can attest, I am a pretty big fan of the preaching ministry of Mark Driscoll. However, that cannot be said for many (most?) other people, particularly my Southern Baptist brethren. After someone else ran another unresearched and uncharitable post keying in on Donald Miller’s half-decade old moniker and Tony Jones’ inconsiderate comments (come on, giving credence to these guys?) I was pleased when someone with a little more evangelical capital than myself decided to chime in.
For those of you not familiar, Tyler Jones is the pastor of Vintage21, an Acts 29 church in Raleigh, NC. He is an excellent preacher and his churches podcast is a mainstay on my sermon rotation during the week. Anyways, he is also a close friend of Mark Driscoll’s, and being among one of the one’s criticized for hosting an event where Driscoll will be teaming up with SBCer’s Danny Akin and Daniel Montgomery, Tyler decided enough was enough. Here’s what he said:
I don’t post on blogs b/c the outcome is never Christ-centered but, I am compelled to here. Mark Driscoll grew up in inner-city Seattle where drugs, prostitution, violence and hatred were not only the norm but part of survival itself. Mark was saved by the grace of Jesus. Mark was called to plant a church and reach a dying generation. So, with no church background, with no seminary training Mark obeyed the Lord. He begins preaching and folks meet Jesus, repent of their sins and give their lives to His Lordship.
Mark cussed only because that was his background. As his service to the Lord increased, as his ministry increased, faithful men came around him and offered mentoring. One such man challenged Mark to honor Jesus and showed him the fault in cussing from the pulpit. Mark realized his fault and REPENTED. Mark has not cussed from the pulpit in years: you could listen to all of his 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 podcasts and not find a single example of him cussing from the pulpit.
The fact is you quoted very old data from pre-repentant times in Mark’s life. I believe you have done the Kingdom a great disservice here. I pray that my final judgment will not be based on what I did as a 25 year old man but as a repentant follower of Jesus. Mark has repented. Mark loves Jesus. I thankful for him.
Excellent. I am glad to see people finally standing up to set the record straight about a terrificly gifted teacher and man with greater integrity than most pastors in the news today. I believe it is a wonderful example for believers to get to see the spiritual growth that continues to occur in the life of Mark Driscoll played out in the way that he allows it to be from his pulpit, and I think many evangelicals are doing themselves a disservice by not being more responsible with their opinions about someone who God has clearly blessed.
UPDATE!: You can listen to Driscoll’s repentance to his church in this message dated November 5, 2007. It is in the first 10-15 minutes, following his opening announcements and prayer.
January 19, 2009 at 9:47 am |
Dear Todd,
Why, thank you, Todd for the link. I invite your readers to consider my post in its entirety, along with the attempt in the comment thread by Tyler, which you mention above, to drain this pond dry. From my view, it’s a no-go, at least, thus far.
Furthermore, they are welcome to conclude whether or not my post is as “uncharitable and unresearched” as you describe it.
With that, I am…
Peter
January 19, 2009 at 10:15 pm |
Peter,
I know you are unwilling to accept Driscoll’s repentance on this subject. I would invite other people reading here to listen to it and see if they find it as inadequate as apparently you do.
January 20, 2009 at 7:21 am |
Todd, Engaging with Peter Lumpkins is a mistake. he is not fair or charitable or teachable. he is a partisan with all the one sided spinning that such a label entails. Praying for God to change his heart would be more profitable.
Keith
January 20, 2009 at 7:48 am |
Keith,
Thank you for your words. I know it is a symptom of my youth that I get easily led into foolish arguments. I’m trying to get better about it, but I allowed myself to slip into it again here. Thanks again.
January 20, 2009 at 8:03 am |
Todd,
Oh my. Inevitably, my brother, you seem to go below the belt–sniping at one’s inner life–rather than remaining on target with an issue.
For example, why does it have to be that I am “unwilling to accept Driscoll’s repentance on this subject”? Such assertion curiously presumes:
a) objectively, Driscoll has, in fact, repented
b) I am UNWILLING to acknowledge such an objective reality
Given such, the obvious conclusion is clear: there is something flawed about me; that is, me personally. For anyone who rejects a person’s repentance surely has serious inner issues with which to contend.
But why is this? Why, for example, could it not be an honest dispute about what, in fact, constitutes genuine public repentance?
Supposing that were so, then it would not at all involve my unwillingness to acknowledge a repentant person’s actions, which is grossly sub-Christian. Instead, it would focus on whether or not a particular act was factually a repentant act. Hence, the dialogical focus would center on ideas, not derailing the conversation, digging at anothers personal integrity.
Even more, I need to state clearly that, were I unwilling to accept an act of genuine repentance, I would be a miserable human being, not to mention a Christian in name only.
Therefore, understand: my reluctance has zero to do with my unwillingingness to honor a man’s genuine repentance. Rather, it is about perspective, proof, evidence.
I trust your day well.
With that, I am…
Peter
January 20, 2009 at 8:12 am |
Todd,
Oops. Sorry, Todd. I did not see Keith’s stellar wisdom for you before I posted, else I would have forfeited the comment just posted.
As for Keith, I haven’t the faintest idea who he is, though it’s fairly certain he thinks he knows me–”not fair or charitable or teachable. he is a partisan with all the one sided spinning that such a label entails.” Terrific!
I would covet your prayers, however. Thank you and God bless.
With that, I am…
Peter
January 20, 2009 at 11:48 pm |
Peter,
How would you define repentance and how would Driscoll’s “repentance” (we can leave it in quotes for now) measure up to your definition?
January 24, 2009 at 12:09 am |
Seriously Peter, all of that and then you don’t reply to an honest question?
December 14, 2009 at 4:41 pm |
Repentance = brokenness + a change in position. Mark Driscoll’s public apology displayed brokeness over his choice of words. He has not used improper language in many years. If it is broken like a duck, and changes like a duck, then it’s a repentant duck.
Also, I’m quite sure you agree that Pastor Driscoll has displayed a change in position and I’m fairly certain that you do not enjoy the privilege of judging the broikeness of his heart under these circumstances. Just remember, we are all “worms” (Isaiah 14:41) and our best deed are but filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6). Jesus specializes in worms. I’m a worm. Are you?