Article on Mars Hill possible heavy-shepherding

[Pergamum]

Church or Cult? by Brendan Kiley - Seattle Features - The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper

Interesting article.

Does heavy-shepherding occur there?

 

[Zach]

Wow. Definitely an interesting read. I would be interested in hearing Mars Hill's side of the story though.

Also, this is my 500th post. Since the thread for doing post counts is locked I just want to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my "Freshman Year" here on the PB and I consider all of you dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. I have seen much growth that has occurred from when I made my first post to now and it is a real blessing from the Lord. You guys are all great!

 

[raekwon]

I'd take anything about evangelical Christianity coming from The Stranger with a huge honkin' grain of salt.

But, there may well be some heavy-handed shepherding going on there.

 

[Unoriginalname]

I'd take anything about evangelical Christianity coming from The Stranger with a huge honkin' grain of salt.

That said, I cannot see how a church structured like that would not lead to heavy handed practices if not now eventually. Especially when the pastor claims to be some sort of quasi prophet who can get insights into peoples sin lives in HD.

 

[Pergamum]

It appears that many churches, especially calvinistic churches that are trying to "restore" the "neglected" doctrine of church discipline often go overboard.

Is there something in the DNA of churches like this which makes heavy-shepherding an easy error to fall into (big-name preacher, a pride in a "tough" Christianity that doesn't pull punches, a desire to restore biblical church discipline)....

 

[bookslover]

If even half of that article is true, Mark Driscoll's ministry can be summed up as, "It's all about me!"

 

[CharlieJ]

Recently, someone sent me these two other articles (part 1 and 2) that tell the story of someone "disciplined" at Mars Hill:

Mark Driscoll’s Church Discipline Contract: Looking For True Repentance at Mars Hill Church? Sign on the Dotted Line : MATTHEW Paul TURNER

Mark Driscoll’s ‘Gospel Shame’: The Truth About Discipline, Excommunication, and Cult-like Control at Mars Hill : MATTHEW Paul TURNER

 

[raekwon]

I'd also take anything having to do w/ evangelical Christianity (especially Mark Driscoll) coming from Matthew Paul Turner with a huge grain of salt.