Hillsong Drops Mark Driscoll from Its Conferences

Eight months ago popular preacher and writer Mark Driscoll reigned from Seattle's megachurch the now dysfunctional Mars Hill Church, he was initially scheduled to be interviewed by Hillsong Church's senior pastor Brian Houston at their Sydney and London Conferences. Due to Driscoll's domineering leadership style, accusations of palgarism, and his misappropriation of his former church's funds, many have petitioned against Hillsong Church to drop Driscoll from the conference. On Sunday, Brian Houston via the church's website, has announced that the Australian church has dropped Driscoll from being interviewed.
"The teachings of Christ are based on love and forgiveness, and I will not write off Mark as a person simply because of the things that people have said about him ... for which he has since repeatedly apologized," wrote Houston on Hillsong's website.
"However, I do not want unnecessary distractions during our conference," he wrote. "... It was clear to me that Mark's attendance had the potential to divert attention from the real purpose of Hillsong Conference, which is to see people leave encouraged in their own spiritual journey."
A petition asking for Driscoll to be removed had garnered more than 3,000 signatures.
Earlier, Houston had explained why Driscoll was invited for an interview:
So why am I using our platform to interview Mark? We come from different backgrounds, theological positions, and church expressions. I genuinely want to know! Did he really say those things? Does he believe those things? Does he have any regrets? Has he been misrepresented? What has he learned and what can we all learn? And where to from here?
...
A lot has been said. There's lessons to be learned. I'm looking forward to asking the questions and hearing from Mark directly. Will we agree afterwards or agree to disagree? Time will tell. I doubt we will agree on everything, but everyone deserves an opportunity to be heard. ... Let's see what he has to say.
Tags : hillsong church Hillsong hillsong conference mark driscoll Mars Hill Church Brian Houston mark driscoll resignation mark driscoll news
Hot Trends
-
Phil Wickham's Son Graduates from Kindergarten & Receives the "Most Curious About Jesus" Award
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Lauren Daigle Releases Long-Shelved Worship Anthem “Let It Be a Hallelujah”
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Praise Report: Forrest Frank’s Broken Back Healed Through Prayer and Faith
-
Brandy and Daughter Sy’Rai Smith Star as Sisters in Lifetime’s New Holiday Film Christmas Everyday
-
"The First Hymn" – A Cinematic Journey Through 1,800 Years of Worship
-
Sophia Ruffin Wilson Helps Us Live in the Jaw‑Dropping Realities of God’s Goodness with New Book
-
Christian Artist & Songwriter Cindy Morgan Weds
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
Amanda Janson Declares a Fresh Awakening with New Single “Just Getting Started”
-
Where Is Bebo Norman? Former Christian Music Star Finds New Purpose as a Physician Assistant
-
Angelo & Veronica Announce New Album "Created For You"
-
"Kingdom Business: Season 1" Soundtrack is Packed with New Songs by Yolanda Adams, Serayah, Chandler Moore & Others
-
Life.Church Worship Sets to Release New Album, "The Way," on April 11
Most Popular
-
Phil Wickham's Son Graduates from Kindergarten & Receives the "Most Curious About Jesus" Award
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Lauren Daigle Releases Long-Shelved Worship Anthem “Let It Be a Hallelujah”
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Praise Report: Forrest Frank’s Broken Back Healed Through Prayer and Faith
-
Brandy and Daughter Sy’Rai Smith Star as Sisters in Lifetime’s New Holiday Film Christmas Everyday
-
"The First Hymn" – A Cinematic Journey Through 1,800 Years of Worship
-
Sophia Ruffin Wilson Helps Us Live in the Jaw‑Dropping Realities of God’s Goodness with New Book
-
Christian Artist & Songwriter Cindy Morgan Weds
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
Amanda Janson Declares a Fresh Awakening with New Single “Just Getting Started”
-
Where Is Bebo Norman? Former Christian Music Star Finds New Purpose as a Physician Assistant
-
Angelo & Veronica Announce New Album "Created For You"
-
"Kingdom Business: Season 1" Soundtrack is Packed with New Songs by Yolanda Adams, Serayah, Chandler Moore & Others
-
Life.Church Worship Sets to Release New Album, "The Way," on April 11