I spoke with an A29 pastor about 20 minutes ago and heard something that perplexed me. It seems that a move has been made to hand the reigns of A29 over to Matt Chandler. This was done for a number of reasons, which I am sure will all come out in the following days.
The A29 pastor I spoke with is greatly encouraged by this move, explaining that this is not something Mark Driscoll had to do, but for the better of the church, he steps aside, and the Costa Mesa of Mars Hill moves to Texas. He views this to be a courageous step of humility. I told him that I view it to be a PR nightmare avoidance maneuver, as the traction against Mark Driscoll ramps up considerably greater than the church world has ever gone after anyone before.
I see his point though.
Multiple sources report receiving this letter (UPDATE: Mark Driscoll’s letter was posted to the Acts 29 Network blog Wednesday morning):
From Mark Driscoll:
Note: In light of some big transitions forthcoming for Acts 29, the following letters are from the Acts 29 Board Members
From Pastor Mark Driscoll
As a young church planter I wanted a tribe to belong to. So, I started gathering a few other young church planters for mutual learning, accountability, and encouragement. Before long, Mars Hill Church was formally supporting church planters in both the U.S. and India. Then, I met Pastor David Nicholas, whose Spanish River Church had generously supported church planters for many years. Together, we founded the Acts 29 church-planting network.
For the first years, the network offices were housed in Florida, as David served as our president. Then the offices were moved to Seattle when I assumed the presidency. Since that time, David has passed on to see the Jesus he loved face to face, and Acts 29 has grown rapidly, now totaling more than 400 churches in the U.S., as well as international church planting involvement. Since then, other qualified men have taken the reins of Acts 29 and run with the vision David and I had years ago.
Recently, I sensed that not all was well in Acts 29. As my concerns grew, I recently resumed the presidency of Acts 29 to work directly with our network captains, most influential pastors, and staff. It seemed to me that some of our relationships, board size and structure, communication, systems, and such were not as effective as we needed, which is to be expected to some degree in a large, complex, fast-growing entrepreneurial network such as ours.
Seeking wise counsel, I asked Darrin Patrick and Matt Chandler to fly to Seattle in order to meet with the executive elders of Mars Hill for a full day to decide a course of action. They graciously did so, and in our time together was a rich, true brotherhood, a renewed and deepened commitment to Acts 29, and a Spirit-lead unity.
Together, we decided, in light of all the complexity we’re facing, that the best thing for Acts 29 going forward would be for Matt Chandler to assume the presidency, move the network offices to Dallas, and select his Acts 29 staff.
In light of this, I want to sincerely thank the people of Mars Hill for investing millions of dollars over the years in Acts 29 and the people of The Village for being willing to house the Acts 29 headquarters.
As for myself, I want to humbly serve Jesus and his men in Acts 29 by doing whatever is best for them. Going forward, I will gladly remain on the Acts 29 Board supporting Matt, along with Darrin and whomever else Matt believes best fits the Board.
Mars Hill gladly stays in Acts 29 as well. I’ll be spending much of my time going forward serving all of Acts 29, pastoring at Mars Hill, helping the Resurgence, writing books, organizing preaching campaigns, and doing media interviews.
Lastly, I love Pastor Matt, respect him, and appreciate him. He is a bridge-builder across many tribes, a great Bible teacher, godly man, and geographically located in an easy place to travel to and from. His church is now large enough and well established to greatly serve Acts 29. He has my support, and I pray he would have yours as well.
From Pastor Darrin Patrick
I am delighted to follow Matt Chandler as our new president. I have spoken directly with most of our network captains, and I am encouraged that there is unity in the Spirit and desire to clarify and execute the great calling and vision that is on Acts 29. Our best days are ahead of us. I am delighted to serve on the board and look forward to retreating with you in June in So Cal!
From Pastor Matt Chandler
I am greatly humbled by the opportunity to serve our great God and King, as well as our movement, in the capacity of president of Acts 29. Our meeting in Seattle couldn’t have been more Spirit-empowered and unifying than it was, and I flew home excited and invigorated by the opportunities that are before us. There are few things that excite me like planting churches and seeing people come to know, love, and mature in Christ. So, this task allows me to serve in an area of my passion. I want to update you on what’s in our immediate future.
We are in the process of transitioning Acts 29 from Seattle to Dallas. At present that involves gathering all of the information we can on Acts 29’s budget, processes, setting up Acts 29 legally in Texas, etc.
Tyler Powell is relocating to Dallas and will continue to handle assessments and his other duties. Tyler and his family are excited about the move and the direction of the network. I personally can’t wait to get him to Dallas. He is a godly, hard-working, Spirit-led man, and I’m grateful he’s coming to DFW.
Scott Thomas is taking this transition as a chance to pursue other opportunities he has before him and will not be making the move to Dallas. Scott and I are on very good terms and had dinner just this past weekend, where he informed me of his deep love for you and the network but felt like God has released him from leading Acts 29. He is excited about what God has next for him.
We are in the process of looking for a new executive director for A29 and plan on being meticulous, prayerful, and patient about getting the right guy. Once we’ve identified and hired the new director, we will finish out the national board and introduce the full team to the network.
I have asked all the network captains, as well as a few other men I love and respect in the network, to meet me in Dallas on May 14 and 15 to look closely at Acts 29 and pray about how we might get better at planting churches, coaching our pastors, communicating more effectively, etc. Please be praying for our time together.
We will report on any changes and our future hopes and plans at the pastors retreat in Newport in June. There is much to do between then and now, so I would deeply appreciate your continued prayers for not just the board and me but also for all involved.
Men, I really believe we have been positioned by God to be a part of a spectacular move of his Spirit in our day. It’s with great anticipation and holy fear that I step out to help lead us into what God would have for us. Please let me know how we can serve you.
119 Responses to “Breaking News: Matt Chandler Replaces Driscoll As Acts 29 Head”
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I like Matt Chandler, and only had a head-tilting, eye-squinting moment with his involvement in the Elephant Room (only because it seemingly affirms, rather than dialogues with, heretical views and inflated already inflated egos).
I wish them the best. And hope the pressure doesn’t cease on Driscoll, who still needs help.
Ryan Ashton, for the most part, I like him too. He is a better figurehead for such a movement, as he can’t possibly be as polarizing within and outside the movement.
The question is, what actually changes?
We shall see, time reveals all.
This would allow Driscoll to focus more on his own churches in SEATAC, and to bill his speaking fees to A29.
Other than that, I hope its true.
Do we have any independent verification on this? I’m not seeing anything on Twitter or elsewhere.
If true, don’t get too excited.
Skip left ABQ once too…
I’m skeptical….but that would describe my world view, too! Someone who holds power does not gift it up freely.
When I first read this, my first question was “Why Acts 29?” He’s not the head of A29 really. At least not on paper. It’s Grudem and Thomas. And ground zero for the newest accusation and the ones by Andrew were Mars Hill, not Acts 29. So, why A29?
Then it hit me, this is to stop the coming hemorrhage of churchs from Acts 29.
Maybe we will learn more but my hope is waning and confirming my cynicism.
I was wrong about Grudem. Thomas is listed as the director and Driscoll as president, though I always understood, he was hands off.
I have documentation coming…
It is my understanding, and this is unconfirmed, that Matt Chandler is now the president of A29, and Driscoll/Mars Hill is simply another A29 church.
That would be nice Michael. I have been unable to come up with anything. I think you and I have the same source thus far.
Reuben,
I think so…
“and to bill his speaking fees to A29.” Now that is an exceptional idea, this is how thinking outside the box this is the type of ideas that will strengthen the church and the faith.
So Acts 29…..
WANTS THE ROSE….
of Matt Chandler?
This is a great move for A29.
I commend Driscoll for giving up power, most guys would hold on for dear life.
Chandler will do a great job, good choice.
had to say it….someone was gonna say it!
Confirmation in the article above.
Henceforth, we call Reuben “Scoop”.
Matt Chandler has been THROUGH SOME STUFF.
I like men who’ve been through some stuff.
A lived-out Christian life full of troubles is sooo precious to me, especially when the Lazaruses amongst us walk it out…
Driscoll is still on the board.
Anyone here remember Pete Nelson?
Someone needs to introduce him to Matt Chandler…
Wait. What?! I don’t even know what that statement is?
Besides damage control.
Matt, like I said, this looks to me like a PR move.
I really hope there is some sense of genuine humility in all of this.
Michael @19, I thought exactly that when I read he was still on the board.
Putting together a nice pride of reformed lions…
I’ve been looking for independent verification elsewhere tonight, as I’m able. I’ve seen nothing so far.
I would not be surprised if they released it tomorrow, or sat on it another day or two.
Speaking of breaking news
“The Crouches have invited criticism and scorn in the past with their lavish lifestyle and flamboyant appearance, but the new lawsuit paints a portrait of a thoroughly corrupt organization. The suit centers on Paul Crouch’s granddaughter Brittany Koper, a former executive at TBN who was fired after she blew the whistle on alleged fraudulent and criminal activities. She claims that she subsequently faced massive retaliation, including threats of “physical and lethal violence.” (from Rightwing watch)
The lawsuit is here in PDF format. From my understanding it is justified to attack family when they dare question any decision the leadership makes I E they are anointed. Here is the lawsuit it is very telling. Now I could not do any of this I get ill just being mean to the guy in the car next to me. Shows what pond scum I am.
http://site.pfaw.org/pdf/Joseph_McVeigh-v-TBN-complaint.pdf
BrianD,
I put the official announcement in the body of the article.
The positive side to this is that Chandler is a lion…I like him a lot.
Michael-
Your #19 is very telling. Any sermon that I’be heard where Driscoll mentions Acts29, has him saying when ‘we’ started Acts29…..some of them even said “I” 8)
PN,
I wish I had the time to really dig into this… it feels too familiar, if you know what I mean…
I liked “Bye Bye Mark Driscoll”, but I guess the jury is still out on that one.
I do, Michael….the phrase ‘exit strategy’ comes to mind, with the emphasis on ‘strategy’.
I hope Matt reads the fine print….
Reuben,
We have to act like journalists when we get a scoop…
PN,
I suspect that Chandler is made of stout stuff…this could turn out well for that group and not so well for Driscoll.
stepping down, but serving on the board is where the plot thickens in books and the movies dunno
@19 or you could say, someone needs to introduce Chandler to Pete Nelson…..
back to my cave…..
Dave Bruskas is in the Metroplex according to his Facebook … That might be your confirmation.
For the uninitiated that means Dallas-Fort Worth … and means Matt Chandler.
“I’ll be spending much of my time going forward serving all of A29, pastoring at Mars Hill, helping the Resurgence, writing books, organizing preaching campaigns, and doing media interviews.”
As long as he keeps doing that, the ramp up of criticisms and exposes will continue. If this is a PR move, and I really hope it is not, this will not shift attention away from Mark Driscoll, and A29 will continue to suffer for his finger print.
However, I am excited to see what this does.
We may be seeing the beginning of a serious culture shift in A29, leaving the abusive pastors and the policies that prop them in the dust. Something we don’t tend to believe is possible around here.
This could be big!
???
If only we’d had Twitter and this network 5 years ago…wow.
We are having heavy traffic tonight…
http://youtu.be/I-ZMO5803t0 You know what is hard, trying to get past the rhetoric and get to the meat. There is nothing wrong with raising children that can protect themselves, can hunt, use a firearm safely and legally, hold to a conservative standing ie family etc. But people on the “right” and on the “left” are evil. Am I wrong or do you think the rhetoric and extremism of the other side.
I am wording this all wrong but it would be nice to just have a conversation where one’s patriotism, masculinity, faith, love of God, love of country, love of family are not questioned.
Highway61, brace yourself.
This is about to go viral.
hope every comment on this is backed by “a word of prayer” . . .. what exactly is a “word of prayer?” really think that most here have been praying along with observations and ponders and that makes all the difference, eh?
God keep all close and comforted this night
Em, yes.
My prayer is that this is a major shift in the culture of A29. Shift, as in 5000 ft of the San-Andreas fault shift.
Folks, this is something that you would never see happen in Calvary Chapel. Ever. This is epic, if it is real.
Epic.
Michael @38 -
Maybe a review of history series is in order someday. A lot of unsuspecting folks in ABQ, OC etc that might benefit from learning about their “roots”.
One of the most honest things I’ve read Driscoll say in a long time is describing the movement as “…. a large, complex, fast-growing entrepreneurial network such as ours.”
I mentioned to friend once that I thought the next religious movement in US would be result of people and churches being shaken, not stirred.
Never say never, Reuben ……. stranger things have happened
Anne,
Maybe Thursday…I want the dust to settle…and to go to bed early.
Wow! Michael, Thursday!!??! A lot sooner than I imagined, knowing how full your plate is. Sounds like you are encouraged that your ministry previously and now has not been in vain. Rest well, be strengthened, refreshed and filled with wisdom and grace.
Anne, gotta say before i go . . . i like your shaken, not stirred – depends on the “spirits?”
in my world, first i’ll try stirring, then comes shaking and, if necessary, a whipping . . .
In other news, John Piper just announced his successor from his boards recommendations.
Oh look, Christians gossiping and making accusations without having concrete facts about other believers… Shocker. I wish both men well and have gleaned much from both men. Neither is perfect nor the standard by which we are judged. Put either of them on a pedestal and you had to remove Christ from his to achieve this feet. They are men and I rejoice whenever the gospel is being proclaimed. And if you think that simply because these men are in churches with notoriety or fame that this isn’t gossip try and justify that with the word.
Hi Hit and Run @49.
Gossip card fail.
There have been more facts produced about Mark Driscoll in the last month than you could begin to combat with your gossip card playing self. Based on those facts, not only does Mark Driscoll need to step down from “president of the “entrepreneurial network”, but from pastoring entirely, and all is justifiable from the “word”.
FoFo-
Where are your concrete facts about us ?
Nice color on your pot, said the kettle.
Now if only Sovereign Grace Ministries would take a similar path, or just fold up altogether.
On a separate note, Linkathon will be delayed until tomorrow. I want Reuben’s article to top the main page for awhile.
Pete Nelson comment … my thoughts, exactly.
But please prove me wrong … I’ll dance a jig!
Hey Reuben, you made Reddit.
http://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/rh045/matt_chandler_new_president_of_acts_29_mark/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
http://thedailybleat.com/driscoll-out-matt-chandler-president-of-acts-29/
I don’t know if Driscoll leaving Acts 29 is a good thing IF as I read it will allow him more time to write books. Christianity is worse off every time Driscoll put pen to paper.
Look, this is a no brainer -Driscoll can’t make money with Acts 29 – do they pay a franchise fee?? But… if he builds his Mars Hill franchise, they do.
WHOA… you guys reached the big-time!! I feel humbled leaving posts here now…
Mark said: “Mars Hill gladly stays in Acts 29 as well. I’ll be spending much of my time going forward serving all of Acts 29, pastoring at Mars Hill, helping the Resurgence, writing books, organizing preaching campaigns, and doing media interviews.”
How can he possibly have any time for serious bible study and prayer. How arrogant can one person get? Is this how someone “pastors” a church, let alone is a godly husband? Give me a break!
“Look, this is a no brainer -Driscoll can’t make money with Acts 29 – do they pay a franchise fee?? But… if he builds his Mars Hill franchise, they do.”
Now you are getting to the sacred, as should be, Cash is King, and it is, try dying, being sick, loosing a job, etc without it. It is, has been, and always will be King. Personally I cant fault him as I would never commit the unpardonable sin of being against increasing revenue. Now being the complete piece of apostate trash that I am, I never saw it that way, cash is a tool to serve others I know ( insert finger down throat) but it really is how I viewed it, and still do. Goes to show you what a complete piece of human filth I am.
My struggle with mega pastors of any kind is the vast majority of pastors who make it hand to mouth are often “tainted” by the rhetoric of the very few. Of course I understand that they, like me, have no meaning and should rot if we get in the way of the apologetic. But I cant seem to grasp that tune. I see them as people of God and they should be honored. Goes to show what a complete apostate I am, from the modern “historic” Christian faith.
Can someone help me find a new irony meter, my old one blew up.
This is a smokescreen, and you guys are taking the bait. The problem was never with A29, the problem was with Mars Hill. Driscoll’s influence at Mars Hill – the place where all the abuse occurred, remains the same. He steps down from A29 – a loose affiliation where his influence was limited to begin with.
Josh,
Like I said, it is a PR nightmare avoidance maneuver.
Josh the Baptist, yep.
Of course Scott Thomas felt God released him from leading Acts29 the weekend after Joyful Exiles got published. Of course Driscoll found that now was the perfect time to quit the job he said Scott Thomas urged him to take up the job again two months ago. Clearly whatever was not going well at Acts29 did not require more than two months of Driscoll’s already widely divided attention.
Back on February 6, 2012 Driscoll was praising Acts29 and Scott Thomas’ leadership for producing the biggest growth yet. Driscoll made a point of saying Scott Thomas and the board urged Driscoll to take up the presidency again. Whatever wasn’t well at Acts29 clearly only needed no more than two months of Driscoll’s widely divided attentions.
He cast the vision and now can go back to making more content at Mars Hill.
The Call for Reconciliation doesn’t seem to have much momentum, particularly not since some former members learned the man appointed to coordinate all the meetings is chief of security. The meetings may still proceed but there’s a lot of cold feet and uncertainty whether any of this is sincere. That’s understandable and I suspect “Petry-leaks” may reinforce that worry.
Had to repeat to get out of moderation – too many links saying Acts 29
I have a question about Acts 29 churches. Do the rank and file know that they go to an A- 29 church or is this just inside baseball talk amongst the elite and leaders?
Are there A-29 churches here in the OC? Would I look in the yellow pages under A-29 like I would Lutheran?
The only arrogance I see here is the arrogance of feeling like someone “broke” a scoop. That is no way to treat Jesus’ wife. Jesus cares for His bride and will present her spotless on the day of his visitation. It is not our job to nitpick his pride.
Also- for the people that are accusing Mark of wanting money. Seriously? Because he does not have unlimited ability to earn if he wanted to make it about the money? Like he needs someone “paying” for his speaking engagements, when he could charge whatever he wanted, but he doesn’t.
I am an Acts 29 pastor, and I count it an honor to call these men my brothers. You have no idea how many honorable humble pastors there are in this network. No idea. There are so many hard working, humble, prayerful, nameless pastors that labor daily to love and serve Jesus and to expand His kingdom, and when you spread rhetoric like some of these comments, you are unknowingly (hopefully) making things harder on the pastors that share your love for Jesus and his Kingdom. In the very least, you are fragmenting the body of Christ.
I would encourage you to repent of your need to talk about juicy news. This is not born of the Spirit and is not born from wisdom. Act in wisdom, integrity, grace toward your brothers. Have the wisdom to just keep your mouth shut when Jesus would prefer you worship him with silence. Have the love for the body of Christ to PRAY during this time rather than BLOG during this time.
Even if you consider these men to be enemies, I do not see any scriptural precedent for gossip and slander- even if it is just “online” and “faceless”. And if you do consider them enemies, I would suggest that you do not know them, but have gotten to know an online persona of what you think is them. An online persona that you are helping to create. These men have wives, families, feelings- and it would help if you remembered that, rather than objectifying people. When people objectify other people on the internet to give an outlet for the lusts in their own hearts, I call it porn. So, I encourage you to repent well, and follow Jesus and pray for those whom you disagree with.
Meant to say “bride” not “pride” above:)
MLD – A29 is more akin to an open resourcing operation that a denomination or “movement”. I guess that a church could be both Lutheran and A29. Every A29 church in this area is a SBC church that uses A29 resources.
So, the rank and file would know, because the leaders would display it as a status symbol, but it tell you virtually nothing about what the church is…other than leaning towards Calvinist soteriology, and even that is only implied.
Eric, you are a hypocrite.
Eric-
I live in Seattle and have interacted with Mars Hill & some of their satellite churches here quite a bit. What you say may be accurate for you, but it isn’t here.
And, are you one of the ‘humble’ pastors you speak of? Your presumption of what Christ is calling me to do without having met me is as ‘faceless’ as what you accuse us of.
You have engaged in the porn you detest.
Welcome to life unvarnished.
We warn the sheep in these parts.
Josh- You know what, I went back and read my post, and you are right, there were a couple of statements that were too strong, and were neither helpful or constructive. Please forgive me for that. I was trying to say something very simple, and could have cut my comment a lot shorter. I’ve never been a guy who posts on forums, and I should probably keep it that way:)
Thanks for your grace in pointing that out, and again, sorry for my indiscretion. Praying that through this process, much would be made of Jesus and little would be made of man, and that God’s church would be stronger as a result. God bless
Eric is jealous for the Bride? that is a good thing, but what he hasn’t grasped is that the folk here have been defending the Bride, fighting for the reputation and integrity of the Groom at great expense to their own comfort and welfare – they are evolving into a great asset to the Family IMV
A29 is a joke. Sovereign Grace is a joke. Calvary Chapel is a joke. Before you know it Piper and Keller and The Gospel Coalitions are going to be a joke too. And for that matter, the SBC is a joke, so is everyone else.
Only us Phoenix Preacher bloggers aren’t a joke. We have arrived. And we get together and blog about how everyone else is messed up.
Yippie.
Sounds like a fun ride.
praying for the raw nerves that are exposed here . . . it is no joke – all precious Saints used, abused and searching what is the will of God
Jake,
There is a great deal of skepticism here based on experience…bad experience.
If you would like to help us overcome that, it will be received as a gift.
I’m off to work now…
The hit and run posts are more than welcome to hit and run with at least an ounce of broad understanding of the PhxP community. If none is possessed, do me a favor and can it.
Let me be clear, as the one who took it upon himself to post this news, that I don’t have a problem with A29 in general, and I attend an A29 church. I have specific issues with Mark Driscoll. If you want to know what they are, start reading the blogs of numerous first hand accounts of Mars Hill from congregants, and former elders/pastors. Read Hatchets miles of stuff. Read here.
I am encouraged by this move. I hope it is real, and not as I suspect, a PR stunt to distance Mark Driscoll and his ever increasing list of horrid acts from the brand.
Michael, the problem is that you have beef with certain individuals within a movement (very possibly rightly so) yet the actual dialogue taking place broad strokes entire movements, thus a general vibe of “we have it together and those guys are buffoons” starts to color most of the dialogue.
I would assume more humility in pointing out other’s faults, especially coming for guys that have been through a lot of pain due to church politics.
well, then jake, gotta say to you – pray, don’t assume
thot i was finished commenting on the comments . . .
now i’m done . . . mebbe
jake,
Perhaps this is your first time on this blog? If so, welcome. Please take a moment and reconsider your comments and whether you too are coming from a place of humility.
Your comments seem to come from a place of where you seem to know the hearts of those of us who have been here for a time. I for one, don’t know anyone here who thinks “I have it all together…”
I think you have it all together Papi
Thanks london. If I do have it all together, then its due to my mad PM skilz!
http://www.acts29network.org/acts-29-blog/a-note-on-some-transitions/
Jake & Eric, & Others Perhaps Reading Here for the First Time,
I am a relatively low volume poster here and I usually don’t get very involved in the controversies or the higher emotional topics. But I have been around for a couple years and consider myself part of this family. An unusual, highly-unique, faulted family, but a family nonetheless.
Although I personally have not had much bad church experience to speak of, many here have. Many here have come from spiritually abusive situations and/or know of other situations where abuse has occurred. They are quick to recognize the possible indicators of abuse occurring and can better relate to others who share stories of abuse. There have been a lot of stories told of abusive situations occurring with Mars Hill and Mark Driscoll, especially over the last couple of months. Hence, the tendancy to be skeptical of anything a man like Mark Driscoll does and to broadbrush movements/churches such as his. Is ALL the skepticism and broadbrushing justified? Probably not. Is it understandable. Yes.
I’ve also learned that there are very few in this community who believe they have it all together. Maybe that doesn’t come across in this particular thread, but if you spend some time here, you will see many admit to faults, mistakes, and bad attitudes.
So maybe we are quick to doubt and criticize. But, if anything, one the greatest drivers is concern for those who have been abused or could still yet be abused. Because we have seen it happen many, many times already.
Now only if Chuck Smith will step down from Calvary then we will be 2 for 2
Kevin, agreed! Thank you fine sir!
Solomon – we aren’t even 1 for 2. Seriously, MD’s actions bear little resemblence to any true form of “stepping down” that exists in even an irrational universe.
Anne, I was trying to figure out a way to say that. Thank you.
I am still confused over the roll Acts29 play. According to Josh’s reply at 6:11am, they are a resource center? What do they provide – literature and publishing – or do they provide manpower and training?
If they are like a parachurch organization with no control over the individual pastors or church bodies, then what does it matter who runs it? Do they contract themselves out to help struggling churches.
On the other side, when a church aligns with A29, is it like they are hiring a marketing firm (not meant to be pejorative – I just couldn’t think of something else)
“Acts 29 churches assist called and qualified pastors as they pursue their church planting dreams through assessment, coaching, training, funding, and friendship by connecting them with like minded people.” From their website.
It is my observation that the pastors get more of the “assessment, coaching and friendship” than funding, or formal training of any kind.
Confirmation from Mark Driscoll. Scroll down to the “Acts 29″ heading.
http://pastormark.tv/2012/03/28/what-is-next-for-me
He confirmed that as well, Victoria, on the Acts29 blog (link now in the main article of this thread).
http://blog.sojournchurch.com/from-sojourn-network-why-were-no-longer-in-acts-29/
My former church, BTW.
This indicates to me that, to some degree, people are being asked about their affiliations, or former affiliations, with Acts29. There’s no reason, otherwise, that Sojourn needed to publicly respond to this situation.
Josh,
So, is there any purpose for an “established” church to join Acts29 or is there a reason for a “plant” church to stay after a certain period of time?
Other than perceived status, I don’t think so. However, yes, the churches I know are established SBC churches that got a new pastor that wanted to say he was part of A29.
He’s resigned from the Gospel Coalition as well. http://pastormark.tv/2012/03/28/what-is-next-for-me That’s big news!
FYI-
Mark states he will now be preaching at their Bellevue location & concentrating on the ‘eastside’ of Seattle.
There is a plethora of good churches there already, and there are many other areas that need churches.
But it IS where the big money in Seattle is. Bellevue, Redmond, Medina, etc.
Just pointing that out because that has been the tendency of others we’ve covered here, after a shift in power, a change to a better revenue stream…..
Just saying….
http://www.acts29network.org/acts-29-blog/a-letter-from-scott-thomas/
moving to Bellevue could be for other reasons than greed – i’m not ready to quit praying . . .
however, i just got word …..
wanta hear a funny story? in the midst of typing the above to say that my iMac was dead and gone (fried circuits or something?) . . . now that is discouraging . . . the ungranted prayer request thing . . . as i typed the ‘repair geek’ just called and said that he’d become aware of one more thing that he could try, “don’t get your hopes up, but we might be able to save it yet.”
so, as i said about Driscoll . . . still hoping and praying
“But it IS where the big money in Seattle is. Bellevue, Redmond, Medina, etc.
Just pointing that out because that has been the tendency of others we’ve covered here, after a shift in power, a change to a better revenue stream…..”
I visited (I had come to Seattle for Seafair and was interested in wall the talk about MH) the MH Bellevue last summer when they were still using an old school as their base. They had a thriving growing church there without Mark Driscoll preaching (no video sermon). At the time they were renovating the new facility.
Some here are saying it’s all about money, personally I would doubt that in this case. I think what happened is they moved to a new location from a very nice family oriented neighbor hood and into the heart of Bellevue. From personal experience I would not have been happy about if I was a MH Bellevue member. The drive is longer the traffic is terrible and quite frankly the cost of the new location is rather high.
So what were the MH Bellevue leaders thinking and now have Mark “rescue” them by gracing them personally with his preaching? I would bet the membership stop coming and giving because of the move and now, because of lease commitments, a personal boost from the founder is needed.
It kind of reminds me of when Chuck Swindol left Sunny California and moved to Texas. Overnight his new church was a success.
Funny how those things happen when your a star.
Oh and people in this “high dollar district” just owe more money so actual cash flow is about the same as most of us (with the exception of those few Microsoft Millionaires left and I bet they don’t go to church at all).
Em, agreed. However, for many years, Mark’s sermons have been loaded with how he wanted to be in the heart of Seattle to reach disenfranchised youth & the unchurched.
Kids in Bellevue are many things, and need the Lord as much as anybody, but one thing they aren’t is disenfranchised.
Much of what I say on the MH topic that bothers me is because it no longer jibes with what Driscoll has preached for years in his sermons.
I should make that clearer when I post.
PB, the plan all along was for Driscoll to preach to the other churches via video. The campus pastor(s) supplements Driscoll’s preaching – or a guest preacher also on video, taped at Ballard – by preaching live a few times a year.
PB-
Thanks for your insight on your Bellevue visit.
I was the one who brought up the financial aspect, but I didn’t say or mean to infer it was all about the money. I was merely pointing out a parallel to other situations with similar problems. The ultimate fruit will indicate whether the parallel leads to a similar outcome.
Your Microsoft Millionaires assessment is a bit off, however, as there thousands of them that still work there. There is also a ton of non-Microsoft money there. We see it on the business news here all the time.
But my real point was that it was incongruent with what Driscoll preached for many years, that’s all.
So, when what was preached for years changes, the weekly accountability meeting he proudly preached about gets cancelled, and the pastors that he had holding him accountable get ‘released’, along with power plays, hurt people, & an emphasis on the money location, it begins looking remarkably similar to other abusive situations people have come here recovering from.
Please Note, i didn’t think that your comments were without basis, hope i didn’t sound like a pollyanna . . . i’ll bet i’m better at getting down on people than anyone here lol
still hoping and praying – Lord, humble this man Driscoll before You and make His walk sound and in obedience to You – just hoping and praying for a good outcome still
Whatever Mark Driscoll does, it is becoming increasingly clear that the objective is to have him do it in autonomy, and distancing him from the brand is the best way to do that. Since you can’t remove Mark Driscoll from A29, (and he never misses an opportunity to point out why) you make him just some guy with a A29 affiliated church off in some place. Oh, and he writes books and argues with angry women on TV.
More stories are bound to come out. More of what he hates, and trained his devoted followers to despise, in the form of bloggers, who he has stereotyped from the pulpit as 40 somethings living in their parents basement, sleeping in Star Wars sheets, having nothing better to do with their miserable lives but mock and “gossip” about the guy all the bloggers wish they could be.
As for A29, I am increasingly optimistic that this is a good thing. I am excited to see what Chandler does. I hope people don’t fall head over heels into idolatry with Matt as they did with Mark.
I hope that all the hits this site got from Seattle yesterday and today are people who need to start exploring the reality of Driscoll. Start here:
http://joyfulexiles.com/
http://wenatcheethehatchet.blogspot.com/
http://mattbredmond.blogspot.com/
Whatever became of Chris Swan, the pastor of the Mars Hill Bellevue campus about a year ago, who suddenly dropped off the radar? The MH websites seem to have been scrubbed of all mention of him.
Reuben, i remember that slam . . . was so tempted to return the favor – you guys are quicker, but, if i get my back up, i’m better at it
I have a whole list of timeless Driscoll quotes from the pulpit. I have been tempted to unload them some day, but Brian D is better at it than you or I could ever be…
“So, when what was preached for years changes, the weekly accountability meeting he proudly preached about gets cancelled, and the pastors that he had holding him accountable get ‘released’, along with power plays, hurt people, & an emphasis on the money location, it begins looking remarkably similar to other abusive situations people have come here recovering from.”
This is the sad part.
My only point about millionaires (I’ve known a few) was, like all of us, they tend to spend up to their income level. Instead of an old used Toyota or Chevy they buy a new BMW or Merc. Yes the shores of Lake Washington are filled with “scrape-off” rebuilds by these MS types. But, it’s their money and I’m glad they had the opportunity to earn it. I never feel bad about some one who prospers (unless they do so on the backs of others).
May we all be cursed with riches! Oh, I forgot for a moment those in Jesus the Messiah are!!
A quick internet search led to his Twitter page, which mentions that he’s “about to plant The Lord’s Renown in San Diego”. This is an Acts29 church plant.
post script, aren’t most Star Wars fans over 50? they’re the parents upstairs praying that the computer geek in their basement (who probably doesn’t use sheets of any kind) will be the next instant millionaire geek – bet Paul Allen has some Star Wars sheets, tho – when i think of how those guys made their money! oi vey, such luck!
i’ll bet those 40 somethings, above and below ground, have no desire to be a Driscoll or any other weirdo of that genre . . . even tho i only ‘visit’ this site, i know that some of the most interesting and some of the most successful and busy people blog in their areas of interest and do so without class warfare . . .
just sayin
Reuben, BrianD is better, i agree and probably kinder, too
PB, “May we all be cursed with riches! Oh, I forgot for a moment those in Jesus the Messiah are!!” amen to both thots – it’s interesting that we have the One who owns everything to call “Papa,” and, yet we/i find it so hard to walk in confidence that He knows how to run things. . .
Thanks for the kind words, and perhaps I would take the high road. Or, if I were in a certain mood, deliver some snark. Or something else.
This situation perhaps calls for a higher road – especially with the hit-and-run posters who criticized this community, judging us probably by one thread, and who already have a low view of blogs and commenters due to the views of guys like Driscoll, whom they seem to trust.
Em….no you didn’t come across as pollyana, and your encouragement to pray was a good one. Great reminder.
PB…I never said there was anything wrong with people having money, either.
I should phrase things better, as you seem to see things in my posts that aren’t there.
Em, Star wars is a continuing phenomenon. Observing it in my 6 year old nephew is a trip! Toys and DVD’s still selling like hotcakes.
He picked his interest up at school, not from his parents, so it must be pretty pervasive
Anne, i can see why it would be all new again and of interest a new generation at that . . . me, not so much . . . stood in line with my own children to see it when it first came out, but it put me to sleep . . . strange that i believe so firmly in the God of this mysterious Universe
“I hope people don’t fall head over heels into idolatry with Matt as they did with Mark”
I hope it is not too late already.
Rather than pastor his people at home (set the example for the A29 pastors) Matt seems he is hooked in to the the book tour.
“Come buy a ticket, buy my book and I will humbly sign it.”
http://theresurgence.com/pages/the-explicit-gospel-tour
Sounds like they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic…
Chandler don’t like the blogs either, by the way. So that part doesn’t change. We still get to be wearing our underwear in our basement.