Evangelical Pastors Questioned for Highlighting Seattle's R-Rated Pastor at National Conference

Evangelical Pastors Questioned for Highlighting Seattle's R-Rated Pastor

at National Conference

Then scroll down to Rise Up, O Men of God!

WARNING: The following news release should not be viewed by young minors because of its nature and wording. While it is a sensitive topic, we believe we must let the body of Christ know what is taking place. Those who have followed Lighthouse Trails for some time are aware that we cover issues like this because of their "signs of the times" implications.

LTRP Note: Lighthouse Trails is very disappointed in the men who are participating at the 2009 "Entrusted with the Gospel" National Conference, knowing that Mark Driscoll will be one of the featured speakers. While Driscoll's crass speech about sex may perhaps not bother these men, his manner is degrading to women and children--and godly men are required of the Lord to defend and protect women and children according to Scripture.

Berit's Note: I deleted some of the words I considered inappropriate for our visitors.

From Cathy Mickels - January 15, 2009

SEATTLE, Jan. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- Concerns about Mark Driscoll, the controversial pastor of Seattle's Mars Hill Church, are being circulated in an eleven page memo raising many questions regarding why Driscoll will be speaking on "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" at The Gospel Coalition's Conference this coming April 21-23 in Chicago. (See http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/about)

"I am astonished that evangelical pastors would highlight a pastor not only known for his crudeness and careless handling of Scripture, but a pastor who also credits foul-mouthed comedian Chris Rock with teaching him how to preach," stated Cathy Mickels, former Washington state president of Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum and co-author of Spiritual Junk Food: The Dumbing Down of Christian Youth.

In response to those who will claim Driscoll is doctrinally sound, Mickels states, "Since when is it doctrinally sound to refer to Jesus as some 'dude' who tells 'knock-knock jokes'?" Since when does Biblical doctrine tolerate the description of the Old Testament as 'a red-neck hillbilly comedy' containing mocking comments about Noah and Jeremiah?"

Quoting from Driscoll's book, Confessions of a Reformission Rev, Mickels states, "It also appears Mark Driscoll discovered early on that talking about sex could help him build his church. In fact, Driscoll wrote, 'I assumed the students and singles were all pretty horney, so I went out on a limb... Each week I extolled the virtues of marriage, ... oral sex, sacred stripping and sex outdoors....

Likewise, Mickels said, "His recent sex advice to Christian married couples is sure to draw attention, but it sounds more like counseling from Dr. Ruth than an evangelical pastor." (See http://blog.marshillchurch.org/2008/11/30/)

The memo details that in one of Mark Driscoll's most recent projects, he undermines and corrupts gospel truth. For example, Christ said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again," but according to Mickels, without shame this pastor recklessly undermines the words of Jesus for the title of his new book called, PORN-AGAIN Christian. Mickels asked, "Who would tamper with the words of Christ and then use them as an introduction to a discussion on the perverted world of pornography?"

"It is just as puzzling," observes Mickels, "why a pastor, who warns young men about the dangers of pornography, admits to frequenting a barbershop Driscoll describes as 'providing the finest selection of waiting area pornography in our city.'"

Mickels concludes, "Instead of a pastor spiritually lifting up the Body of Christ to a higher standard, Mark Driscoll is dragging the Church through the gutter. Is it any wonder we are losing spiritual ground in this country?"

For a copy of the memorandum, click here. Contact: Cathy Mickels at 360-387-8150 or e-mail at cathymickels@gmail.com.

Rise Up, O Men of God! Your Women Are Fighting the Battle

There are ‘mothers in Israel’ who are rising up to confront Mark Driscoll and his filthy mouth and materials. Why? Because the men in spiritual leadership today not only refuse to, but legitimize and endorse Driscoll’s “ministry.”

If you wonder why there was a need for a Prophetess Deborah in the Old Testament, look to the times that produced her. Women only come to leadership when men abandon their biblical headship. But when it comes to threats to little ones, both literally and spiritually, the women will rise up to the job if men refuse. What Mark Driscoll is doing with his degrading sex columns and videos that are all over the Internet is causing harm to ourselves and our children. I received this email this morning from a spiritual “little one.”

Dear Mrs. Schlueter,

I wanted to thank you so much for your latest post exposing the foul-mouthed “pastor” Mark Driscoll. I am an 18 year old Christian young woman who has struggled with pornography. You have no idea what reading and watching Mark Driscoll’s material did for my spiritual life. I was instantly reminded by my sinful flesh just how much I enjoyed my despicable sin, and was repeatedly tempted so strongly that I had to stop reading his article. I should have been able to find refuge in a godly pastor’s words, not even more temptation. I should be made to think of Holy Scripture, not of the perverted images that I have a hard enough time trying to keep out of my mind.

Thank you again for all you do, and God bless!