July 15, 2011

Excerpt from the Christian Post: – Mark Driscoll, the founding pastor of Seattle-based Mars Hill Church, “often posts his thoughts on the cultural news of the day through the use of social media. In a Facebook post on his page from this week that was later removed, Driscoll asked, ‘So, what story do you have about the most effeminate anatomically male worship leader you’ve ever personally witnessed?’”

“Jeff Buchanan, who is the executive vice president of Exodus International, said he is disappointed in Driscoll’s behavior. He said his organization was ‘greatly concerned about what Driscoll might unintentionally communicate to those who are struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions. Having been a worship leader for a number of years and a man who has left homosexuality, his comment was personal for me,’ Buchanan said. ‘As a leader and a follower of Christ, I believe an apology is appropriate and necessary. It is comments such as this that feed the cultural perception of homophobia in the evangelical community.’”

“Although Driscoll did not make an apology on his blog post responding to the digital debate, he did state that his comment was ‘flippant’ and that his church elders were correct when they sat him down and said that he needed ‘to do better by hitting real issues with real content in a real context. …a sincere thanks to all my critics who sometimes have good wisdom that helps me out,’ Driscoll added at the end of his post.”

“Buchanan said he was not satisfied with Driscoll’s response to the controversy. ‘While I do not agree with classifying Driscoll as a ‘bully,’ I do believe that an explanation is needed,’ Buchanan said. ‘Many are confused as to why a leader of Driscoll’s caliber would make such a comment and what his intention might have been.’”

“The leaders at Exodus hope Driscoll’s comments and the ensuing debate serve as a lesson to be learned, Buchanan said. ‘There needs to be greater sensitivity within the Church and a willingness to reach all. There needs to be a stronger understanding of biblical masculinity rather than cultural masculinity,’ he said.”

The full text of the Christian Post article can be found at http://www.christianpost.com/news/gay-ministry-upset-with-pastor-mark-driscolls-flippant-facebook-comment-52330/.