Some thoughts for Mark Driscoll

Dear Mark,

Wow.

When you step on a scene, you really know how to make an entrance, don't you? For a couple of years, everyone involved in the emerging church conversation/blogosphere has been wondering "where is Mark Driscoll?"
And bang- you don't just start a blog... you open up with both barrels.
I have to give it to you, you really know how to stir the pot.

But I have a couple of things I've been thinking about this last week, and I probably need to just get them out, so bear with me, if you would.

Since no one else seems to want to say this, I guess I will. You come off as obssessed with numbers. You mention them every chance you get. And while I'm glad that you now refer to your church as "one of" the biggest in Washington, rather than "the biggest" (sermon, 11.13.05), since that title really goes to Crossroads church in Vancouver, I'm still amazed at how often numbers pop up in your writing. You've been blogging for a very short time now... But in that time you've told us how big your church is, how big and fast growing your friend's churches are, how you've had lunch with some really big names, how many churches you've planted, how many times your sermons have been downloaded over this last year, the fact that your church is among the 60 fastest growing and 25 most influential in America, etc, etc, etc...

I'm left wondering what you are really trying to accomplish.

But as concerned as I am with all that, your recent piece responding to Brian McLaren's thoughts on homosexuality takes the cake... and also leaves me wondering just what it is you are trying to accomplish.

With a rapier wit, you managed to insult your former "acquaintances" (Really? Doug's not even a friend anymore?), slip in a nice insult regarding Doug's views on sexuality (which, thankfully was edited out after initially being published, most likely due to the extremely offensive nature of suggesting that people in Doug's vicinity should lock up their livestock) and completely miss engaging with McLaren's ideas at all.

Mark, you are standing at a crossroads right now. Down one road lies all kinds of applause and kudos from a lot of people who already agree with you. They'll slap you on the back every time you lash out at "those who drink from the toilet of emergent theology" and they'll high five you every time you put another "limp wristed" "homo-evangelical" in his place. Your stock among the Truly Reformed will rise... and those who identify in any way, shape or form with the emerging church conversation will write you off completely as an obnoxious, arrogant ass. The young preachers you supposedly want to influence will miss what you are saying to them because of the way that you are saying it to them.

But down the other road is actually having an influence on all the people and churches you claim to be so concerned about.

And the difference between taking one road or another lies primarily in your ability to control your tongue.

Sure, we all know Jesus had some harsh words for people like the Pharisees. We all know that at times, sarcasm is appropriate and even useful. But I have to tell you, if you want to have the impact you say you want to have, you are going to have to set aside the need to appear clever, to score with the zinger, and speak the truth in love. It's interesting to me that James' admonition about our tongues comes in the context of a warning to teachers: "Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness. We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way." Man to man, Mark, I have to tell you that God is not only going to judge you on the correctness of your doctrine, but also on the way you present it and how you interact with others over it. This is something I myself am learning these days...

I want you to be a voice in the emerging church. It needs you. But in order for that to happen, you'll need to stop throwing bombs. Clanging cymbals may get noticed, but ultimately, they accomplish little.

Please stop insulting your friends, please heed the words of the Bible you quote to answer others "...in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear."

Please speak the truth in love.

Bob.