Petry Shunning Letter Removed?!?!

PH is relieved and overjoyed to report that PH can not find the letter instructing MH members to shun Paul Petry on the members site!

https://members.marshillchurch.org

There are any number of reasons that this could have occurred, most of which do not have anything to do with justice or reconciliation. Even so, PH is believing and hoping that the process of justice and reconciliation has started. May Mars Hill Leadership be moved to publicly correct the untruths that they have published and spoken about Paul Petry, and to provide him restitution for the damage that their actions have caused.

And, above all, may our God be glorified in ALL circumstances!

PH

Kangaroo Courts and Starchamber Shenanigans at Mars Hill Church?

Today’s brain teaser: Did Mark Driscoll see that a fair and legitimate hearing was held for the Pastor’s they fired, or was it a mockery of justice; resulting in legitimate fear among the elders as to what might happen to THEM should they fall into disfavor with the wrong preaching elder?

PH found an amazing video by Reallysad1 on Youtube. (No…PH had nothing to do with this or any other of Reallysad1’s productions). Take a look: “Mark Driscoll – The verdict should be thrown out. #2″ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngHymj8bGRY

Pastor Mark Driscoll, We Love You.

Pastor Mark Driscoll, we love you. Please never doubt that. By the grace of our Lord, you have the power to right the injustice that has been done. You have the power to turn this into an example of God’s loving kindness, an example of how even the very renowned and much beloved “Reformission Rev.” can acknowledge error and set it right.

Please consider how the devastation of the Petry family can be turned into an example of God’s grace and lovingkindness.

For the Glory of Our Lord.

PH

Pastor Mark Driscoll…”Jockeying for and Abusing Power?”

The following bullet points are quotes in from page 2 of Pastor Mark Driscoll’s letter in the Elders Response Document:

• This meant that I needed to give up a great deal of power…
• To begin this process I had to go first and divest myself of a great deal of power.
• Having shared power…

The above quotes are disingenuous at best.

Shunning in the News

BANNED FROM CHURCH
Alexandra Alter, Wall Street Journal – Jan. 18, 2008

“pastors in large and small churches across the country are expelling members for offenses ranging from adultery and theft to gossiping, skipping service and criticizing church leaders.”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120061470848399079.html

The Elders Reponse Document

Late last fall, the elders of Mars Hill Church opened a thread there members could “Ask Anything” of the leadership.

Pastor Mark or the the Elders could chose redemption / reconciliation if they wanted to – it’s largely up to them

The Elders or Pastor Mark could solve this present controversy. If they were willing to soften their hearts, critically examine themselves and wrestle with the issues then healing and redemption could proceed. But they attack others and harden their hearts to the entreaties of their members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Why?

Why Permit Anonymous Postings?

So what about this anonymous posting stuff? Prayingheart (PH) believes that anonymous posts & comments by professing believers are not inherently sinful. In fact, there are times when they are very appropriate.

An individual that PH believes to be a man pursuing personal Godliness sent PH a terse email.

Messenger versus the Message

There are many who will not care for the medium or the manner in which this message is being communicated. That is fine; intelligent and well meaning hearts can disagree.

It is very important, however, to remember that the truth is not made a lie simply because you do not like the messenger. Credible charges made by credible witnesses (such as Mars Hill’s own documents and videos) must be investigated.

Pastor Mark Driscoll, we love you, and want God’s very best for you.

Pastor Mark Driscoll, we love you. So many of us have found salvation in the church that God founded in large part through your efforts. Despite the very neglected “ground war” at Mars Hill Church, many of us have deepened our relationship with Jesus.

Please, please consider prayerfully consider your behaviors and actions even as we are.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6