Driscoll, Eaton discuss study

Mars Hill pastor seeks advice from president on how to proceed

By SIMONE VAN BREDA, News Writer

Published: May 8, 2002

Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Fellowship said he will follow through on the advice that President Phil Eaton gave him to build relationships with faculty at SPU.

Driscoll requested a meeting with Eaton that took place last Wednesday to discuss an issue that has been the focus of debate on campus. The controversy has to do with Driscoll not being allowed to teach a Bible study on campus.

"[I] felt it was important to meet with Dr. Eaton to answer any questions, quell any rumors and inquire of what he wanted me to do to work toward a peaceful and Christ-like solution to some of the misunderstandings surrounding my presence and teaching on campus," Driscoll said.

According to Driscoll, he was concerned that there were questions raised on campus regarding his theology and interpretation of the Bible. Driscoll said he decided to meet with Eaton in order to seek his advice on what he could do to resolve the dispute on campus over his teachings.

"He (Eaton) suggested that some of the misquotations and misunderstandings regarding my teachings would be best dealt with through working toward the building of open and honest friendships with some professors and other faculty so that any existing questions could be worked through, and the groundwork laid for an ongoing relationship of mutual understanding," Driscoll said.

Eaton declined an interview, but according to Karen Jacobson, executive secretary to the president, Eaton has been apprised of the situation with the Mars Hill Bible study all along the way and decided to meet with Driscoll at his request.

Professor of theology Rick Steele thought the advice given to Driscoll by Eaton was very sound and stated that he would be willing to meet with any member of the clergy in the community who has a sincere concern for the welfare of students and the community in general.

"I respect that he (Driscoll) is raising issues in a public and candid way because there has been some reluctance to talk about the issues he is raising," Steele said. According to Steele these issues include sexual morality and gender roles, issues that are on the minds of students and people in the community.

Steele said he agrees with the discussion and debate of these issues, but there is an obvious differing of opinions between him and Driscoll on the issue of women in ministry. Steele said he has not had any personal encounters with Driscoll and so is reluctant to pass judgment on him, but stated that he would be hesitant to attach his name to anything that stands for a model of family life and church leadership that is oppressive to women. However, he added that he is happy to engage in conversation about men and women in ministry.

The distinction between Steele and Driscoll on gender issues lies in the fact that Steele's wife is an ordained United Methodist minister and used to be a practicing pastor, whereas Mars Hill holds the belief that every area of ministry in church is open to women except for the office of pastor, which is held for men. However, there are women at Mars Hill who are involved in full time ministry, who teach Bible studies and attend seminary.

"Some of my teaching has been widely misrepresented, and some untrue rumors have unfortunately been circulated ...my first concern is to follow through on the counsel Dr. Eaton gave me and see where it goes from there," Driscoll said.

According to Driscoll, he believes that he made clear to Eaton that unity in Christ and peace among God's servants is of extremely high importance to him. Driscoll said he respects Eaton's position and wants to heed his advice because God has appointed him as the head of the campus.

"I appreciated him taking the time to meet with me and give me counsel as to [the] next steps [I should take]," Driscoll said.

As for the Bible study, Driscoll said some students have decided to pull together and restart the Bible study under their own leadership.

"Whether or not I am present, the study seems to be in good hands, and I think it will be a great opportunity for the students to grow in their teaching gifts," Driscoll said.

Sophomore Aaron Allen said he hopes to get the Mars Hill Bible study up and running again by the end of the quarter, but is having some difficulty finding an agreeable time and place to meet.

"Most of the students I have talked to really would like to have the Bible study going. Many of them actually missed the Bible study that we had going on when Mark was teaching it and are glad that we are going to get it going at least to finish off the year," Allen said. "I am glad to help out and lead this study and also am really looking forward to the opportunity I have to learn from doing it."

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