Now that Mark Driscoll has resigned, it is natural to wonder what happens next at Mars Hill Church.
Succession
In the summer of 2012, the church leadership considered what might happen in case Driscoll could not continue as pastor. While it is not clear if this plan was adopted, it was proposed that Dave Bruskas take over as preaching pastor and the Board of Advisors and Accountability make a decision to either hire a replacement for Driscoll or give more autonomy to the lead pastors at the remaining Mars Hill locations. A meeting of the Full Council of Elders was also recommended as part of the plan.
Governance
For now it appears that the BOAA will remain the final authority of the church, although I have heard that the Board of Elders is considering making recommendations to the governance. Any such changes would require the BOAA to vote itself out of authority. A vote to return the church to governance led by a internal board of elders would be a sign of significant change at the church.
Identity
Since Driscoll had declared himself to be the brand at Mars Hill, it is unclear now what distinguishes Mars Hill from other churches. Make no mistake there are many talented and caring people still at the church, but an identity crisis might be in store for the church.
Severance
In light of the statements from the church and Driscoll, it is unclear whether he resigned with or without reason. If he resigned because the BOAA planned to demote him from president of the church or as primary preacher, then, according to those familiar with the terms of his arrangement with the church, he could choose to resign immediately with written notice (which he gave on Tuesday). Otherwise he has 180 days after Tuesday’s written notice until his employment officially ends. However, at any time during that period, the BOAA can ask him to leave earlier if they decide that would be best. In either case, according to the terms I have seen, Driscoll is entitled to 12 months of base salary and benefits post-employment.
Driscoll’s base salary at present is known only to the BOAA. Despite the fact, that tithes and offerings of non-voting members pay the bills, executive compensation is one of the most carefully guarded secrets at Mars Hill. According to internal memos I have reviewed, Driscoll’s base salary and housing allowance for 2012 was somewhere between $500 and 565k with another $100k raise recommended for 2013 (I don’t know if that raise was approved). It seems very likely that raises since 2012 have lifted the current figure much higher. If my sources are correct, then the church will not realize any savings from Driscoll’s resignation for at least a year.
Finances
The church is in financial trouble. However, I have been told by those familiar with the situation that the church has been assisted in recent days by significant financial help from some deep pockets. If donations stay about the same or continue to drop, the next cliff could come by the end of the calendar year.
Board of Elders Report
There are other unanswered questions which I suspect will be of interest to stakeholders. For instance, what does the Board of Elders report say? What did they have to say about the allegations? Will there now be an investigation of the BOAA as promised by Mark DeMoss? In my judgment, at the least, an executive summary of the BOE report should made available.
Allegations Against Board of Advisors and Accountability
A careful examination of the BOAA letter does not reveal the BOE’s assessment of the Driscoll investigation. The BOAA only reported the opinions of the independent members of the BOAA. Remember, only Matt Rogers (one of the BOAA members) did any interviewing or investigating, and he had already made up his mind before the investigation. The other three members did not investigate. The report may have come to conclusions which were rejected or altered by the BOAA. Although overlooked of late, the credibility of the BOAA was called into question by nine sitting Mars Hill pastors. Members and the public (those podcasters and non-Seattle fans) need to know they are hearing truth from those now leading the church. Until the charges by the nine pastors are investigated, a cloud sits over the BOAA’s public statements.
More Charges?
After Driscoll’s resignation, some additional people may feel comfortable coming forward. I personally know people who feel that way. If disqualifying factors are learned during the year long severance period, would that change the terms of separation between Driscoll and the church?
There are other matters of concern for members, former members, and other interested stakeholders. I hope readers will raise some in the comments section and, for members, with their remaining pastors.