Disqualifying Sins

Like many Christians and Seattle-ites, I've been following the Mars Hill/Mark Driscoll implosion. My own church is chalk full of former Hill-ers, and gains more of them every Sunday. The mega church has closed 3 churches with more slated to be closed if things don't change. Elders and pastors are resigning or being fired and people are leaving in droves. 

It's sad when Jesus can't be enough to hold a church together because He's not actually the foundation. 

There has been a lot of talk about "disqualifying sin", meaning sin that would inhibit someone (mostly Mark and some other elders) from serving in Christian ministry. Jesus saves sinners. There is abundant and sufficient grace to cover every sin. 

But this doesn't mean every Christian should serve all the time. 

I was reading 1 Timothy 3 the other day and was dwelling on the qualifications for overseers and deacons (or in other terms, pastors, elders and other leaders) 

Respectable 

Not a lover of money 

Gentle

Not quarrelsome 

Not a recent convert (Mark planted MH shortly after his own conversion. It's clear now he lacked some of the necessary maturity). 

Well thought of by outsiders 

Not double-tongued 

Not greedy for dishonest gain (can anyone say New York Times best seller?) 

When I look at this list, it's hard for me to see how Mark could possibly return to the pulpit in just several weeks. While it's possible he has not committed a specifically "disqualifying sin", according to the Scripture, he is not currently qualified for ministry either. 

Praying for the gospel to be unifying and for Christ to be known. Wisdom and discernment for those investigating the charges. Peace for those who stay and refuges for those who leave. Hospitality for the churches around the Hill welcoming newcomers every week. Healing. Reconciliation. Repentance. Freedom. 

If you are in Seattle and floundering for a church home, I am of course partial to Anchor Church, but know that many have turned to call The Hallows or Downtown Cornerstone home.