Editor’s Note: This article features a letter from Sutton Turner, a former Executive Elder at Mars Hill Church, addressed to James River Church Pastor John Lindell. It is republished with permission to provide context on the ongoing discussion surrounding Mark Driscoll’s ministry and influence.
In a significant development highlighting the complex dynamics within evangelical leadership, Sutton Turner, a former executive at the now-defunct Mars Hill Church, has penned a compelling letter to Pastor John Lindell of James River Church. This communication addresses Lindell’s continued platforming of Mark Driscoll, the controversial former pastor of Mars Hill, despite a well-documented history of misconduct and warnings from Driscoll’s former elders.
Lindell was notably one of the first prominent pastors to offer Driscoll a platform after Driscoll’s tumultuous resignation from Mars Hill in 2014 amidst serious allegations of bullying and dictatorial leadership. Despite the passage of time and repeated cautions about Driscoll’s behavior, Lindell has maintained this support, providing Driscoll with opportunities to preach and minister at James River Church events. This endorsement persisted even after former Mars Hill elders publicly declared Mark Driscoll “unfit” for ministry, citing a pattern of unrepentant behavior and lasting harm caused during his tenure at Mars Hill.
The relationship between Mark Driscoll And John Lindell, once seemingly a supportive alliance, recently devolved into a public dispute, further underscoring the tensions surrounding Driscoll’s role in Christian ministry. Turner’s letter to Lindell, dated April 18, 2024, comes in the wake of these events and serves as a direct appeal for accountability and a reconsideration of Lindell’s association with Driscoll. According to reports from The Roys Report (TRR), Lindell has not yet responded to Turner’s communication.
Turner opens his letter with a tone of empathy, acknowledging the recent challenges faced by Lindell and his family. Drawing from his own experience as a leader within Mars Hill Church during Driscoll’s controversial period, Turner states, “As someone who has witnessed Mark’s duplicity firsthand, I know how traumatic this can be.” He urges Lindell to reflect on the experiences of those harmed by Mars Hill, suggesting a viewing of Turner’s interview with Julie Roys for deeper understanding.
Turner then transitions to the core message of his letter, invoking Matthew 18 as a framework for his communication. He directly confronts Lindell’s decision to platform Mark Driscoll, stating, “Despite the elders of Mars Hill Church disqualifying Pastor Mark from ministry in 2014, you provided him with a platform. You have actively aided in his reestablishment since 2015, not considering the harm that Mark Driscoll caused while leading Mars Hill Church.”
Turner reminds Lindell of the 2021 statement issued by 41 former Mars Hill elders, explicitly warning churches like James River and Trinity Church about Driscoll’s ongoing pattern of behavior. He points out that Lindell, along with other prominent leaders like Jimmy Evans and Robert Morris, seemingly disregarded these warnings and did not engage with the former Mars Hill elders. Turner asserts that this lack of engagement allowed Mark Driscoll to leverage their platforms to rebuild his ministry, despite the documented harm he inflicted on individuals and the Mars Hill community.
The letter further details how, over the past decade, various influential ministry leaders, including Brian Houston, Carey Nieuwhof, Randy Robison, and Robert Morris, have played a role in rehabilitating Mark Driscoll’s public image. Turner references his own writings documenting this narrative shift and the efforts to reshape the understanding of Driscoll’s past actions.
In 2022, Sutton Turner publicly released transcripts from the Mars Hill Church elders’ investigation into Mark Driscoll. This action, Turner explains, was a direct response to the continued platforming of Driscoll by pastors like John Lindell, who appeared to ignore the serious findings of the Mars Hill investigation. Turner emphasizes the integrity of the Mars Hill elders involved in the investigation, highlighting their extensive interviews and prayerful discernment process.
Mars Hill, Mark Driscoll, Sutton Turner
The Mars Hill elders’ investigation concluded that Mark Driscoll was disqualified from ministry based on three primary issues:
- Quick-tempered, including harsh speech.
- Arrogant.
- Domineering in his leadership of the elders and staff.
Turner concludes his letter by reiterating his empathy for Lindell’s current situation but firmly reminds him of the warnings issued by the Mars Hill elders and the extensive harm caused by Mark Driscoll’s unrepentant behavior. He appeals to Lindell to acknowledge the pain of those affected by Driscoll’s ministry and to consider offering a public apology from his platform. The letter serves as a significant call for accountability within Christian leadership and raises crucial questions about the responsibility of platforming controversial figures like Mark Driscoll.
Sutton Turner’s letter to John Lindell is a critical contribution to the ongoing conversation surrounding leadership accountability and the long shadow of Mars Hill Church. The unfolding dialogue between these figures and the wider evangelical community will likely continue to shape perceptions of Mark Driscoll and John Lindell’s roles in this complex narrative.
This letter has been reprinted with permission.
Sutton Turner served as Executive Pastor, Executive Elder, and Board Member of Mars Hill Church from 2011 to 2014. His extensive experience in both ministry and corporate leadership provides a unique perspective on the issues discussed in his letter.
