Let me start with a disclaimer that I do not support or endorse Mark Driscoll in any way. Driscoll was once a prominent figure in the infamous “young, restless, and Reformed” community, known for his edgy, aggressive sermons and punk-inspired worship services.

However, his penchant for inappropriate language and disturbing behavior ultimately led to his downfall. In 2014, Driscoll was embroiled in a scandal involving emotional and spiritual abuse of his followers, plagiarism, and financial misconduct, ultimately causing his empire to crumble, and he was forced to step down.

Despite his misdeeds, Driscoll was able to regain his position of power and influence with the help of his accomplice, James MacDonald. The two of them worked together to sweep the scandal under the rug, allowing Driscoll to re-establish himself at a new church in Phoenix, Arizona called Trinity.

In a desperate attempt to boost attendance, in a shameful display of greed and manipulation, this so-called “church” resorted to using cheap tricks like “swimsuit Sunday” to lure in unsuspecting attendees. It is a clear testament to Driscoll’s character that he would stoop to such tactics in order to regain his former glory.

Yet, this past weekend, Mark Driscoll was removed from the stage at the Stronger Men’s Conference after he criticized the event’s opening act for embodying a “Jezebel spirit.” During the conference, there was a performer dancing on a stripper pole and taking his shirt off. From the stage, he expressed his disdain directly during his speaking slot, which led to an interruption by Pastor John Lindell, the host of the conference, who said that such issues should be discussed privately first, as per Matthew 18.

Driscoll: Let me do this. I’ve been up since 1 o’clock in the morning. The reason I’m hoarse is I have been praying for you and my heart is very burdened for you. And I want to be very careful with this and it’s not what I want to say, but the Jezebel spirit has already been here. The Jezebel spirit opened our event. This is a rebuke and a correction of no one. This is an observation.

Before the Word of God was opened, there was a platform. It was a high place. On it was a pole of Asherah. The same thing that’s used in a strip club for women who have the Jezebel spirit to seduce men. In front of that was a man who ripped his shirt off like a woman does in front of a pole at a strip club. That man then acended.

See, our God is not arrogant. He doesn’t ascend our God is humble he descends. And then

Lindell interrupts: “Wrong time Mark!”

Driscoll: “He swallowed a sword and Jesus cried”

Lindell: “Wrong time Mark!”

Driscoll: “okay, Pastor John, I’ll receive that.”

Lindell: You’re Done

Driscoll:”Thank you”

Driscoll then gets off stage

Lindell: Wow. Let me just say this. If Mark wanted to say that, he should have said it to me first. He didn’t. Matthew 18. Matthew 18. If your brother offends you, go to him privately. I talked to Mark for a half hour. There was not one word of that. He’s out of line. If you want to say it, he can say it to me. You may not agree with me. You may not agree with him. But we are brothers in Christ and there’s a right way to handle this.

Of course, my first thought is: what kind of “Christian” men are entertained by male dancers removing their clothing at a Men’s Conference? I don’t agree with Driscoll on much, but I do agree with him on this one. But it’s ironic and hypocritical for a man such as Driscoll to make such a spectacle of such a thing.

More on Mark Driscoll:
• Mark Driscoll Releases E-book on Sex Claiming the Bible Promotes Oral Sex and Sex Toys
• Mark Driscoll Accuses Mars Hill Leadership of Plotting to Oust Him By Framing Him for Committing Adultery
• Rick Warren Tells Mars Hill Church “Most of You Wouldn’t Even Be Saved” Without False Teacher, Mark Driscoll
• Wayne Grudem, Mark Driscoll, Michael Brown Sign Joint Statement Affirming False Prophets
• Mark Driscoll Says Calvinism is Man-Centered Because it Starts With Total Depravity
• Pride Goes Before … and After Mark Driscoll’s Fall