Confessions of a Reformission Rev.: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church

by Mark Driscoll

This is the story of the birth and growth of Seattle’s innovative Mars Hill Church, one of America’s fastest growing churches located in one of America’s toughest mission fields. It’s also the story of the growth of a pastor, the mistakes he’s made along the way, and God’s grace and work in spite of those mistakes. Mark Driscoll’s emerging, missional church took a rocky road from its start in a hot, upstairs youth room with gold shag carpet to its current weekly attendance of thousands. With engaging humor, humility, and candor, Driscoll shares the failures, frustrations, and just plain messiness of trying to build a church that is faithful to the gospel of Christ in a highly post-Christian culture. In the telling, he’s not afraid to skewer some sacred cows of traditional, contemporary, and emerging churches. Each chapter discusses not only the hard lessons learned but also the principles and practices that worked and that can inform your church’s ministry, no matter its present size. The book includes discussion questions and appendix resources. “After reading a book like this, you can never go back to being an inwardly focused church without a mission. Even if you disagree with Mark about some of the things he says, you cannot help but be convicted to the inner core about what it means to have a heart for those who don’t know Jesus.”―Dan Kimball, author,The Emerging Church “… will make you laugh, cry, and get mad … school you, shape you, and mold you into the right kind of priorities to lead the church in today’s messy world.”―Robert Webber, Northern Seminary

Genres: Christian, Church, Leadership, Biography, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Mark A. Driscoll is the founder and teaching pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, as well as the co-founder of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network where he also served as President for a short period. Driscoll continues to serve on the board of Acts 29. He has contributed to the "Faith and Values" section of the Seattle Times and the "On Faith" section of the Washington Post.

Reviews

[Timothy Romine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? It’s Drisky being Drisky. It was interesting hearing him talk about his congregation throughout the book in light of the Mars Hill fallout. The arrogance and domineering attitude was there from the very beginning…not a surprise to see that is basically what led to the terrible end at MH. But I’m glad I read (listened) to it. Say what you want about Driscoll. He has great insight into church and ministry that is still relevant
and helpful.

[Josh Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride. Only a church planter could read this book, and come away feeling like Driscoll is telling their own story, but in a different city and context. I was sort of creeped out at how many of these same things our church plant has struggled with. I appreciate Driscoll’s transparency, and willingness to confess his personal sins during these seasons of Mars Hill. I also love Driscoll’s writing style. There’s only two pastors who’s books I can pick up and not put down once I begin reading: That’s Doug Wilson, and Mark Driscoll. Both are wordsmiths, and fun to read.

If you’re a church planter, read this book, and hold on to your seat.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

At the time I read this, I liked this book more than I do now. However, I've changed since then, and thus find some of Driscoll's opinions to be less appealing or valid than I did in March. It is a fascinating story of the beginning of a church that started out small and grew very large. VERY large. One of his main points (that I actually remember months later) was that the "Church" should be large and that small churches just aren't as good. Meh. Statements such as that one and others like it don't resonate well for long after reading.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Good food for thought. If a person knows how to distinguish between principles and methods, a lot here can transfer from one cultural setting to another.

[Austin Preuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Driscoll is an unorthodox pastor both in his self-identification and preaching rhetoric.
This book is no different.

As someone who isn't prone to starting a church, nor has any interest in doing so, I found that this book was chock-full of clever insights and realistic commentary on the ups and downs of niche ecclesiology. He discusses the importance of Church membership, the theology behind generosity, and how to effectively discern and then weed out individuals in the church who aren't genuinely in Christ. I started reading the books with great disdain for mega-churches and contemporary worship styles, and I feel as though my position has loosened a bit after reading.

Mark tears apart the conflation between new worship styles and the effeminate portrait that most people paint for it; further, he acknowledges that conceptualization and actively rebels against it. Mark says things like "most of the worship leaders [he has] met are not very dudely. They seem to be very in touch with their feelings and [...] singing prom songs to Jesus." He understands the dichotomy the Western Church faces in terms of worship styles (new songs are gay but old songs are boring) and has devised a plan to escape it, all in the name of Jesus.

My sole critique of the book would be the humor he uses to achieve his unorthodox rhetoric. Although I found his wisecrack humor incredibly funny, it does detract from the serious and otherwise formal tone found in all other parts of his writing; if the book seeks to be a sincere attempt at restoring the ecclesiological values of the West, saying things like "when the baptist churches have gone gay, then you REALLY know your city is lost" doesn't entirely help. Rhetoric like this is funny in a sermon here and there, but ultimately skews the perception of the individual who chooses to write it down and keep in there after three or four revisions and editors.

When Mark complains about the narrative the media is painting of him, he ought to recognize that he provided them the color palette.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would make alot of Christians angry...therefore its a good book. It makes you think and challenge everything you've ever know about running a successful Church.
It didn't give me the answers I was hoping for, but it wasn't supposed to. It was supposed to show you the answers Mark was looking for when building HIS church.
A very enjoyable read.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, this is really somewhere between a 3 and a 4, but there are a number of really helpful things in this book, especially for pastors and church planters. I have my quibbles, and he certainly doesn't cover all of the areas of church life and church planting. But there's a lot of good stuff here.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure… I was in Bible college when Mars Hill & Driscoll’s name started getting hot. I was not a “fanboy” like some of my other college friends & aspiring church planter friends, but it was the more doctrinally orthodox of the Mars Hill brands, so I was generally interested, appreciative, and found myself listening in and reading some of Mark’s stuff on occasion. I rubbed a lot of shoulders with the Acts 29 guys back then and generally found it helpful and encouraging.

With the release of the new podcast, I was interested to dig into the book to look back, learn, and see it in a new way. It’s easy to see the downfall trends towards the end of the book. He even acknowledged “this may not work…but we’ll find out!” Of course, if it “worked” is a nuanced & complex question.

The damning critique of a healthy ecclesiology and shepherding model is totally relevant. Organizational leadership is a value…aspiring to be CEO-ish is not. This seemed to be an aspiration. You can read between the lines - pride & entitlement do surface. But his humor, sarcasm and ability to say many things a lot of people (especially pastors) would like to say endeared many to him and makes the book very readable.

And there are a few occasions, where he came across almost as prophetic in regards to cultural trends and missiology. There were some candid leadership principles learned, helpful strategies that are not outdated, and good insight on some biblical passages - all wrapped into a compelling story. Yet, (as Revisionist History indicated) it seems Mars Hill was a victim of its own successes. Interesting book to read back through.

[jacob van sickle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book at a used bookstore. Decided to read it while listening to some new podcasts/interviews on the downfall of Mars Hill church. The audio and this book was a great lesson on leadership. Mars Hill did a lot of great things but their blind spots and pride brought everything tumbling down.

This book has a lot of valuable lessons on the stages of church growth. It ends with a proposal for the future of the church, which some people believe was the beginning of the end. Mars Hill began in 1998 and shut down in 2014. This 2006 book is written 8 years into the church’s life and 8 years before its death. Let the simple learn prudence.

Below are the interviews:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

https://investyourgifts.com/honest-an...

[Danny Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can I start by saying how much I don't like the word "Reformission?" I read it as "Reformation" at first, so you can imagine my disappointment when I realize how much less cool the title was.

With that said, the autobiographical nature of the book is really engaging. Especially since the book ends in something of a cliffhanger, what will the next season of Mars Hill look like? I also loved how Driscoll really intentionally talked about mission and how to build a church that goes to people instead of waiting for them to come to us.

I didn't care for a lot of the crassness. It's not helpful and it makes me less likely to recommend the book to others, especially when the book is geared at those in a ministry context.

The eventual end of Mars Hill colors how I read this book, but I did feel that I profited.

[Joshua Rowland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s easy to see why Driscoll was (is?) so polarizing. Many of the principles in this book are as needed today as when he wrote it in 2006. At the same time, much of what contributed to the rapid growth is what wrecked his ministry. Wise readers will benefit, and chuckle often, and also identify a few ticking time bombs to be avoided.

[Mr N · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good, the bad and the ugly are all here, and there is much to be learned.


It is interesting re-reading this having listened to "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill". This was written when Mars Hill was rising, but the seeds of the fall were being sown. I compared sections of this with the transcripts of the podcast to better understand Driscoll's perspective.

[Ryan Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The honesty and transparency that Driscoll shows in this book was quite surprising. The story of Mars Hill growing from house church to megachurch was a good read. Though it is said to say there are parts in the book that are red flags of things to come and show up in his "downfall."

[JT Stead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was candy to listen to. I listened to it in a day. The downfall of MarK Driscoll was a tragedy but if you can put that past you and want to know the story of his rise, this book was entertaining.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read.

Had to read this because I listened to the podcast. I had not followed him very closely. Mixed feelings a lot I like, but I see the challenges too. Such is Ministry and church history.

[Matthew C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Driscoll's curated narration of the growth of Mars Hill and the philosophies that drove it. The readings in the footnotes are a goldmine. Despite his failures, Driscoll was on to something and tapped into the same audience that Jordan Peterson has done in more recent times.

[Rob Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

He might have fallen out of favour but this is a stark and insightful view of the rise of Mars Hill church in Seattle. There is much to reflect on, if not perhaps as much that is practical to apply

[Daniel Markin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. Nobody said it like Driscoll used to.

[Josiah Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Very helpful for anyone starting, planting, or leading a church.

[Fred Middel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and fast-moving. It is dismissible as a "how-to" book because of the unique character of the author. The impact of the book is also tarnished by the author's fall.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's like sitting down with Mark and having a conversation about everything he learned starting his church - Mars Hill. There's some great information in here and it was very eye opening to read about the things he encountered during the early years of his church. Anyone looking to start a church plant would probably benefit from his stories - at least in giving perspective...it's a mess.

An update would be super interesting given how much has happened since this book was published. He resigned, Mars Hill split into individual churches and he's already planted a new church Trinity Church in Scottsdale.

[Andrew Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The captivating theme of Confessions of a Reformissional Rev. compels the reader to grasp the concept of a Missional Church, not in theory, but throughout a practical journey of painful and delightful growth. The seven stages of church growth embrace both character and competence, in that order, without appearing to end the learning process. The preamble of ten questions provokes the reader to evaluate what type of church they pastor: traditional, contemporary or missional. Further still, the reader is challenged to personally examine the expression of their church: liberal, fundamental or missional. The parallel of personal life with professional work opened a window of rare opportunity to see the life of Mars Hill Church. From its basic structural foundations as a Ministry Matrix, all the way through to the present day, Mars Hill has an ongoing recognition and release of elders, and it does not lose sight of the DNA that drives the leadership - Missional Ministry. Authentic perspectives of personal character came through strong with imaginative resemblance to the animal kingdom. This metaphor was useful in recognizing future leaders by anticipating their limitations and influence.

The importance placed on masculinity and its place within the home and church was obvious. It was clear throughout the learning curve of each growth stage that masculinity was a priority when choosing leaders. This was reflected in who Mark allows access to his personal life and to the structure around him. The constant theme of `why' the church exists maintained, and even grew in its clarity through the cycle of a Creative Phase. This was either forced upon the church or consciously chosen by the leadership to maintain the focus of being missional. Throughout each stage of growth traditional forms of ministry were challenged. From the church service(s) to `who does the ministry,' he aligns a missional focus by maintaining a conservative theology and holding firmly to fundamental truths of scripture. This created a refreshing and pleasantly troubling thought process. The result was a definite clarity to why, how and where we do church.

Who Jesus is, church structure, mission and ministry were the key strategy points that everything else flowed from, and did not change as the church grew. Mark's well thought out process of developing and implementing the Missional Matrix holds up when examined by scripture. (1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Luke 15:2; Exodus 4:2) Again, the parallel of theory and practice were presented, not in hindsight, but constantly in the present moment.

The humor and narrative was open and honest, but I found myself in disagreement with a character issue. (Ephesians 5:4; 1 Timothy 4:12) I am unsure what Mark means by `cussing' at people. He does not clarify if that was literal, imagined or inferred, although he is mentioned in Donald Miller's book as a `cussing' pastor. With an outstanding body of written work and a church model in practice, my hope would be the promotion of Christ by reputation and not by worldly dialogue.
The book is a perfect fit for an ongoing narrative about church and culture. Its approach is an excellent tool for individuals wanting to plant a church, those who already pastor a church and want to plant out from the church, those who work on a team, and a congregation who wants to understand more about their leaders. It is far broader in its appeal than one man's narrow perspective.

If the vernacular Mark uses can be filtered with common sense and humor, his excellent and Biblical approach to a Missional church is both commanding and authentic. No doubt, various trends of subjective Christianity will be challenged and even offended, as Mark points out himself, by reading this book or by attending Mars Hill church. However, with the absence of political overtones or hidden denominational agenda's, this body of work is challenging and soundly written for all levels of church leadership and emerging leaders to form or reform a strong missional church that thinks generationally.

[Exodus Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before it was a Seattle megachurch with 4000 regular attendees, Mars Hill Church was nothing. That should go without saying, but so should a lot of other things that most people don't think about, like the fact that starting a church is difficult business and often messy, or that it's actually right for people to leave your church if they aren't helpful or are causing division.

Mark Driscoll didn't really know anything about starting a church when he first began hosting meetings in his rented house. But he learned, and a lot of what he learned he includes in Confessions of a Reformission Rev. which is as much about the things he did (and continues to do) wrong as it is about the progress and successes of Mars Hill.

Part autobiography, part history of a local congregation, part ecclesiology and Christology, part manual for those looking to start their own assembly, the common theme that runs through Confessions is that, to really be successful, a church must be utterly devoted to Christ. The title emphasizes this—Driscoll's account is full of admission to sins he's committed in the development of the church.

Each chapter (except Chapter Zero) looks at Mars Hill in its various incarnations as measured by Sunday attendance. (Chapter One covers 0-45 attendees, Chapter Two 45-75, etc.) Tracking numbers this way isn't arrogant, it's simply a way of categorizing the difficulties inherent in successive stages of church growth....though Driscoll admits to struggling with arrogance more than once.

Ultimately it is his candor that makes this book a success. Driscoll is equally open concerning mistakes and good choices—which is consistent with the purpose of this book. Not simply a chronicle, Confessions of a Reformission Rev. is for those starting or developing churches (it comes complete with discussion questions), though it is compelling and convicting reading for any Christian. This is a must-read for Christian leaders, regardless of denomination, church size or ministry style.

[Gordon]

I heard Mark Driscoll speak about four months ago, and I found him to be an incredibly engaging and entertaining. When he says that he preaches b/n an hour and a hour and a half each Sunday, I believe it. BTW, I listened to one of his sermons the other day. It was incredibly informative and thought-provoking and also could have been edited by at least fifteen minutes, but I digress.

"Confessions of a Reformission Rev" is his book detailing the genesis of his Mars Hills Church in Seattle, WA. At first read his style is simultaneously funny and offensive, but the book's most compelling aspect is Marks' willingness to admit his mistakes. As a fellow church-planter, I know it is hard to say, "I should have done that differently," but one of the reason's that Mark's church has thrived is that he has been willing to address his mistakes (and avoid quiet a few) early on.

At the 1,200 attendee stage, Mark wrote a ten point manifesto about what would be necessary for his church to become what it needed to be. Mark felt Mars Hill needed to be 3,000 strong to effectively reach its community (it is now well over 10,000), and the only way to do it was to change the structure of everything. That also means that Mark risked everything as well. The chronicling of those changes is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in new-convert church growth.

I find Mark to be the emerging (notice the little "e" and not the big "E" of Emergent) church's John MacArthur. Mark is reformed in his soteriology, and he is also attractively arrogant about his opinions. Interestingly enough, JonnyMac has praised Mars Hill's doctrine but criticized their methodology. Either way, Mark is not going anywhere any time soon. Just like JonnyMac, he is beginning to publish at a fever pitch. He has six books being released this year alone. "Confessions" is a good intro to who he is.

[Phil Whittall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confessions of a Reformission Rev is an interesting book, didn't take me too long to read (less than a week) of yet another mega-church in an American city, this time Seattle. Ok Seattle is the most unchurched in America with only 8% evangelical but I dream of 8% of any kind of Christian. For the UK to get up to 8% in any place would be an achievement. In my area if we get up to 8% most people would think revival has broken out. In my area if the church growth is spread out evenly among all the churches my church would have to double in size three times.

So I started off thinking 8% is pretty good what's he complaining about? So having got my complaint out of the way if you want thedown to earth warts and all story of how a church grew from nothing to 4000+ in America then read this, otherwise don't bother. Driscoll shoots from the hip. A lot. If you're looking for thoughtful considered balanced language, if you're looking for dialogue and conversation this isn't the book for you. This young (ish) pastor with a young (ish) church into all the technology and music, is a straight down the line unapologetic Calvinist, Biblical literalist. If you don't like it, don't read it or lump it.

However Driscoll is well read, he is down to earth, he has given thought (lots of it) to how to lead and build his church, there are good insights and the man has earned his stripes. He's taken the hits and punches of building the church and kept plugging away. There is much to learn and the honesty and humour keep you turning the pages.

At the end of the day though, that's the US and the UK is a different place and only some of the lessons I believe will cross the sea. Still I enjoyed it, glad I read it and would read more of his stuff. I learnt, was given food for thought and it probably helped me as a leader who is at the beginning of the journey.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an account of how 25-year-old Mark Driscoll started a Bible study in his living room with a few couples in 1996 and ended up the pastor of a 5000-person megachurch ten years later. Driscoll is rather controversial in and out of the Evangelical community for his somewhat hot-headed approach to ministry, but he tells a good story, and presents an insightful account of the struggles experienced while building a successful church. Driscoll also makes it clear that the job of a pastor is often a brutal, demanding and thankless job, and the only way to survive as one is through constant prayer and a complete reliance on Jesus Christ.

Finally, whatever his failings are, Driscoll has one thing going for him over many contemporary Christian pastors and teachers - he's really funny. One chapter is titled, "Jesus, If Someone Calls My House Again at 3 AM, I Will Be Seeing You Real Soon", and describes a scene from his church's early days this way: "We had one woman show up from a Pentecostal church nearby who felt the Holy Spirit would call her to jump on stage with [Mars Hill Church's punk rock worship band] and shake a tambourine and 'praise flag' everywhere....whenever she did this I would sit in the front row with my head in my hands, begging Jesus to rapture her before the end of the set."

[MrBReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had my eye on this book for a while and I finally managed to snap it up on the cheap...and I was not disappointed!
I picked it up mostly because I was interested in the history of Mars Hill Church and not because I am, at this moment in time, setting out to lead a church plant! Driscoll is characteristically honest when talking about his failures and unashamedly bold in directing everything back to Jesus and I found this to be an interesting, readable account of this influential church's early days.
Now, for every piece of characteristic openness about failure came other evidences of Driscoll's authorship such as quasi-offensive statements (some funny, some completely unnecessary...) and his lifting up on a pedestal his own brand of macho, coffee-drinking, bead-sporting, tree-chopping manly men... but if, like me, you are able to ignore this less attractive side of his character, you will find this a rewarding read.
But what really made this a book to be highly recommended is that it stirred a passion in me for the city, the culture and the church that God has put me in. Driscoll loves Seattle and is committed to the mission he feels God set before him and if you can look past his weird, sarcastic sense of humour and see his heart, you will not be able to help catching his passion for the mission God has called you to be a part of.

[Jeff Bettger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pastor Mark is always helpful in assessing where things are at, seeing where things should or could be and planning on getting there. He is not afraid to make hard decisions, even if they alienate other in the process. As long as the Gospel as the Gospel continues to save (which it will) you will see Pastor Mark reorganizing, and learning from the mistakes, and success of Mars Hill Church. He talks about me a bit in this book so I am fond of it. I remember nearly every story he tells minus the first year of events.
I have read this book before but just re-read it as a reminder of where we (MHC) has come from and where we are going. It spells out the mission vision and strategy of getting from point A to point B. We have all learned a lot since this book came out, but for the most part the ideas, and plans are still relevant to MHC as well as many other churches.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read (I finished the whole book during my flights to Portland this week) but a good read. I regularly listen to Driscoll's podcasted sermons, and his voice was very clear as I read this book. Here he traces the development of Mars Hill Church in Seattle from the very beginnings through early 2006 (when the book was published), pointing out lessons learned at each step.
What I appreciate about Mark most of all is his candor - his candor about the truth of the Gospel, his candor about the obedience that comes from faith, and his candor about who he is - good, bad, and in-between. Mark is someone who is very comfortable in his own skin, a quality that I very much admire and (along with his candor) desire to emulate.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, refreshing to see a pastor being real even if some people may notlike it. Itresting isights on the missional church, and being fluid, not getting stuck for traditions sake.
Most people that have problems with this book, I feel are just looking for somthing to get up in a huff about, or somthing that can offend them. While Pastor Driscoll certainly is unconventional, and a bit rough around the edges, you have to realize that I'm sure some of the material is included for entertainment sake. It is a good read, it will make you laugh, (or get mad)and if you are a leader in a church it will help you to examine past failures, and see how to avoid them in the future as Mark remarks on things that went well, and those that went horribly bad.