Mark Driscoll has given his first address since he resigned from Mars Hill last week.
Speaking at the Gateway Conference in Dallas, Texas, on Monday, Driscoll did not give a formal sermon, but instead spoke about the struggles his family have been going through since leaving Mars Hill.
"I've cried a lot lately. It's been a rough season for my family," he said.
He added that his family has received death threats and "rocks about the size of baseballs" were thrown at his children.
Pastor of Gateway Church, Robert Morris, praised Driscoll for his apparent humility in coming to the conference despite being removed from the speaker line up.
"We did not cancel him, he and I decided together that he was going to step outside of ministry for a season and get some healing. He asked me 'Could I come to the conference and just attend?' And I thought that was very big of him to just come and be ministered to," Morris told those gathered.
"Most of what you read [about Driscoll] isn't true, some of it is. He did make some mistakes," he continued.
"But here's what I figure, we've got two choices. One is we could crucify him, but since someone's already been crucified for him..." at this point the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
"The other choice is we could restore him with a spirit of gentleness...It's very sad that in the church we're the only army that shoots at our wounded. And I'd like you to stop it."
Driscoll received a standing ovation before and after his short address, and attendees seemed delighted with his presence.
Brought to tears seeing @PastorMark worshipping at #GC14 - the man is a HUGE reason why I'm a Christian today. I love that man so much.
— John Wylie (@johnwylie) October 21, 2014 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Love how @PsRobertMorris honored @PastorMark tonight. What an amazing surprise visit and word. I love my church #GC14
— Matt Knisely (@mattknisely) October 21, 2014 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">So @PsJimmyEvans just prophesied over @PastorMark. Spoke so much life over the seeds he planted! Ahhhhh! So good!!!" data-caption="null" data-credit="null">
However, the reaction from outside the conference has not been quite so forgiving.
Craig Gross, founder of XXXchurch.com, writes in his blog: "Take a break Pastor Mark".
Gross questions Driscoll's motives in attending the conference supposedly anonymously. "He is there to learn and pray. IN THE FRONT ROW! I have yet to see Mark really be humbled in this whole process and that is why I still can't sit back and watch all these praises online and on stages from pastors who just praise this guy," Gross says.
"He can't stay away from the limelight and if he is not on the stage has to sit front row steps away from the stage. I don't get it."
Gross also questions Driscoll's decision to leave his family at such a difficult time. "If life is so awful for you and your family, what the heck are you doing in Dallas away from everyone who needs you now...go be with your family or knocking on the doors of the people you hurt asking for forgiveness."
"Lose the title, the big bible, the microphone, the conferences and just take a break," Gross advises.
"Go away somewhere safe. Make real relationship with people who won't exploit you and just learn how to engage with real friends and real community....Apologize and stay silent. You resigned and left your post and would be great to just let your church move forward without you."
Driscoll resigned from ministry last week, confessing to "pride, anger and a domineering spirit". His surprise announcement followed a six-week break during which 20 misconduct charges brought by former elders of Mars Hill were investigated. According to the Hillsong website, he currently remains on the speaking bill for their 2015 conference in both Sydney and London.
Also speaking at the conference this week was Elevation Church pastor Steven Furtick, who came under criticism last year for building a $1.7million house.
Watch Driscoll's address at the Gateway Conference here:
