Confessions Of A Reformission Rev by Mark Driscoll

Over the last week I have been on holiday, and have enjoyed reading Mark Driscoll's account of the growth of his church in Seattle. I would say it has profoundly affected my thinking as to what a 21st century church with a desire to reach the culture should be, and it would be good preparation for anyone attending this year's Brighton conference to read this book. I have already given it away for a friend to read, so do not have the book to hand as I write this, but seeing as I haven't posted here for a while I thought that writing down some thoughts on this famous book could be a good way of getting back into things.

The book traces the growth of Mars Hill Church as it started in Driscoll's front room, right through to their current plans for future growth as they approach 5,000 people. It struck me as a bold step to end the book with their plans for the future, as it leaves Mars Hill a little exposed if their plans don't come off! But the book's ending is a clue to the spirit in which it has been written. It is an extremely honest account. Hilarious at times, enfuriating at others, and occasionally heart-wrenching, I'm not sure it would be possible to find a hidden motive for being so honest. Here is a real account of a real church, and a real man's struggles and triumphs in it all.

Its honestly reminds me of another favourite of mine, No Well Worn Paths by Terry Virgo. Both books, though written by men with very different histories and characters, are strikingly honest in the way they portray the success of the church/churches they have led. I can see why Terry has invited a man with such honesty to speak at Brighton this year.

I first heard about Mark Driscoll a few years ago - I think it was on some blog site whose url escapes me who had got hold of a copy of Confessions Of A Reformission Rev and was laying into Driscoll big time. I wasn't sure what to think, so I just waited.

Having now read the book, I can appreciate the sentiments of whoever that blogger was. But I appreciate Mark Driscoll's journey more. He hasn't gotten into gimmicks or fad-church, but is simply proclaiming Jesus as best he knows how to the culture he is called to reach.

As a member of a church plant hovering around the 100-mark, it was tremendously faith-building to read how God has continually raised Mars Hill's game, bringing them bigger and bigger vision for the future. The parallels between Life Church Southampton and Mars Hill Church were sometimes non-existent, and at other points unbelievable.

If you don't have endless hours to research who Mark Driscoll is and read everything he's ever produced, can I suggest that if you do nothing else, read this book. It will not only prepare you to 'meet' him at the conference this summer if you're going, but will paint for you a picture of what a city-changing church can look like. You will find his honesty refreshing, and, if you've a heart to see the church of God flourish, you will identify with his passion to see lost people saved.