The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill

By: Christianity Today
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  • Summary

  • Hosted by Mike Cosper, this podcast takes you inside the story of Mars Hill Church in Seattle – from its founding as part of one of the largest church planting movements in American history to its very public dissolution—and the aftermath that followed. You’ll hear from people who lived this story, experiencing the triumphs and losses of Mars Hill, knowing it as both an amazing, life-transforming work of God and as a dangerous, abusive environment. The issues that plague Mars Hill and its founder, Mark Driscoll — dangers like money, celebrity, youth, scandal, and power—aren’t unique, and only by looking closely at what happened in Seattle will we be able to see ourselves.
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Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality True Crime
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Episodes
  • Teaser

    Teaser
    May 24 2021
    A first glimpse at the podcast, coming in June from Christianity Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 mins
  • Full-Length Trailer

    Full-Length Trailer
    Jun 8 2021
    When Mars Hill Church was planted in Seattle in 1996, few would have imagined where it would lead. But in the next 18 years, it would become one of the largest, fastest-growing, and most influential churches in the United States. Controversy plagued the church, though, due in no small part to the lightning-rod personality at its helm: Mark Driscoll. By 2014, the church had grown to 15,000 people in 15 locations. But before the year was over, the church collapsed. On January 1st, 2015, Mars Hill was gone. Hosted by Mike Cosper, The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill explores the inside story of this church, its charismatic leader, and the conflicts and troubles that brought about its end. You'll hear from insiders and experts, tracing the threads of this story to so many others that shape the church today. Listen to the trailer and subscribe today. The full series launches on June 22nd. Executive Produced by Erik Petrik Produced, Written, and Edited by Mike Cosper Associate Produced by Joy Beth Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    3 mins
  • Who Killed Mars Hill?

    Who Killed Mars Hill?
    Jun 22 2021
    In 2014, after more than a decade of tremendous growth and ministry, Mars Hill Church imploded with the resignation of its lead pastor, Mark Driscoll. Once a hub for those disenfranchised with cultural Christianity, Mars Hill’s characteristic “punk rock spirit” became its downfall as power, fame and spiritual trauma invaded the ministry. But how did things fall apart? Where did Mark Driscoll take a wrong turn? Who could be held responsible for the hurt and disillusionment that resulted? In this inaugural episode of “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill,” host Mike Cosper begins at the end, investigating the rubble of Mars Hill’s fall for answers. Meet Mark, the firebrand “cussing pastor” whose ministry of breaking conventions called men and women to transformation and whose rebellion touched a nerve with those inside and outside the church. Meet a church culture that considered relational fallout as simply part of the job. And, take a look in the mirror to ask why we keep doing this -- elevating leaders whose charisma outpaces their character. Loaded with piercing and poignant interviews, this episode invites you to release preconceived notions about this familiar story and listen afresh to a narrative that feels painfully relevant more than a decade later. Wonder why Christianity Today features stories like these? Stick around at the end of the episode as Kate Shellnut and Daniel Silliman discuss why talking about church culture and leadership matters. Read more at “If You See Something, Say Something” and Why We Report Bad News About Leaders. Here is the letter presenting formal charges against Mark Driscoll from 21 former Mars Hill pastors. Here is the letter from nine pastors who were serving in August of 2014, asking Mark Driscoll to step down from ministry and enter a restoration process. “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer, Writer, Editor, and Host: Mike Cosper Associate Producer: Joy Beth Smith Music, Sound Design, and Mix Engineer: Kate Siefker Graphic Design: Bryan Todd Social Media: Nicole Shanks Editorial Consultant: Andrea Palpant Dilley Editor in Chief: Timothy Dalrymple Theme song: “Sticks and Stones” by Kings Kaleidoscope Closing song: "Slow and Steady Wins the Race" by Pedro the Lion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins

What listeners say about The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill

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Profile Image for Laura McDaniel

I am not intended audience, but wow

I had never heard of Mark Driscoll nor any of the other major players in this story. Found this randomly, and am so glad I listened. I'm very impressed by the way the podcast strives to be as balanced and measured as possible, given that there is really only one reality-based way the story can be told (I don't believe in good guys and bad guys, but this is clearly the story of a super talented, and really unwell, guy who hurt a whole hell of a lot of people and can't seem to acknowledge/accept that). I'm really struck by the complexity of spiritual trauma and, it sounds like, moral injury in the Mars Hill survivors, as they come to terms their own beliefs and actions while under his spell. Legit my heart aches for y'all. And the people who will write their own podcast about the rise & fall of Trinity Church a few years from now. Much love. Xoxoxoxoxoxo.

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Profile Image for Jay & Jill

Eye opening, we'll written and researched podcast!

Rise and Fall seeks to open the eyes of Believers to leaders they choose to follow and why.

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A Must Listen

This podcast was excellent. It was robust with facts and details. It was gut wrenching to hear the stories of the survivors of MH. This podcast brings light to how easily we can be lead by a shepherd far away from The Lamb of God. The story will resonate with many of us who survived Evangelical, autocratic, and demanding church leaders, environments, and movements. Thank you to all the Godly, amazing walking wounded and healing souls of MH who found the strength to tell this story.

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Profile Image for Jake

Worthwhile, especially for Christians in America

This episode was less about Mars Hill specifically and more about a larger systemic problem in our culture. Powerfully told, very convicting.

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Profile Image for Ellen

Finally we're talking about these things!

Thank you CT! This was an impressive coverage of an all too familiar, yet unacknowledged, common occurrence of spiritual abuse. I wept through the last several episodes, especially, as I found myself relating to the stories of sexism in the church, and spiritual trauma. Beautifully done!

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Profile Image for M11456J

Awesome podcast

Very eye opening in regards to this podcast. A lot of life lessons here. Very important to not rely on any sole pastor or church to maintain your walk and faith in Christ .

All about the personal walk with him.

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Profile Image for GGK

Mars Hill - The Demise

Riveting account of the thoughts and actions behind starting a mega church; the wrong way. Great interviews with very thorough and fair questions and analysis.

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Profile Image for Dalia S.

Good listen ! Very well performed and presented

This is one of the few podcasts I’ve listened to and enjoyed - it’s very professional - the thoughts are presented well - arguments and sides are presented effectively and fairly. I can relate to the subject matter so it’s great to have it approached in an edifying and upbuilding manner. This story is truly unfolding in present times and it seems a lot more needs to be said on the subject . I always look forward to the next chapter ! Peel away at this onion .

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Profile Image for Jennifer Shimota

Required Listening

We, who have no experience of the fundamentalist evangelical mega-church, purity culture piece of the religious world, need to listen to this story. It will teach us to better love those who are recovering from it. Oh my. I needed the full minute of silence at the end of these many hours of journalism.

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Profile Image for MATTHEW H.

Good insight from the inner workings of Mars Hill.

Was glad to see the insight from from many employees/elders from Mars Hill. Would have been nice to hear stories from casual Mars Hill members and even a perspective outside of a church and in the Seattle community. Overall, well told with a view of what was obviously wrong about Mark and Mars Hill. Definitely reaffirmed my decision to leave church altogether recently.

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