MEGA-CHURCH MELTDOWN
Fundamental problems plague Seattle megachurch
SEATTLE (AP) β Seattle megachurch Mars Hill is closing some of its branches and making plans to lay off dozens of employees amid controversy surrounding its lead pastor.
The Seattle Times says financial problems in the wake of falling attendance are forcing the cutbacks.
Since 1996, the church has grown quickly to reach 15 branches in five states. Now, Mars Hill leaders say they plan to cut 30 to 40 percent of a paid staff numbering about 100. These cuts will follow other departures in recent weeks by pastors who say they are angry or uneasy about the church’s direction.
The cuts are happening weeks after Mars Hill’s lead pastor, Mark Driscoll, announced he was stepping down for six weeks amid questions about his management and leadership style. Driscoll has been accused of bullying members who disagree with him. Some members of the church have called him arrogant and dismissive.
A church spokesman says combined attendance at all Mars Hill branches has dropped from more than 12,000 a week at the start of the year to less than 9,000.
Sound:
269-w-28-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with the Reverend Mark Driscoll, lead pastor of Mars Hill Church)–Seattle megachurch Mars Hill is closing some of its 15 branches and making plans to lay off dozens of employees amid controversy surrounding its lead pastor. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (8 Sep 2014)
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