With millions of downloads and a top 3 ranking at one point on Apple podcast, The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill had many of us captivated. From a legal standpoint, the decline and ultimate demise of Mars Hill Church offers a cautionary tale with respect to governance and alterations to decision-making structures.

Founded in 1996 as a home Bible study, Mars Hill Church grew to more than 12,000 people at 15 locations in weekly attendance. After a series of internal conflicts and troublesome behaviors of its lead pastor, Mark Driscoll, the church experienced a dramatic collapse in 2014.

In this episode of the Church Law podcast, Erika talks with Mike Cosper, creator and host of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, about the trouble that can arise when a change in church governance limits who can participate in the decision-making process.

Show notes:

·        The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast

·        Erika Cole’s article, “The Dangers of a Quiet Governance Change”

·        Church Governance: What Leaders Must Know to Conduct Legally Sound Church Business

 

Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at [email protected]. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.

See all episodes of Church Law.

The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

 

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