Embattled founder of Seattle's Mars Hill megachurch resigns amid questions about leadership
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In a Feb. 11, 2007 file photo, Mars Hill Church Lead Pastor Mark Driscoll poses outside of his office prior to an evening service at the church's flagship black warehouse in Seattle. The Mars Hill website says Seattle megachurch founder Driscoll resigned Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, as lead pastor, concluding it would be best for the church, which has branches in five states. (AP Photo/Scott Cohen, File) (The Associated Press)
Seattle megachurch founder Mark Driscoll, who has been under fire amid questions about his leadership style and falling membership in his Mars Hill Church, has stepped down.
The Mars Hill website says Driscoll resigned Tuesday as lead pastor, concluding it would be best for the church, which has branches in five states.
His resignation came after a group of church elders ended an investigation into formal charges brought against him. The church said it found Driscoll had a domineering style with a quick temper and harsh speech, but noted he was never charged with immorality or heresy.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The church's board says Driscoll wasn't asked to resign, though he's been on leave for nearly two months during the investigation.
The board now is planning the transition from the only pastor it's known for 18 years.