Embattled pastor Mark Driscoll resigns from Mars Hill; church finds him guilty of 'arrogance'

SEATTLE -- Evangelical preacher Mark Driscoll has resigned from his position as lead pastor of Mars Hill following months of infighting and cutbacks at the Seattle based megachurch.

In a story posted on the church's website Wednesday,  Church elders said 44-year-old Driscoll submitted his resignation to the church Board of Overseers Tuesday. The board accepted his resignation, and plans to move into a "pastoral transition" phase.

Driscoll co-founded founded the church in 1996. He has been on a leave of absence for nearly two months following turmoil in the church centered around accusations of infighting and bullying. The church launched an investigation into accusations, outlining some of the findings in a the story about Driscoll's resignation.

"We concluded that Pastor Mark has, at times, been guilty of arrogance, responding to conflict with a quick temper and harsh speech, and leading the staff and elders in a domineering manner," church elders said.

The church did say many accusations against Driscoll were found to be untrue, according to their investigation.

Church elders emphasized Driscoll was not forced to resign, but did so for the "health of our family" and for the betterment of the church.

Pastor Dave Bruskas will serve as temproary lead pastor as the church moves toward a more permanent solution, elders said.

Mars Hill previously had 14,000 members with fifteen locations in five states. However, congregation numbers have dwindled amid turmoil, and at least two of the church's branches were forced to close.

The quick rise and fall of Mars Hill church has been widely reported by The Stranger, the Seattle Times and other area blogs.