“Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” once quipped humorist and novelist Mark Twain.
And so it would seem to be with reports that bestselling author and megachurch pastor Mark Driscoll’s relationship with his publisher had hit a dead end.
“Tyndale House Publishers has released a forceful statement hitting back at what it says are ‘erroneous’ reports about the alleged end of its partnership with Seattle megachurch pastor Mark Driscoll and his Resurgence Publishing imprint,” reports Nicola Menzie for the Christian Post. "Despite claims to the contrary on social media and elsewhere, Tyndale is not cutting any ties with Pastor Mark Driscoll. In fact, we are planning to reprint the hardcover edition of his last book, A Call to Resurgence as sales warrant it (which is how all reprint decisions are made). We also plan to publish a softcover edition of A Call to Resurgence," reads the statement by Tyndale's Senior Publicist Maggie Wallem Rowe.
So, what prompted a report in the Daily Beast report by Warren Throckmorton published June 30 that suggested Driscoll was finished as a Tyndale author? Well, there’s been a lot of back and forth – with denials and clarifications by reporters and public relations spokespersons.
However, the bottom line would be Tyndale House’s denial that it has "shelved" the Mars Hill Church pastor's upcoming book, The Problem With Christianity, or reneged on its 2013 deal to publish several titles in partnership with Mars Hill Church's Resurgence Publishing.
The publisher chided Christians for being so "quickly" willing to criticize fellow believers, then stated, "We believe that God works through all who sincerely desire to serve Him. We believe Mark Driscoll sincerely desires to serve God, and we at Tyndale continue to support him and his desire to further God's Kingdom."
Publication date: July 3, 2014
