After Mars Hill founder Mark Driscol’s resignation, Mars Hill has put their Ballard location on the real estate market.

Just last month the church closed two Seattle locations due to what they called a lack “giving” from congregation members and negative "media attention." On Oct. 12, the two congregations joined Mars Hill Ballard.

The Ballard location is located at Northwest Leary Way and 15th Avenue Northwest. Mars Hill purchased the building back in 2003 for $4.8 million. They have listed the 39,000 square foot facility for $8 million according to Colliers International, a real estate brokerage.

Steve Pelluer, with Colliers, told the Seattle Times that the church will likely do a 10-year leaseback with the new buyer and share space with a new tenant, such as a day care or elementary school, getting full use of the building and not just for Sunday worship.

Mars Hill Pastor Scott Harris announced the move to the Ballard congregation.

“Due to our financial situation we are simply exploring opportunities that may be available to us. The building was put up for sale with the resolve that we have no intention on selling it unless someone will buy it who will lease it back to us so that we can continue to hold church services here for years to come,” said Harris.

“All of our churches are re-evaluating their buildings for opportunities to help our budgets. We are very thankful to own this building, where thousands have come to know Jesus over the years.”

Harris assured the congregation that they have no intention of closing the church and intend to remain at that location for years to come.


“I want to assure you that Mars Hill Ballard will continue to have church in this building, whether we sell it or not. This is our home, and we have no intentions on going anywhere. …If we were planning on closing Ballard or moving, we would tell you, and I assure you that is not the case.”

The news came just days after Mars Hill Church announced on their website that Pastor Driscol resigned.

Driscoll went on a six-week leave last August after a flurry of accusations were raised against him. The Mars Hill Board of Overseers investigated whether Driscol mismanaged church funds and bullied challengers.

Justin Dean, Communications and Editorial Manager for MHC, said “At this time we don’t have any additional details on Pastor Mark's resignation, but we ask that everyone please join us in praying for our church as we care for the people of Mars Hill Church during this time.”

According to the announcement on the Mars Hill website, they now have the daunting task of restructuring church dynamics without Driscol as lead.

“The Board of Overseers has accepted that resignation and is moving forward with planning for pastoral transition, recognizing the challenge of such a task in a church that has only known one pastor since its founding. We ask for prayer for the journey ahead.”

The Board of Overseers reported that the letter came from Driscol after they had finished their evaluation, which included 1,000 hours of research, interviewing 50 people and preparing a 200-page report.

In the letter Driscol wrote, “…it would be best for the health of our family, and for the Mars Hill family, that we step aside from further ministry at the church. … to the wonderful members of the Mars Hill family, how deeply my family and I love them, thank them, and point them to their Senior Pastor, Jesus Christ, who has always been only good to us.”

The Board concluded that most of the allegations raised against Driscol were “untrue” or “unfair.” They also reported they were surprised to receive his resignation.

“Pastor Mark has never been charged with any immorality, illegality or heresy. Most of the charges involved attitudes and behaviors reflected by a domineering style of leadership.”

In the meantime, their Pastor Dave Bruskas, will take over as lead for Sunday worship services.