"Storm clouds seem to be whirling around me more than ever in recent months," said Pastor Mark Driscoll to his Mars Hill congregation last August, "and I have given much thought and sought much counsel as to why that is and what to do about it."

In the same announcement, he said, "I have requested a break for processing, healing, and growth for a minimum of six weeks while the leadership assigned by our bylaws conduct a thorough examination of accusations against me."

Those storm clouds raged harder. Gale-force condemnation whipped up tumultuous seas of public criticism until, as those six weeks closed, a Seattle Times headline read: "Mars Hill Church reeling as Pastor Mark Driscoll quits." Reporter Janet Tu attributed his departure to "an avalanche of allegations," ranging from "charges of bullying," to "abusive behavior," to "plagiarism and overseeing mismanagement of church funds."

Two weeks after ...