Driscoll Video Provides Surprising Products

Uniform Message Creates Wide Distribution

Pastor Bill Hybels may believe women have spiritual gifts, but Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church spawns material ones primarily for men. A video which features Driscoll discussing church planting was played at the 2007 National New Church Conference, with the intention of being widely distributed later. However, this objective was not achieved, with Driscoll's blog suggesting that the organizers were "not wanting a bigger fuss" because of alleged controversial material. The pertinent video called "The Good Soldier" was then placed on YouTube.

As the blogosphere became abuzz with activity over this, many have tried to relate to Driscoll's message. Interest in Jesus action figures has doubled, especially those that include a weapon or have a soldier's uniform. A Jesus who appears in a dress, suggestive of a gay hippie are in development, says Randall Armstrong, CEO of Lame Christian Men. They will likely be modelled after Rob Bell and Joel Osteen, mainly aimed at the secure Christian male demographic, he said.

Driscoll dolls are also becoming popular, particularly among women. Retailers point out that they are definitely amused, possibly because of the comfort stemming from owning and playing with the toys. One option makes Driscoll utter memorable quotes, such as "men is the most important variable", which usually puts a foot into the doll's mouth. This does not seem to be a malfunction, the manufacturer notes, but it has not apparently happened enough to investigate further or consider it unsafe. (There is a warning on the package as a precaution, however.) The toys also have an open hand and a closed fist normally, but unfortunately nothing for scissors.

Some want to identify with the message through song. The punk band Reform Revolution will release their debut album "Prom Songs" in June to correspond with Graduation ceremonies. According to the lead singer, Jezebel Machoan, the band wants everyone to embrace the mission of Pastor Mark, empowering half of humanity for the benefit of all. The album includes the singles "In The Rear Until They Fear (The Lord)", "Miss Understood", "Win The Men, Win The War" and "Rockin' To The Spice Girls". They plan to tour this fall to wimpy cities across America.

Others need a more sensual experience to get into the mission of resonating with Driscoll. Victwares, a company specializing in "embodying potent ministry", has anything from herbal tea to pump you up to aromatherapy treatments that gently remove any sense of perspective. Their most popular product, Servitude, supposedly helps women to avoid nasty headaches and gain a servant's heart when their men need their regular requirement of intimacy. The instructions state that it is best used at least once daily, although some women dispute the effects.

The Acts 29 Network has cautiously supported these efforts, hoping they can compensate for any lost impact and mixed reviews of Pastor Mark Driscoll at this point. Many men and some women expect this to create common ground, considering the regular frustration and defensiveness associated with Driscoll's teaching. Not all are as optimistic and characterize this as a distraction from the real issues involved. However, it is evident that Driscoll's consistent branding has encouraged a broad range of responses that entertain while complicated.