Fundamental problems plague Seattle megachurch

SEATTLE — Seattle megachurch Mars Hill is closing some branches and making plans to lay off employees to deal with fundamental problems in the evangelical empire.

The Seattle Times reports financial problems in the wake of recent leadership issues are forcing the cutbacks.

For the past 18 years, the church has been growing quickly to reach 15 branches in five states. Now Mars Hill church leaders say they plan to cut 30 to 40 percent of a paid staff numbering about 100. These cuts will follow other departures in recent weeks by pastors who say they are angry or uneasy about the church’s direction.

The cuts are happening weeks after controversial organization Pastor Mark Driscoll announced he was stepping down for six weeks while accusations against him were investigated.