Mark Driscoll Faces Backlash for Posting Photo with Steven Furtick

"Really fun to see an old friend. Thanks for preaching Jesus and leading AZ in worship on the Elevation tour. Praying for you and your family along with many others who love and appreciate you," Driscoll wrote.

Driscoll's post, however, drew mixed responses, with some criticizing the former Mars Hill pastor and others asserting that Driscoll would be a good influence on Furtick.

"Oh man, you're friends with Steven Furtick," one of Driscoll's social media followers wrote. "Like you ACTUALLY think he is a preacher who preaches God's truth… [shaking my head] … hopefully God can use you to show Furtick the right path."

Others wrote that they were happy to see the two preachers together.

"I love to see unity in the church," one commenter said. "Not one where we beat each other over the head over open-handed issues. The discernment bloggers are in full force on this comment thread. You can pretty much pick any pastor out there, and you'll find discernment bloggers calling them heretics."

Another said: "I love Driscoll and Furtick! Furtick and Driscoll don't even believe the same on every topic, but they understand what love is to a brother. Come on, guys. Furtick loves and serves the same Jesus to his best knowledge. Don't try to be superior to him because you believe differently. And then, none of will mention where he's wrong in scripture."

The two pastors debated each other in 2011 and 2012 at a theological event.

Related:

Mark Driscoll Claims Mars Hill Leaders Nearly Accused Him of Adultery to Have Him Removed from the Pulpit

Elevation Church Pastor Steven Furtick under Fire for Endorsing Teen Son's Explicit Music

Photo courtesy: Jackoo012345/Creative Commons, Steven Furtick

Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.