Dobson resigned from a teaching position at NorthPointe Christian School in 2008 amid fallout from a Discovery Channel program in which he appeared. The program questioned Jesus’ birthplace and whether there are truths in the Gnostic gospels

Mars Hill Bible Church has appointed a new teaching pastor, months after founding pastor and well-known author Rob Bell departed for California.  

In an email sent Wednesday to members of the Grandville church, leaders announced Kent Dobson had accepted the lead position.    

Dobson served as a worship director in the church’s early days and has preached as a guest speaker in months since Bell left. He is the son of Ed Dobson, pastor emeritus at Calvary Church on East Beltline Avenue.    

“It’s been 7 months since we began our search for a teaching pastor, and we are so thankful for your prayers throughout this process. We, too, have continually asked God to provide us with the Teaching Pastor that He has chosen for us — trusting that this is God’s church and He has a plan for us,” church leaders said in the note sent to members Wednesday. “As a long-time member and frequent guest teacher, Kent both knows and loves our community.”  

Dobson will be formally introduced on Sept. 9 during the church’s 9 and 11 a.m. services.    

Messages left with Dobson and Lee Jager, the church’s communications director, were not returned Wednesday night.  

Dobson has most recently served as a religion teacher and spiritual life director at Grand Rapids Christian Schools.    

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