He gave an update in a statement which 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.
"I believe their review can best be performed without me being in the pulpit or the office, and they have agreed to this arrangement."
Mr Driscoll has been the centre of several controversies during his time at Mars Hill - most recently that he had bullied and been aggressive to staff.
There's also been accusations of plagiarism, misusing church funds and being the centre of a culture of fear.
"As a general rule, I will respond to little if any criticism of me in the media, on social media, blogs, open letters, etc.
"Conducting church business and biblical conflict resolution through media channels is not healthy and is more likely to prove unproductive at best, and destructive and dishonouring to the Lord at worst.
"I will not be doing any outside speaking for the foreseeable future," he added.
He said other pastors will take over his duties until he returns in the interests of the Church.
The Evangelical preacher said: "Storm clouds seem to be whirling around me more than ever in recent months and I have given much thought and sought much counsel as to why that is and what to do about it. The current climate is not healthy for me or for this church. (In fact, it would not be healthy for any church.)
"Finally, I want to say to our Mars Hill family, past and present, I'm very sorry.
"I'm sorry for the times I have been angry, short, or insensitive.
"I'm sorry for anything I've done to distract from our mission by inviting criticism, controversy or negative media attention."
Earlier this month he was removed from the church network he founded.
Acts 29 terminated his membership because of what it described as 'ungodly and disqualifying behaviour'.