The Body of Christ will be fine. Serving whom? I agree. teaching other churches how to impliment the Williow Creek model. Blank stares all around. But If you make a big deal about nothing, you are the problem. You are right, the whole situation smells of cover-up. People handle things. Read the books and follow the formula. Hybels led many. CHICAGO (RNS) Willow Creek Community Church still grappling with former senior pastor Bill Hybels' history of alleged sexual harassment and abuse of power now . I have already commented on that nonsense that just went up. When will people get it that the church is not the same thing as the body of Christ. @ dee: I believe that God is convicting WCCs leadership. Other women are coming forward. After all that Nancy Ortberg said, I would hate for her husband to have behaved like that, even if it isnt as bad as what Bill Hybels has done. And people are actually saying Hybels being a champion of women was under false pretenses, for Sex? I agree!! https://futuristguymedia.wordpress.com/thresholds-of-evidence/. I know. Try as I might, I do not see that sort of response in Scripture. It is the Spirits job to convict and change. (Exod. In response to that question: Was Hybels leading folks to Christ or to Hybels? Im not convinced that his view of hell can be called heresy. Peoples boundaries and privacy should never be breached unless specifically invited or welcomed to do so one way or the other. The door was open. Once, while Mr. Hybels's wife, Lynne, and. I wonder if he knows? (1 Cor. Bill Hybels is a legendary figure in the world of business. Again, the new york . April 13, 2018. Its so clear how this happened on the womens part. @ truthseeker00: @ jackie: Do you want to know about Bill Hybels. Perhaps. Wife Bill Hybels married his wife in 1974 when Bill was a youth pastor. why is she running alone with a man she supposedly feels uncomfortable around? But then, Im just The Crazy Kid, and hes always been the Sweet Little Angel. This is exactly what you would expect from some Neo-pharisee trying to hide his sin from the world. Character is revealed, not when things are going our way but when things are painful. Whats wrong with you women? It was through him that I first heard the Gospel as a nonChristian teen in a nonChristian family in Salem MA. Take look at what Paul says about this immoral situation. I do believe that there exist genuine sexual perverts, but we err when we naively believe that all who abuse particularly those in positions of power and authority who systematically abuse are merely acting out sexual impulses. Barton co-authored with John Ortberg Ordinary Day With Jesus, which clearly instructs readers in mystical prayer practices. This writing clearly shows John Ortbergs sympathies to this New Age spirituality. Agreed. My bad. I agree/support the various responses to Brad Brucker. What happened to Willow Creek? At which she would perhaps be really smart to think that she could handle it herself without causing trouble in her marriage. I wonder if her crisis of faith was after finding out about something shady Bill was doing? I do not believe we can judge what is in the heart of people. Nothing substitutes for diligent study and wide reading. I have big concerns about lumping everything under that umbrella. who originally wrote plastic jesus - is lynne hybels still married to bill - is lynne hybels still married to bill Is it even possible that one leads to the other, as the power dynamic created by abuse is addictive? Its the same thing my university wrings their hands over. Thats how they get by with it. Nancy had no idea that he was doing this to other women. I was so sorry to learn about all of this yesterday and Willow Creek Church. 1 kiss People are saved to church. Glory to God. I was contemplating a megachurch model the other day where teaching pastors had term limits or rotating speakers. I was extremely uncomfortable with Hybels repeatedly reminding the church he was the one leading the charge to empower women. Please join me in praying for WCC, the victims, and the leaders. These kinds of document preservation policies are in place to protect the organization. Young people are buying cuddle items. Hint hint. So, does that mean the alleged improprieties, at least for them, are not #Metoo worthy offenses? I find it a it off putting that anyone would keep a list of *how many have you led to Christ. No one walks away unascathed. The new lead pastor discounts the claims of the betrayed and encourages the women of the church to believe differently. I pity you if thats the case. Status? This was a joke which proved how few people at WCC understand sexual harassment. I dont think the view of hell is really the issue for the church leaders highlighted here. No wonder you have no qualms about slamming the Church, the bride of Christ. Nancy Ortberg remains affiliated as a board member and husband John Ortberg a prolific speaker, author and leader continues to return to be a guest speaker at Willow Creek for several years after they left Willow Creek? So, I have having network issues, and a IT person is working on my computer. I want to make sure I understand you. And, yes, some people dont come forward with their experiences for dozens of years. of Poor Poor Innocent Victim of Wicked Stepmother, then hit the detonator (after those several years of setting the charges) at his own wedding, when he invited her (and the rest of the family). Lawrence Krauss is a famous atheist and liberal crusader and, in certain whisper networks, a well-known problem, according to author Peter Aldhous, in his article on *BuzzFeed*. https://spiritualsoundingboard.com/2018/04/12/resource-bibliography-on-willow-creek-church-situation-and-bill-hybels-reported-misconduct/. Maybe thats just how he is. And, are most people blowing this thing up bigger than it is. You want to know the lack of leadership moment that really stood out to me in Hybels own words? We NEED a full and unbiased accounting. Maybe they could get Lee Strobel back to write another book The Case for Bill. But then . Bingo. But it is the structure, really. You can trust Jesus and He is your perfect role model. The FAQ document she links, however, entitled Willow Creek Response to Local Media, has mysteriously transformed itself into a 404 NOT FOUND message. Im thinking of 2 comments right now from over a year ago in which you reposted comments you attempted to post elsewhere. I treated my childhood dog like a doll. Just listening to Hybels extol the leadership virtues of Heather Lawson (another blonde) was enough to make me wonder, Is anyone else hearing and seeing this? His own wife (Lynne) is very different from the women Hybels mentored. And I never understood why Hybels did not step down when his wife (Lynne) had a HUGE crisis of faith. Nancy had no idea that he was doing this to other women. Hybels retired early from Willow Creek in 2018 after he was accused by several women, who worked for or attended the church, of sexual misconduct stretching back more than 20 years. Surrounded by sycophants, who knew better. The exact same mind control tools create social justice Warrior Churches as are used to create mega seeker churches or the monolithic SBC franchise. In lego marvel rescue minifigure Really? Sam Powell and Jeff Crippen who are a pastor who *get it* about abuse. @ Julie: What I am remembering, and what troubled me then, is how these well-meaning people fell under the Willow Creek spell, and how their little, creaky, boring churches could not compete with the new mega entertainment center. This is a serious question we all need to ask ourselves about our own churches. Where is the debater of this age? 2) Its the cost of doing business as a very large or successful church I have scolded him & tutted at what hes said & jokingly just gone go on , get out of here, but Id never tell his wife & risk that blowing anything in their family up. havent forgotten. And thats how you end up with an entire institution being transformed in a little over two decades. Does this have any bearing on whether or not Bill Hybels was a sociopath, an abuser, a phony, a hypocrite, a philanderer? Kudos to these two publishers. (Because it was awkward to say no and why would I think a great man of God I had known for so long would be creepy.) And my guess is the elders dont know either. That statement should never have been sent out and hasnt been corrected to this day! But I have not noticed any hugging at the hospital or at any doctors or dentists office. By . Willow Creek Community Church initially started as a high school ministry but grew over time to become one of the biggest Churches in the United . Second guessing somebodys way of dealing with their own spouse is usually really wrong. The lead elder talks about a duty to protect the church and cites Acts 20:28 which allows her to indirectly call the betrayed wolves and enemies of the church. @ Davis and Natasha: Forgiveness/ redemption for the sinner does not mean acceptance of the sin, nor does it mean deliverance from the consequences of the sin. The statement was wrong in every way and since there is a great possibility that the group is very concerned and just seeking truth. We can all learn from this and make sure to teach your kids. We are as busy as they; There is great peace in being able to say That action was wrong. and not have to decide Is he saved?. I grew up around some. A quick glance at google and apparently hugging is drugging when it comes to the brain. As a p.s. Of course, if theres some hidden motive of those speaking out, thats one thing, but as has been said, this is all in the process of getting out after many questions have been raised about what was or wasnt done with previous accountability procedures (emails, board meetings, etc.). Open Discussion Page. Im thankful they embraced egalitarianism and led the way with women in leadership. Please dont judge Nancys actions she did what most women would do. That is a big part of the problem. They were powerful, influentual, respected leaders. So your mind overrides your gut. She had no way of knowing of other incidents and we now see why. _____________________________________. Sigh. Be at peace. Awkwardly I stayed and we talked for about twenty minutes. Not just anyone can do it well. * It is about power and control and until people in churches get this, they will be waaaaay behind the culture. I hope its okay to post. Was it addressed and ignored by the elders? its definitely legit and very well written. I know. I happened to meet the other womans husband, and I suppose the megapastor considered him a type C or D leader and didnt often invite him along. I believe the accusers in this case especially since you corroborate that they knew the difference in a hug and a hug. Thanks, Julie! That is a typical church response. The fact that just a bunch of us posting our opinions on blogs can cause such a ruckus tells me we are touching infected nerves.. I think Bill Hybels is an intelligent man. Shauna (Hybels) met her husband at Willow Creek before they went to Mars Hill and joined Rob Bells staff. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Good night!!! In a calm. There are many similar type of things over the years I did not mention. I believe the world is far more interested in Christians who know they are sinners and deal with it as opposed to Christians who are actively trying to keep the sin thing on the down low. Please understand that this is exactly the way it usually happens. Women get to decide if they want to be touched or not, and oh he did not mean anything by should never even have to be brought into play-in the workplace. Bill Hybels has stepped down. We are the only ones allowing them through even though I am starting to disallow some. The kids tried to sue the board to no avail. The statement was wrong in every way and since there is a great possibility that the group is very concerned and just seeking truth. Willow Creek has run many many seminars teaching other churches how to impliment the Williow Creek model. So sad. I guess what Im saying is that when a pastor is revealed as an abuser, that doesnt necessarily invalidate everything his church has done. Hybels, of Barrington, is married to Willow Creek senior pastor and founder Bill Hybels.Lynne Hybels . A former minister of mine would give the teenage girl side hugs, which put his hand in a place it shouldnt have been. You also wonder what other people might think of you if you mention it. Its their normal. The old Soviet government arrested and jailed Christians. Brad, for better or worse, you are an example of the average WCC person to me. But one thing I know, we have a choice in our behaviors. ..I know my sheep and they know me .. He came to die for His sheep and he knew us before we were born. At times I have even wondered if it is not even being used to distract from addressing the root of the problem. Actually, those are the tools of the enemy, formerly called deception and it is THAT which God desires to rescue us from. Hybels was slated to retire from his position at Willow Creek in October 2018; however, he resigned in April 2018 after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. Get that through your heads. Learn to value yourself. Good point. So your mind overrides your gut. I am going to ask a hard question. In April 2018, when Bill Hybels' scandal got out, John Ortberg turned on his former master . Four-One-Nine just a Game On a subsequent conference trip to Hawaii, I went running with Bill and he struck up a conversation about the amnesiac side effects of Ambien. At what point did Nancy inform her husband? Hybel's father was an entrepreneur in wholesale produce whose work ethic was the model for his son. 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