Willow Creek Was Wrong
What would make perhaps the most influential American church of the last 25 years come out publicly and say they were wrong? This is an incredibly interesting and provocative post about Willow Creek. In a culture where everyone is quick to criticize everyone else, it’s refreshing to see an entity admit they haven’t got it all figured out. I really respect what Bill Hybels has done here. I encourage you to take a deeper look at this article, too—especially as we continue the conversation about the nature of the church.
You can find the post here: “Willow Creek Repents”
About the Author
Michael lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Jana, and kids, Joshua, Andi, and Christian. He grew up in Texas and earned a Master of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He has written The Tough Sayings of Jesus Volumes I & II, travels throughout the year speaking to students and young adults, and blogs daily at michaelkelleyministries.com.
There have been 4 replies so far
I too agree that it is refreshing to see leaders admit when they’ve made a mistake. But, what I want to say is “Duh!” Not seeking to be critical, but why did it take so long? Why did it take a research project requiring who knows the amount of time and resources for them to determine and admit that participation doesn’t equal maturity? I think we have too often measured health and success in ministry by numbers. My fear is that this mentality has led to a generation of comfortable church-goers, instead of dedicated disciples. I would be the first to admit I don’t have it all figured out as well, but shouldn’t our pursuit of God lead to a passion for truth, and thus measure maturity on our love, knowledge and obedience, back to basic scriptural disciplines.
I will withhold too much criticism until I’ve read their book, and I do respect Bill Hybels, it is clear that he desires more for his congregation. But, Willow’s questions of “What is our business? Who is our customer? What does the customer consider value?” seems to breed a mentality of serving people as a higher priority than serving God. Are we not asking the wrong questions? I am fearful that this type of questioning and mentality will continue to lead to shaping a future path that will ultimately become more about glorifying self, instead of glorifying God.
I was reminded recently of the following quote, by James Montgomery Boice, which I think is fitting challenge here as well… “I would like to see the beginning of a new reformation in our day, and I hope you would like to see it too and praying for it. I hope you have become nauseated with the tawdry entertainment that passes for the true worship of God in many of our churches and, like the saints of the past, are longing for more of the deep truths of the inerrant Word of God.”
1 | Adam Creel
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at 12:40pm
Wow, Adam - I think you’re right on. I have to admit, though, you had me at James Montgomery Boice…
2 | Michael Kelley
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at 12:43pm
What food for thought! I will have to meditate on this more.
3 | Dr Dale
Thursday, October 25, 2007, at 2:06pm
Adam, I tend to agree with your feelings of discomfort when hearing about the “Who is my customer?” signs. So in light of this new development at Willow Creek, what sign do you imagine Bill will have outside his office a year from now?
Here are some possibilities:
“Am I a good slave?” “Where does my joy lie?” “If a southbound train leaves Cincinati at 1pm going 40mph and at the same time a northbound train leaves Lexington going 50mph, at what time will the trains pass each other?” “Whom will I serve?” “Who’s your Daddy?” “Who gets the glory?” “How will I love today?” “Where do you want to go today?” “Who deserves grace today?”
I’m not totally crazy about any of those but I think I like the last one best because it’s a bit of an oxymoron so it sounds kind of interesting and different.
So what will be on Hybel’s wall? Post your guesses below. (Please refrain from judgemental, sarcastic questions. What this church is doing is amazing. We can all learn from the leadership they are exemplifying.)
4 | benny
Friday, October 26, 2007, at 2:35pm
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