Few would disagree that Willow Creek Community Church has been one of the most influential churches in America over the last thirty years. Willow, through its association, has promoted a vision of church that is big, programmatic, and comprehensive. This vision has been heavily influenced by the methods of secular business. James Twitchell, in his new book Shopping for God, reports that outside Bill Hybels’ office hangs a poster that says: “What is our business? Who is our customer? What does the customer consider value?” Directly or indirectly, this philosophy of ministry””church should be a big box with programs for people at every level of spiritual maturity to consume and engage””has impacted every evangelical church in the country.
So what happens when leaders of Willow Creek stand up and say, “We made a mistake”?…
Speaking at the Leadership Summit, Hybels summarized the findings this way:
Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn’t helping people that much. Other things that we didn’t put that much money into and didn’t put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for.
Having spent thirty years creating and promoting a multi-million dollar organization driven by programs and measuring participation, and convincing other church leaders to do the same, you can see why Hybels called this research “the wake up call” of his adult life.
Seeking is ok, good solid Creedal Christian teaching is next.
Willow is where we now make our home–having very few choices in Chicago and all of them very far from our home. I can testify firsthand to the shift in thinking and focus that Hybels and Willow are going through. It is passing strange that our family finds ourselves here, but it is very clear to us that this is where we are called to be right now. An emphasis on neighborhood groups–fellowship, service, study together where we live is another shift away from the big, on site program focus. A renewed emphasis on Biblical literacy–right now the whole church, from Sunday School on up to “Big Church” is studying Moses, verse by verse. Bibles are available at the doors of the auditorium (yes, I know…) and more and more folks are bringing them to services.
Yes, it is done “Willow Style”–fancy graphics, drama, and praise songs, but there is a greater depth to the sermons and a clear emphasis on scripture as the basis for truth. I have been very impressed with the staff’s humility in admitting their mistakes and not being so afraid of the world’s opinion that they don’t change course.
Absolutely–much of it still drives me crazy. A hymn or two would be nice, how about some silence… But a true heart for the Gospel and for the Great Commission–that I can appreciate.
sj engelhardt
This is a chacteristic of a successful organization. That it can accept reality and change to do what is required. Probably why many mainline churches fail or struggle to just survive, let alone thrive. Too rigid in their approach.
Willow has made a few shifts over the years and the fact that they can recognize the changes necessary for making disciples and commit to making them is commendable. Hybels is a great leader.
[blockquote] A renewed emphasis on Biblical literacy–right now the whole church, from Sunday School on up to “Big Church†is studying Moses, verse by verse. [/blockquote]
Goodness, that should read:”…is studying about the life of Moses, using scripture, going verse by verse.” What would my O.T. professors at Trinity (IL) say about that omission? I hope you all understood.
[blockquote]In other words, spiritual growth doesn’t happen best by becoming dependent on elaborate church programs but through the age old spiritual practices of prayer, bible reading, and relationships. And, ironically, these basic disciplines do not require multi-million dollar facilities and hundreds of staff to manage.[blockquote]
This is no doubt good. We must, however, reflect on the national and international damage of 1,000s of congregations who were led in pursuing error, damaged or destryed.
But Summersnow, your local Rabbi would agree that they’re “Studying Moses, verse by verse.”
Thank you, Br_er Rabbit for that point. The series wrapped up today. Quite powerful.
We’ve used materials from Willow Creek in England and are very grateful for them.
Don,
[i]This is no doubt good. We must, however, reflect on the national and international damage of 1,000s of congregations who were led in pursuing error, damaged or destryed. [/i]
At least, however, it is refreshing to see a Chrisitan ministry admit to error and repent of it, saying “we erred”.
Compare that to the Federal Government, who when faced with a program that is not working, merely pours more $$$$ into it. 😉
Grammar error:
Compare that to the Federal Government, [i]which[/i] when faced …
Sheesh, I’m calling it a day. That should have read:
Gramma[b]tical[/b] error.
🙄