People will walk away from Jesus Christ because Billy Hybels is not who they thought he was? Sometimes theyre letting you know who theyve really been followingand who they havent been. Ok, So Nancy Ortberg was fondled, hugged, touched. Sigh. Bill Hybels touched me, hugged me invited me to his room I left then went to my hotel room and cried.. The new lead pastor discounts the claims of the betrayed and encourages the women of the church to believe differently. Big. Please join me in praying for WCC, the victims, and the leaders. Because my -and others- comments are moderated, there can be a lot of instantly-posted discussion between a (approval-needed) comment and when it appears. The accusations against Hybels come from multiple women, including several former employees who spoke on the record with the Chicago Tribune as a part of a major investigation published in March . Yep and the email deal reminds me of someone else. Read Acts 4 and 5. He is the founding and former senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, one of the most attended churches in North America, with an average attendance of nearly 24,000 as of late 2018. Should I be worried? I grew up around some. Peter Led about 3000 to Christ on the day of Pentacost. Shauna (Hybels) met her husband at Willow Creek before they went to Mars Hill and joined Rob Bells staff. @ Davis and Natasha: I hope someone captured that document. Anyone who says otherwise or who tries to slam someone for not telling immediately just doesnt know what theyre talking about. And then sometimes, you end up like me: done with it all, the system that props up people with give the title pastor, that is like fresh meat to the malignant narcissist. It doesnt matter what they were wearing, what they were drinking, etc. It would seem the as yet unnamed individual, reported to have had an affair, has legal claim against multiple parties. The people there sold out to it will protect it at all costs. I informed my boss. But Moses said to the LORD, Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue. 11 Then the LORD said to him, Who has made mans mouth? The focus was wrong and a bit too emphatic for me. Once again, you are doing Satans work not Gods. Even worse, you can be shamed/shuned, and called lukewarm for your honest questioning of what you experienced/think. publishers suspend publication of books by megachurch pastor Hybels. Kind of surprised it was allowed to stand without edit or response. It has bearing but perhaps not in the way that Jodi intends. The creep factor never ceases to amaze me. Hybels was Clintons spiritual advisor. Lynne Hybels and Bill Hybels have two grown children, Shauna Niequist and Todd Hybels, and one son-in-law, Aaron Niequist.. Hybels has barely spoken anything about his married life and rarely has appeared in the media with his wife. We werent leaders, but we can tell you re: Stowell and many others that they leave and say nothing or little to protect their own reputations and future work in ministry. To teach Nancy a lesson with deflection? its all changed. What I see here is a whole lot of wholesale condemnation. Posted travelpro skywalk vs maxlite. Did her husband ask her not to say anything for FEAR of losing his job? Note how often those being accused are the old dogs, gone or soon to be gone from the public eye anyway. Who though renowned for his wisdom, had a strong of Rich Kid with Famous Father syndrome. @ AbuseCrusher: They gain influence or trust first and then use that as cover for another manipulation agenda. I also took 3 years of Biblical Hebrew and 4.5 years of Koine Greek thats NT greek. Hence, it is easier to build a close-knit cult of people who really dont know each other that well. Read the books and follow the formula. Exactly. Im not convinced that his view of hell can be called heresy. You are guilty of judging, something you say we are not to do. When you read it, I think you might as well. I double dog dare every Creeker to demand to see a detailed budget. So Im now wondering. This slavish devotion to a leader or organization is scary and given the size and influence of this church, what are they capable of? Kudos to these two publishers. It was alleged in an article of 'Chicago Tribune.' Further, the Chicago Tribune and Christianity Today too reported allegations about his misconduct. Really? Dear TWW readers, I am in Australia so I comment and tweet and post things on FB when you are asleep if you are in the USA. Years ago, as a 23 yr. old a classroom assistant for a public high school in southern cali my boss wisely told me 1. Near the end of this article, Dee posted this question for Willow Creek Church: Is it possible that Bill Hybels encouraged the leadership of women in order to increase his own access to women who admired him within the confines of church business, giving him plausible deniability? . Children The couple has two children. Good grief, until this minute I had no idea there was such a thing as a hug culture. Just wondering??? Other women are coming forward. @ ishy: You forgot naked swimming, shower on the boat, and deleted emails. Gregory of Nyssa was about as Orthodox as one can get, and yet he was also about as universalist as one can get. This fact is well known to those who are around sexual abuse/misconduct situations. That attitude was a LOT more prevalent than people think. Drawing as much of the world into church as they can, while still appearing to be Christian. Why? During that meeting, an Elder told a WCA Board member that Willow Creek had no document retention policy. This was the first time either Board had heard about this arrangement, but both of these women told us separately that Bill had told them about this special arrangement years prior. Or, for instance, a pastor may be forever fishing to see what his parishioners know as to the latest church scandal, etc., without the trusting individuals ever even know this is taking place. My heart goes out to you, all of you, by coming forward you have contributed to breaking this cycle of abuse. I dont think Jesus sees things the same way they do. Give, and it will be given to you. But I have not noticed any hugging at the hospital or at any doctors or dentists office. Working our works out of view, Yeah, right. I dont know about anybody else, but when I see something bonkers like that I tend to leave it alone, @ Forrest: So sad that we are talking about this within the context of the pulpit! And what does Lynne Hybels think about all of this? Please stop reporting about Jodis letter. Sigh. In 2018, sexual misconduct allegations had been alleged against Bill Hybels. when Bill Hybels prayed for/about something no matter what it was, that according to Hybels God always answered him immediately or within days, Indeed, the Lords hand is not too short to save, and His ear is not too deaf to hear. The trusting person is the dupe who was groomed to respond accordingly. Whats being destroyed is the idol worship of Bill Hybels. At CertainPublicSchool kids have been caught in the rest room actually having sex as well as dosing on drugs. Together, they have two children, a son by the name of Todd Hybels and a daughter Shauna Niequist. So done. @ Barbara Roberts: He has two children with his wife, Lynn whom he married in 1974. I have seen it for over 20 years. You will eventually find like minded people. 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. Add a spiritual plastic Jesus fish to the scenario above and its 10x easier to manipulate. Try to respond like Jesus might and you will be let through. There were some very attractive female students. To me (and probably to a lot of jurors), timely Disappearing of Evidence = ADMISSION OF GUILT. As Bill Hybels learned, there's far more to romantic love than meets the eye. Just wonderin. Dee, I was wondering how you got him to do that gig. Not just anyone can do it well. Because I handled it in the moment (As she did with her push away response to Hybels) And it worked. But, the cat is out the bag. And yes, I cuddled our dog as a little girl. But here we are! . If someone thinks so, tell me how. Ok, except that no one I know has heard of Willow Creek or Bill Hybels. People you work with? Do it on your personal, not work, email. Im not out to defend Rob Bell, but Im not convinced that his view of hell can be called heresy, at least based on historical Christianity. Or your friends husband. The Body of Christ will be fine. So much! My bad for not being back in touch with you. Well, yes, absolutely. One-World ANYTHING is a recognition signal for End Time Prophecy Wack Job. For someone who set himself up as a leader of leaders, Hybels made a critical leadership mistake here. 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. As with many couples, there were times we couldn't imagine making it through another year, let alone another decade or two. Hes probably kicking himself for the missed opportunity! If there is a 40 year pattern of behaviors, it doesnt matter. We were just people who assumed the best of those who claimed to be leading in the name of God. In hindsight, it is exactly as others have stated predatory, calculated and manipulative all with a facade of kindness and mentoring. But, years of playing the great man on stage can be a very powerful armor. Your comment covers a lot of ground I am all too familiar with. @ Law Prof: WTF? Yes, we left HBC ourselves. BTW, one of the drawbacks with the current format is we dont even see recent comments from older threads. Im probably talking to the air, though, because hit-and-run scolds like you seldom have the courage to come back. Steve Carter (Hybels hand picked teaching padtor) does not have the best reputation either. Parallel universe I suppose; different set of rules most likely. But please dont discard their testimony for the reasons you gave. Hence, I like Brad Futurist guys work, though I do find it sometimes too intellectual for me! And a pedestal they can fall from and did. My only (small) hang-up is that the authors, Bill and Lynne Hybels, use examples and stories that are probably pretty dated for 22-28 year-olds getting married nowadays. 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. Who appointed you besides yourself ? By the time you get there, youve probably already been compromised yourself, youve supported a lot of evil things, youve shouted down others who were only trying to get at the truth (as I once did, alassorry, Adam, you were right and I was wrong, pastor really was up to no good), and its not easy to extricate yourself or your family. This story involved a fourteen-year sexual affair. These are the things that The Church has to wake up to. Its what someone mentioned in another thread about 75% of people go along with whatever to be accepted. Bill has been married to Lynn Hybels since 1974. I believe her account. Ive learned how to see the tactics of abusers because Ive been listening to the victims of domestic abuse for years, am a survivor of CSA and DV and spiritual abuse myself plus Ive read many of the statements which perps make when their sins are called out and exposed. So, Am I over thinking it?, one wonders. Timing is interesting. We still need to get together on that religious research thingie. Learn to be alone with yourself. It alarmed me to learn that Nancy Ortberg was also the subject of Bill Hybels unwanted attention and actions. I could be misconstruing everything & he may just be being over-sympathetic to me as a now single woman, trying to be nice, trying to be helpful (which he is to everyone). A quick glance at google and apparently hugging is drugging when it comes to the brain. Its uncomfortable but is it anything really? Just without a Christianese coat of paint. Now its over. God is always present, even in the hard and dark times. Bills own admission appears to have been made at a meeting with certain Elders and Willow Creek Association Board members. If nothing else, it is incredibly prideful of a person. They dont feel like telling anyone, just swallow it and hold it in. @ truthseeker00: I cant help but see your point here. Read Paul on Mars hill. It came out that he had a child with one lady out of wedlock. They have changed so many lives for the good. . We have a problem with people who now want to pile on the growing number of women who are coming forward with similar stories. But if true it is still not honorable behavior. Agreed. We are the only ones allowing them through even though I am starting to disallow some. My first international trip with Willow Creek as a staff member was to Tasmania. I have books by Bill Hybels on my shelves, and really thought he was one of the good ones. Gossip! This is Uncharted Territory for them. Worshipers of men. No one wants to think their pastor is being inappropriate, so your brain just dismisses it. Sidenote: My (female) cousin took it personally one time when we side hugged her instead of a full hug! In her statement Monday, Niequist said she remains "in relationship with my dad." "I love him, & I always will. he did so because there were problems and he knew more would come. What we have a problem with is a man who by his own admission did a lot of untoward things, things that are the very definition of a sexual groomer, and did so behind the scenes while maintaining the aura of one who should be emulated. * This person really taught the Hybels was like Joseph who was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. An accusation could hurt the church, the members and even Christianity. Mary, you judge day in and day out. I wonder if churches have convinced themselves of the same. Two general statements: Paint her as crazy, vindictive, or loose. Yet Ive made my point. Got to stop that! No longer have their careers as a result of their actions Tyndale House Publishers is suspending publication of a forthcoming new book from Bill Hybels, and InterVarsity Press is suspending reprint of one of his books. If youre interested in seeing whether I qualify, you can check out my main blog to see what I write about. The contents might be encrypted, and, if a key used to decrypt them is lost (or not handed over), they arent readable. However, I am not going to let every Tom, Dick and Joe Salitas to copy and paste the letter into this comment section. But I dont think the view of hell is really the issue for the church leaders highlighted here. and this they do with great skill. There is a legal concept called spoliation of evidence, which refers to the destruction or withholding of evidence whether done intentionally or accidentally. i.e. I want to make sure I understand you. In April 2018, when Bill Hybels' scandal got out, John Ortberg turned on his former master . Lynne Hybels is the wife of Bill Hybels-renowned founder and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois. Im a pastor and a survivor of emotional/verbal abuse (in a relationship, not in a church), and I can tell you that one of the biggest reasons I stayed as long as I did was because I was convinced that I didnt deserve better, I made my own bed and had to sleep in it, and that what I got was as good as I could ever hope for. I dont understand the purpose!!!!! Again, I thought not much more of that conversation until years later when other stories emerged that included Ambien. I hope its okay to post. Most common reaction in the world. Thus, the cottage industry that often accompanies or is an integral part of their ministry (sic) glides on, and the supposed spiritual.authority who is moving on is positioned to escape consequences and true rebuke. Excellent comment! @ dee: The one about J. Ortberg? Once, while Mr. Hybels's wife, Lynne, and. He did so for a reason and it is time to wake up and smell the coffee. Willow Creek is its own worst enemy not Satan. Why is it people cannot just go to work,college, etc, without the social safety net of artificial group belonging? Its the whole structure of the godly pastor on stage week after week. to this, the source of detailed information about the 1,000+ unreadable emails and Bill Hybels policy of not having email messages archived and his explanation of why comes from the initial Chicago Tribune article. That isnt good for anyone. In 1974 Lynne married Bill Hybels, a youth pastor. By your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned Jesus Matthew 12:37. (Likewise, it seems that women did not have clarity about reportable behaviors and were expected to handle it on their own.). Second guessing somebodys way of dealing with their own spouse is usually really wrong. Most of these people have no clue they are in a thought reform situation until they get very far away from it. @ Davis and Natasha: predatory, calculated and manipulative all with a facade of kindness and mentoring. As Im reading the comments, its becoming evident that theres something horribly wrong with Willow Creek church. Willow Creek is an entertainment church and Hybels its star. Missionary Man WITCHES! Joss Whedon Is a Hypocrite Preaching Feminist Ideals, according to his ex-wife Kai Cole in her guest post on *The Wrap*. Willow Creek has run many many seminars teaching other churches how to impliment the Williow Creek model. That is hard to deal with. And Jesus does not need Willow Creek. You are right, the whole situation smells of cover-up. The Elders reviewed none for content. I think we have lived the same life. Not every Christian is called to be an evangelist, but every Christian should have a heart for the lost. As it has been stated in widening circles of social media, under these circumstances (such as: improper investigation, witness discounting/tampering/intemadation, and most important lack of following scriptural guidelines) the Willow Creek 501(c)3 church organization by many credible voices has been deemed/proscribed as no longer a(n) safe or scriptural place to attend or be a part of. They know exactly how to size people up, how to take advantage of their needs, insecurities, weaknesses, etc. And since Peter came up in another reply of yours along with a list of credentials with almost everything but being a Pharisee of the Pharisees lets think of his credentials by the time Paul met up with him in Anotich. We still do not know what that really means. 1 kiss You described it so well. But it is also more than ethics here. Once again, that is left in the capable Hands of our Father. I come from a family of Russian immigrants on my fathers side. Glad I found that out. Too much time, money and hero worship. Mahaney books. Bill has been married to Lynn Hybels since 1974. Status? * It is about power and control and until people in churches get this, they will be waaaaay behind the culture. 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. My husband was so proud that he got to met the Bill Hybels and was so happy that he got to talk to him and have his picture taken with Bill Hybels. Hugging spouse and kids a lot is good. Pulling the of the devil card is vintage playbook. This is part of the problem that the #metoo movement does not address. We have not seen courageous leadership. how many people worship Hybels instead of God. Does Bill Hybels teach pastors how to get more friendly with his staff, but keep it under raps? False teaching/theology always has a wrong view of God, man, sin, and salvation. It is now obvious to me why Ortberg not only believed the accounts of the other victims but why she advocated for them. She also questioned her own judgment in whether he was actually being inappropriate. That is a huge red flag. But one thing I know, we have a choice in our behaviors. Very true, and far too common: Jerry Sandusky, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, Dr. Larry Nassar, Bill Hybels. Sitting there talking is not the problem. RE got to talking about guys grabbing a boobie feel with side hugs; she thinks it is pretty ubiquitous in the male population. People you work with? Their view of the person is completely undermined by the experience. When its someone you respect and trust, you dont expect aberrant behavior and you are surprised by it. She bears serious emotional scars to this day, several decades later. You tell your kids That was wrong. is lynne hybels still married to bill. (1 Cor. Im unclear about what faith journey means, but it sounds very Willow Creek. 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