BILL HYBELS RESIGNS AT WILLOW CREEK
Women should not be afraid to come forward
This is truly a time to be alive. More women than ever are finding their voices, no longer afraid to speak out against their assailants and to seek justice for the wrongs. However, the people in power stand in their way. They stand in the way of justice. They stand in the way of progress. They stand in the way of God’s will.
We must not be intimidated into silence and submission.
We must fight for
justice.
1 Timothy 4:12 - "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." (NLT)
Yet, another round of accusations have surface regarding sexual misconduct by a church leader. With every scandal, the reputation of the church suffers. With every damaged heart, body and soul, God weeps. With every unworthy leader, thousands of potential saved souls remain lost.
Is it really so difficult for these men to live through Biblical standards?
Titus 1:7 - "A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money." (NLT)
The least they can do is take responsibility for it. I cannot speak for Bill Hybels without concrete evidence. Whether he is guilty or innocent remains unclear, given his steadfast refusal to confess. If he is innocent, then I commend his resolve. If not...
Why, then, did he feel the need to resign immediately?
Why are publishers taking his books off of their printing presses?
Meanwhile, the Willow Creek Elders go on record apologizing for their lack of support to the potential victims who came forward. In fact, the Willow Creek website posted several pages addressing the allegations. Quite a lot of material for not a lot of responsibility.
Now, his career, his
reputation, and his income suffer.
In spite of his declaration of innocence, he does say, “I too often placed myself in situations that I would have been far wiser to avoid.”
That is a vague and suspicious statement to make. He does not give details. I would like to know more about what he means. I feel deprived of necessary information. Willow Creek is not telling the whole truth.
Bottom line: Victims of sexual misconduct DESERVE better. They must be treated with sensitivity and respect in order for the to find healing.
Willow Creek has dropped the ball.
Bottom line: Leaders need to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
BillHybelsadmits to dropping the ball.
Bottom line: In order for stewards of Christ to succeed in our purpose, we must first follow Him.
Philippians 2:3 - "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." (NLT)
We CANNOT behave this way. It’s simple. Keep it in your pants. On the occasion that you stumble, do the right thing and take responsibility. FULL RESPONSIBILITY. Only then can the world trust us and open their hearts to God’s love.
