I love Willowcreek.

I owe Bill Hybels and Willow a debt of gratitude. It was during a conference while I was in Seminary that I saw a glimpse of a church that was actually reaching unchurched people. I feel like Willowcreek gave me permission to do church biblically yet differently. I’m forever grateful. I know hundreds of thousands of other churches feel the same way. So grateful for the example they’ve set.

Last year they released a study called Reveal. I thought it took tremendous humility and courage to reveal some of the challenges they face in discipling people. I think every church faces the same challenge. They just had to guts to come clean.

That study had been grossly misinterpreted and some misinformation has been circulating about Willowcreek. Honestly? This kind of stuff drives me crazy. Way too much sideways energy in the kingdom! I really empathize with Bill Hybels because it’s so tough to know whether to respond or not. On one level, you don’t want to waste your time and energy responding to something that isn’t true. But you also don’t want to let it spread by remaining silent.

Here is Bill Hybels response.

Now let me get on my blog box.

I think there are basically two kinds of people. People who are doing things and people who aren’t doing things but they need something to do so they take potshots at people who are doing things.

There. I said it.

Come on, folks. Let’s be about the Father’s business.

In the words of Michelangelo: criticize by creating!

Can I be brutally honest?

The psychological tendency to try to feel better about ourselves by pointing out what’s wrong with someone else is immaturity at its worst. And no where is it more prevalent than the church.

Am I saying Willowcreek is perfect? No. Neither am I. And neither are you. But instead of backbiting maybe we should try backslapping.

I know this is one of those posts with inherent risks. And it’ll probably get mischaracterized somehow by someone. But I’m fiercely loyal to those who have made an investment in my life. So when Willow is taking some shots on the chin, I want to be the guy on the other side saying thanks!

Alright, I’m getting off my blog box now.