Given the name Cephas, walking on water (for a time), given the keys of the kingdom and the charge to strengthen the brethren and feed the Lords sheep, speaking out on Pentecost after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, sharing the Gospel with Cornelius and the Gentiles, and everything else listed in Acts 1-15. I had the same thought about his promotion of women. it takes a very long time to finally look at things as they actually are and admit Pastor is not only not a decent guy, but whether hes aware of it or not, hes likely sold out to the service of hell itself!, When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time. Maya Angelou, https://jodiwalle.com/openlettertojohnortberg. Do you believe it is someone posing as her, or do you think she is in on it? One does not mess with God and get away with it. I do not know the answer to this question but red flags are waving up, down and all around this situation. She claims Bill Hybels brought up the incident in Hawaii about the ambien. if one has enough of those there seems to be a scale to weigh behaviors against. But, I seriously doubt your using scripture as a club will shame, convince or condemn many here. Actually, those are the tools of the enemy, formerly called deception and it is THAT which God desires to rescue us from. . This is ALL so disappointing and disheartening. It goes with safe spaces at college. Plausible deniability for Bill. I am so very proud of her and with how hard this has been on everyone. Its the same thing my university wrings their hands over. Eloquence is a gift from God, but it is only the Holy Spirit working through the folly of proclaiming Christ crucified that ever won a single soul. Dont jump to quickly to the question, How could an honest, intelligent person not have seen what was happening under his or her nose for years?. Is it even possible that one leads to the other, as the power dynamic created by abuse is addictive? This is kind of my gig, you know. I thought it was weird when my friends dads would kiss my cheek but I recognized that was a cultural difference really and let it be. Bill Hybels and Willow Creek, Ravi Zacharias, Steve Timmis and Acts 29, Hillsong New York City pastor Carl Lentz, James MacDonald and Harvest Bible Chapel are just a few of the names I could list. We are talking about someone very well paid to teach Jesus and model that teaching. Sovereign Grace Ministries The church and association are no longer paying Hybels a salary or other payments, according to the report, but a binding retirement agreement is still in place until 2020. I have yet to ask these people what they think of all this. Wailing Wall-Satanic Ritual? Let an outside, independent firm handle the information discretely and fairly. Yes, it should be mentioned. I have encountered such men who speak pridefully about how many they have saved. Thats why it cant be measured in terms of numbers, and in the case of Graham and Hybels are likely massively inflated anyway, and again, they dont get the numbers credit in any event, because its not that simple, its an enormously complex process that leads anyone to this or that place where they hear a message that the Holy Spirit uses to tip them over the fence. Character is revealed, not when things are going our way but when things are painful. So just what is romance? Is Bill Hybels still married? It is clear to me that God did not want this hidden any longer.. Honestly, there is a lot of gossip here and on other social media about all this. Weve heard it before Drugs made me do it Alcohol made me do it My wife made me do it etc. 4 unwanted extended hugs (thats including Nancy Ortbergs latest revelation). Listen to yourself, Brad! That length is reserved for the husband/wife relationship, comforting someone, or greeting someone close whom you havent seen in a long time. And ironically, asking that question is why. Time for repentance not damage control. 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. * Now, it all falls into place: Wow, Im not the only person this happened to. This was real. This was wrong.. Read the Bible. Not a word. In this day and age, no one wants to get their name caught in the tangled web. I get Im not welcome here. I was extremely uncomfortable with Hybels repeatedly reminding the church he was the one leading the charge to empower women. He needs nothing, needs none of us, but He loves us and makes us a part of His plan. As weve seen in recent years, email and other digital documents have become important sources of evidence in various kinds of disputes and court cases. @ Julie: There are many similar type of things over the years I did not mention. 3 comments are deleted. unteachable. Thank goodness at least that at church when we pass the peace we literally clasp a hand briefly and say peace (literally that) and this is the entire procedure. Sit under Jesus Christs leadership in the future. One was at the Heidelblog about Tom Chantry and one at the Wee Flea about Iain Campbell, and both bloggers were commanding readers not to gossip, slander, or even form an opinion because we dont know anything, and maybe we dont even WANT to know anything. I think the *Ambien* excuse is important in this account. I understand why comments are moderated Im not criticizing. There are many similar type of things over the years I did not mention. Redemption. Who are we to say which it is when somebody lances a boil and the pus drains out; but to continue the analogy the boil existed before the surgeons knife got anywhere near it. I am disappointed at the congregation who gave the standing ovations but they havent been told all the facts. Honestly, there is a lot of gossip here and on other social media about all this. Is there love afte. Dont work for Megas, folks. The naked woman swimming around the boat incident he related in a way to make himself appear understanding and concerned for her welfare. Bill Cosby, no less, but under the umbrella of a church. @ Erp: Thank you for bringing this to everyones attention!! I believe her account. But is that truthful? The next morning, Bill and I were the first ones at breakfast in the hotel. "Who will pay for the SBCs abuse reforms over the long term? Refuse to settle for eloquent lechers. If we removed the words and reasoning from the picture, it could be seen precisely as that but not when we see the object and the need for the action. But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have made Him hide His face from you so that He does not listen. (Isaiah 59:1-2). Not one. Shameful! Make an Example of one, and a hundred will fall right into line, bleating praises. Status? @ Bridget: 4:10-11 ESV), For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. But thats over the course of 42 years of ministry! @ Davis and Natasha: 40 years of it. In April 2018, when Bill Hybels' scandal got out, John Ortberg turned on his former master . Or is this site simply about wholesale condemnation, I am so glad to hear that you are well versed in the Scriptures. Hybels, of Barrington, is married to Willow Creek senior pastor and founder Bill Hybels.Lynne Hybels . Why is it people cannot just go to work,college, etc, without the social safety net of artificial group belonging? Since Hybels resigned, a few of the accusers have stated that they did not want it to come to that. People not in the mega inner circle world dont understand it. Sadly, I feel confident that this has not infrequently been engineered by the profiteers running these circus-show churches. Given the complexity and amount of ongoing business involved in a multi-million-dollar, multi-campus enterprise, I would thank that their legal counsel would have ensured that documents (including emails) from all board members, staff, and other employees would need to be preserved, in case of legal/criminal issues arising. How many church leaders are not of His sheep ? Note how often those being accused are the old dogs, gone or soon to be gone from the public eye anyway. No one. William Hybels is an American author and church figure. If he was having problems with women when taking Ambien, why didnt he stop taking it and get help? I go even further with it, Jack. One has nothing to do with the other. Is it that tough for you to give Bill Hybels any redeeming value? For the whole world-system, based as it is on mens primitive desires, their greedy ambitions and the glamour of all that they think splendid, is not derived from the Father at all, but from the world itself. (1 John 2:16 Phillips), And then theres this: This is not Christianity. WC is Hybels no matter how much they protest. That attitude was a LOT more prevalent than people think. Lynne Hybels and Bill Hybels have two grown children, Shauna Niequist and Todd Hybels, and one son-in-law, Aaron Niequist.. Is it not I, the LORD? Im probably sensitive about this because Ive seen the this is what you get for being an egalitarian on social media and it drives me nuts. Its all God this, God that, God God God. just questioning a seeker sensitive approach can bring down a fair amount of push -back , heat, and attacks on your faith So, now the geru of it has resigned, over minor or mad eup attacks?? Things are starting to get ugly. I dont want to think poorly of John Ortberg too. Learn to value yourself. Nancy, like Vonda, believed her experience with Bill was an isolated incident. I do agree with you, however, that there is enough blame and there has been enough time and somebody should have done something long ago, if that is what you are saying. You just described me. Leaders who are ambassadors for Christ can cause crises of faith when they break the 3rd Commandment Thou shall not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain. 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. What needs to be addressed is that this is not a matter of somehow eliminating the existence of random perverts, as if such a thing were possible. Publishers are pulling back for a reason. Where is the debater of this age? No one walks away unascathed. Actually, hugging creates a release of oxytocin (also known as the cuddle hormone) in the human body, which can artificially create a sense of trust and closeness. Theres theory, and then practise. * Scripture does not discuss it that way. Have you any clue how prideful this sounds? The Old Lutheran website has a bunch of shirts and coffee mugs with the word saint on one side and sinner on the others. I dont know about anybody else, but when I see something bonkers like that I tend to leave it alone, @ Forrest: God is a title. Thank you for that comment, Lydia. Your boss? He pulled me aside and asked me if anything had happened. My first international trip with Willow Creek as a staff member was to Tasmania. My bad. I dont see how Willow Creek can move forward with the existing board. I knew all this stuff from my secular org development career but did not transfer it to the church setting right way. Jodi Walle, who worked for John Ortberg, has written a note. At one mega, the pastors alleged other woman was the missions director. And ironically, asking that question is why. Like the real estate/mortgage broker years ago who the day before the search warrant came down, backed up an industrial shredder van to their office for an all-day shred-everything party. Instead, these women were displayed like his leadership trophies. If I were a member, I would call for a complete replacement. I outlined above the typical reasons people dont mention uncomfortable incidents with someone they trust or admire. Same outrage. He may or may not have been directly abusing his own wife, but he surely was abusing the women in his church who he targeted. Moths making holes in a cloak, So much emphasis on good works at home & abroad, what about treating your brothers & sisters in leadership with respect that comes from a relationship w/ Christ. There are evil people who look like good people. I was contemplating a megachurch model the other day where teaching pastors had term limits or rotating speakers. Rats gnawing cables in two; The CIA is able to protect their emails as well. All the retreats, big brother making sure you attend mid week activities (I know of some megas that were playing around with a card swipe for staff to make sure they were attending services and staying), the need to be cool, your personal assistants doing your clothes shopping, etc, etc. Publicado por Por stardew valley creepypasta septiembre 22, 2021 tvistevgen ume flashback Por stardew valley creepypasta septiembre 22, 2021 tvistevgen ume flashback At least you know what they are upfront . its all changed. By your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned Jesus Matthew 12:37. Even as red flag after red flag goes up, we push them aside (btw, I now view red flags as the Holy Spirit calling out Warning, this needs careful thought.). And whistleblowers are rarely the pristine good guys with no baggage. Dont confuse the two. Peter loved Jesus and responded in anger- causing physical harm to Malchus. Ok whats wrong with this picture?? Forgiveness after repentance is one thing (and a rare thing if someone never actually admits to anything beyond a mistakes in judgment were made public spin). Lynne was picked for a spot on President Barack Obama's President's Advisory Council on . None of the first seven ecumenical councils dealt with this topic, which pretty much means that the line of heresy was never defined. Again, the new york . I did. Hooray for David. I find it a it off putting that anyone would keep a list of *how many have you led to Christ. Some sources say that they dated for five years, broke up, got engaged then broke their engagement and later got back together and finally got married. I bet she had help. Perhaps its just honest ignorance, perhaps its denial. Conferences in exotic locales, entitlement, accolades, a volunteer workforce that actually gives you 10% of their earnings. Does Bill Hybels teach pastors how to get more friendly with his staff, but keep it under raps? The comments we disallow often have to do with abuse of victims along with some other things. We have preached a get of jail free gospel of buy the ticket and everything is as if it never happened. Listen to yourself, Brad! Example, why did you agree in front of everyone to stay after everyone they all left,you idiot. Nothing brings the True Believer attack dogs out of the woodwork like even the hint of Blasphemy against their REAL god. They are rarely anything alike. I was deeply wounded and deeply burdened with guilt and self anger. @ Barbara Roberts: Things add up all too well, sadly. We could apply those words to the most recent statement by Mr Hybels. Its evidence. @ dee: So what favor did he do you (that you did not tell me about) that made him think that you owed him? But then . 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Not every Christian is called to be an evangelist, but every Christian should have a heart for the lost. LOL I sure never did on the few creepy weirdo hugs I was subjected to! And us adults have to learn not to be so easily snookered by evil experts masquerading as wonderful people and pass red flags along to children. But thats over the course of 42 years of ministry! Thats why its not overblown to discuss patterns of behavior over a 40 year period from different sources about a pastor who spent his career begging us all to look at me! Maybe He is cleaning house. @ Davis and Natasha: Read reviews from world's largest community for readers. Or would he start looking for material for making a whip? The Church is built on Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, not on them. Women get to decide if they want to be touched or not, and oh he did not mean anything by should never even have to be brought into play-in the workplace. AFAIK they havent yet made any corrections or denials. Are you aware, Mr. Brucker, that you are essentially playing with a full house or a straight flush in the rationalization department? I scream enough already. You can do a lot more damage with one Suggestion in the right place than a dozen Fireballs. So, does that mean the alleged improprieties, at least for them, are not #Metoo worthy offenses? Big. Hybels problem seemed to be hotel rooms. Thanks, Futurist Guy. 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? It is clear to me that God did not want this hidden any longer. When you read it, I think you might as well. On the surface, an extended hug may seem harmless, even though deep down it creeps you out a little. 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. Its ridiculous. I know, Ive been there. Let me give you some good news. You have been wanting to run the ad and move on. However, I am not going to let every Tom, Dick and Joe Salitas to copy and paste the letter into this comment section. WCC defenders. The church isnt being destroyed. @ brad/futuristguy: The church is doing fine. The works of an evangelist is to call people to Jesus. Who is Bill Hybels? Mary, you judge day in and day out. I mean, most say they want the truth. Wild!!! Betty Schmidt gave 5 specific ways the current Willow Creek elders have misquoted and misrepresented her. Read the books and follow the formula. I sat on a committee for two years which did nothing but brainstorm ways to increase retention rates and decrease progression time through our programsour biggest nightmare was the student who didnt get connected to some group, we knew they were likely to get lonely, drop out, go back to their hometown and become a settled-in townie. Alway such an emphasis on putting Willow Creek 1st, how about putting Jesus 1st? I could go on and one, but my point is that serial abusers are very, very clever. My former abusive, cultish and abuser-friendly church was positively obsessed with unity. The pastor preached on it continually. She had no way of knowing of other incidents and we now see why. Ive been silently wondering the same. I get Im not welcome here. 1 comment about arms Many of them rented out old Walmart stores and added satellite campuses with downlinks. As someone who didnt grow up in the church, I see the deep value of it. (That last one is pure fun in a mega church because you have to trust the elders/boards. They have changed so many lives for the good. If it is seeing a good friend after a long time, a family member, etc, understandable. Thanks Clockwork Angel! We have not seen courageous leadership. And jet setting. The couple was hitched in 1974. @ Jack: Its not the victim. Its time stamped documentation. That is where I had to start over. There are no winners here. Thanks, Barbara, for your outstanding work. We have a problem with people who now want to pile on the growing number of women who are coming forward with similar stories. The principles are sound, thoughwell enough to be applied to anyone's marriage, especially those looking to place God in the middle. They are pits of mass deception and subterfuge. The fact that people post here and not just give up on the church and Christainty gives me great comfort the NT clearly warns of false profits amoung the brethern and clearly teaches we should have qualified leaders. Position? I guess you are not aware of the president for whom Hybels was a spiritual advisor. It never appeared that they were the type of people that would not speak up. Bye! Bill Hybels touched me, hugged me invited me to his room I left then went to my hotel room and cried.. In 2001 my church began instituting #MLKWeekend in our annual church calendar, focusing on teachings of #MLK & the tragic legacy of systemic racism. The solution? People you work with? Realizing it WAS NOT YOU. In the last few months as this media storm has rained down confusion and . In 2018, sexual misconduct allegations had been alleged against Bill Hybels. But it is the structure, really. He would be better for a while, and then get physical again. Jose has interviewed TOP CLASS Global Christian Leaders. (Hoping they picked the right winning faction). Invited women to their hotel rooms FWIW, Id love the notification option tooI have the opposite problem as Barb. Further, if a few women get run over in this situtation it is fine, and in other cases if a bunch of litlle boys get rapped, thats OK since in long run the positives outway the negatives. For most organizations, hard questions and analytical thinking is NOT desirable, as it will almost always challenges the official orthodoxy and might even unmask hidden agendas. And deeply burdened with guilt and self anger the most recent statement by Mr Hybels friend. Of women: there are evil people who look like good people one has of. 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