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13 Lessons Learned From Hybels Moral Failure
Thirteen lessons I have learned from the failure of Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Board.
I am sure that many of us have been reflecting on the events at Willow Creek Community Church. Let me share some of my reflections and observations as to lessons that the church at large can learn from this.
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One
There are no perfect organizations, churches, or people. We are all broken in public or private ways. And we all need grace and truth.
Two
Never assume that any Christian leader is above sin or failure. Apart from God's grace we also are vulnerable.
Three
Ministry and church boards need to hold their leaders and themselves accountable for behavior regardless of their significance, size, or success.
Four
Ministry boards are far better off when they embrace the truth rather than try to spin information to protect themselves, their reputation, or their leaders.
Five
If we don't police our sinful tendencies and are not honest about them, then we run the risk of failure. No one is exempt from attacks from the enemy, and we cannot stand alone.
Six
Hidden sin inevitably becomes public. Deal with it now rather than hoping it will remain unknown. The shame will be hard, but the hiding it further can be catastrophic.
Seven
Church boards are accountable to the congregation and God, not exclusively their senior leader and his opinion, ideas, and visions. When a board does not hear and act on the information the congregation and God give them, they will eventually be found out and lose their credibility.
Eight
It takes courage to serve on a church board when the truth must be spoken. You may be considered unpopular, but silence is agreement. It usually takes at least one courageous person to open a robust dialogue.
Nine
The failure of a leader impacts everyone. It does not just hurt the staff team, it impacts the congregation, it impedes the vision, and it discredits the church at large.
Ten
All of us need a group of safe men with whom we can be completely honest about our struggles. Struggling alone is a recipe for failure.
Eleven
God can redeem but only if we come clean. True repentance isn't easy as it removes pride and requires humility. But God heals the broken and uses them when they fully submit to him.
Twelve
The Willow Creek lessons will be leadership and governance fodder for years to come. Listen carefully to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so you or your church does not become a negative illustration as well.
Thirteen
Never discount an accusation of abuse charged against a leader. The wounded don't need to be wounded again by disbelief and dismissal.
Vince Miller is a speaker, author, and mentor to men. He is an authentic and transparent leader who loves to communicate to audiences on the topics of mentorship, fathering, leadership and manhood. He has authored 13 books and small group curriculum for men and is the primary content creator of all Resolute materials. Contact Vince Miller here. His newest book is Thirty Virtues That Build A Man.