…and be sure your sin will find you out.
-Numbers 32:23, KJV
In a devastating article by Laurie Goodstein for The New York Times, Rev. Bill Hybels enters the limelight again for allegations of sexual impropriety.
This time the accuser is Pat Baranowski who was an assistant to Rev. Bill Hybels back in the 1980s. According to the article:
“That first back rub [by Bill Hybels which included him unhooking her bra] in 1986 led to multiple occasions over nearly two years in which he fondled her breasts and rubbed against her. The incidents later escalated to one occasion of oral sex. “
You can read the rest of the article (here). To me, the allegations appear rather credible especially in light of all the surrounding information including that Baranowski reported this matter to a pastor years ago whom she swore to secrecy.
All of this is sickening:
-It is sickening that Bill Hybels (allegedly) did all these things.
-It is sickening that Willow Creek Church did not hold him accountable when allegations started coming the light.
-It is sickening the damage all this sinful behavior by church leaders is doing the Church.
It is a cautionary tale about giving one individual too much power. And it warns us not to worship our leaders–including and maybe especially–church leaders.
Only Jesus is worthy.
As a side note, this does not invalidate the good things God did through Rev. Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Church. God still can work through people even if they are sinners, thankfully. Besides, the sober warning in Matthew 7:22-23 does not deny people spiritual works. It just denies Jesus knew these people.
