This post is merely to inform my readership of a recent development. The recent report merely confirms what was already rather apparent regarding Bill Hybels.
For those who are unaware, an independent group (Independent Advisory Group (AIG)) did a review of matters regarding the Bill Hybels fiasco and how things were handled by Willow Creek Community Church (WCCC) and Willow Creek Association (WCA).
They issued their report on their findings on February 26, 2019. For the list of those involved on the committee as well as their findings, you can read their full report by clicking here.
Here are four of their twelve conclusions from the report:
1. Allegations of sexually inappropriate words and actions by Bill Hybels in the context of his ministry and leadership of Willow Creek Community Church and the Willow Creek Association are credible.
2. The credibility of the allegations is not based on any one accusation or accuser but on the collective testimony and context of the allegations.
3. The credibility of the allegations would have been sufficient for Willow Creek Community to initiate disciplinary action if Bill Hybels had continued as pastor of the church.
4. Bill Hybels verbally and emotionally intimidated both female and male employees.
Statement removes all doubt, in my opinion, regarding serious sexual sin and leadership issues at Willow Creek Community Church as it comes to Bill Hybels. It is sad how much power was given to a man who clearly had significant flaws left unaddressed over the course of many years.
Nancy Beach, a Bill Hybels victim, has posted her take on the report on The Wartburg Watch (link here).
My thought:
I hope the church learns from this. Celebrity and charisma is not a substitute for character and godliness.
