Resource Bibliography on Willow Creek Church Situation – Part 2

@scotmcknight, a NT scholar, author, and former part of @WillowCreekCC, weighs in about Bill Hybels. Says the church did "profound injustice" to women who accused Hybels. https://t.co/eftPfdx3aW

— Bob Smietana (@bobsmietana) June 27, 2018

https://t.co/302W15ZvhK

— steve carter (@steveryancarter) June 30, 2018

Congratulations @dailyherald & @DHEricPeterson for your new gig as PR team for @wcagls. @trdevries must be over the moon with your epic work for them today. Tagging some real journalists who've covered the ongoing train wreck: @TribSeeker @bobsmietana https://t.co/8YY1rcI5bx

— benjaminady (@tripleoxymoron) July 3, 2018

This resolves the query that was posed earlier – where is the statement from @wcagls? Rather than actually do what their organization says they will do: LEAD – they make a statement through the press (which victims were chastened for doing BTW). #thatisnotleadership

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 3, 2018

I agree this a total puff piece. Other reporting suggests 1/3 of sites have pulled out. The WCA Board had a number of members resign a few years ago because this was not investigated properly. It is hard to imagine these statements are truthful about the same number of attendees.

— Andy Rowell (@AndyRowell) July 3, 2018

Aha, I get it! Maybe this is weasel words! "the number of registered attendees both for South Barrington and around the world is right on track with previous years, De Vries said." Translation: Attendance is way down in US and Canada BUT home site and international sites stable.

— Andy Rowell (@AndyRowell) July 3, 2018

It would be interesting for the reporter to ask WCA board chair @DickDeVos (husband of Betsy) https://t.co/0PYoLWMmzN and big donor https://t.co/mbdP3f37c4 for comment. Also ask De Vries to have list of other board members to inquire with. I know one who stopped hosting a site!

— Andy Rowell (@AndyRowell) July 3, 2018

What can people learn at #GLS2018? When a church associated “religious” organization responds worse to a sexual harassment and bullying crisis than The Weinstein Company. @wcagls https://t.co/iTkXsHdRTY

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 3, 2018

It would be interesting for the reporter to ask WCA board chair @DickDeVos (husband of Betsy) https://t.co/0PYoLWMmzN and big donor https://t.co/mbdP3f37c4 for comment. Also ask De Vries to have list of other board members to inquire with. I know one who stopped hosting a site!

— Andy Rowell (@AndyRowell) July 3, 2018

⁦@WillowCreekCC⁩ ⁦@wcagls⁩ Truth in love: STOP commercializing this. A session (or fall conf) on gender issues is premature (deflection) when you have failed to deal with yourselves. Idea: STOP trying to lead the Church & BE the church instead. https://t.co/UOHRyevabm

— katswhatisaid (@katswhatisaid) July 4, 2018

Adding @trdevries . When your organization has yet to even confront the problem within your "walls" with your founder – you are the least equipped to teach on this subject. Are you that convinced of your abilities that you are blinded to your failings? https://t.co/CRP5y7q9e3

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 4, 2018

In his letters to/from @WillowCreekCC Rob Speight says, "The impact of this debacle has spread globally." WCCC has 3 different public responses & more r sure to come. WC looks foolish. No longer a thought leader. Total loss of credibility. Watching. @BozT https://t.co/bQrInujwZb

— Brian Frankly (@BrianFrankly75) July 5, 2018

Thx @robsp82 for link 2 requests for @WillowCreekCC and @wcagls to own lies. These emails reveal the kind of insanity we face w ldrs who fake public contrition & act w private, calculated, deception. Continued oppression must stop. Church rise up. https://t.co/12FJpo1zO3

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 4, 2018

Thank you @Chelseaker for stating plainly what is occurring – despite how painful that recognition can be. The combination of public contrition w/continued behind the scenes manipulation is both gaslighting & heaping on more “entering into sin”. This is not what Jesus modeled.

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 4, 2018

The actions of @WillowCreekCC and @wcagls are NOT what Jesus taught or modeled.

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 4, 2018

Rob and I both independently wrote open letters today to the same people. I commend all his communications with the elders and the WCA. He is indeed a clear communicator. https://t.co/zWXDhjPhGz

— Andy Rowell (@AndyRowell) July 4, 2018

As a case study writer on toxic situations/systems, I can assure you Scot McKnight's conclusion is on point. Willow Creek Church and Association will likely be seen as flipping from famous to infamous because of their leaders' unresolved failures here.https://t.co/fTKVCkM2Bt pic.twitter.com/v1AywvUjlU

— futuristguy (@futuristguy) July 9, 2018

What he has written is phenomenal. He has described exactly what structure is in place at the megachurch I used to work for. There are many good people serving the Lord w/humility, but leadership he described is spot on. It’s frightening how accurate he is.

— Anna Keith (@annakeith) July 9, 2018

“What Willow Creek Church and Association need now is to cede autonomy and authority on this matter to a panel of highly-respected, victim-approved evangelical leaders who can guide Willow into a new future…”-SM ⁦@scotmcknight⁩ https://t.co/v7tnBrDNyk

— Leanne Mellado (@leannemellado) July 9, 2018

This case will be textbook case 4 decades on failure of a church — its Elders, its Boards… @wcagls @WillowCreekCC @CTmagazine @chicagotribune @wartwatch @jdahlmd @sacwriter @jmitchelllittle @scottwcccbt @NancyLBeach @scotmcknight https://t.co/3EHB0l2Gbs

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 9, 2018

Scot McKnight thoughtfully and wisely addresses some of the systemic issues that brought Willow to this point:https://t.co/6ZnjIzK8Qg

— Nancy Beach (@NancyLBeach) July 9, 2018

1/ @AllenCreekCC @BelPresChurch @trdevries @wcagls @GLSAus @AllanDemond https://t.co/yjBWaS5qtp "What Willow Creek Church and Association need now is to cede autonomy and authority on this matter to a panel of highly-respected, victim-approved evangelical leaders who can guide

— benjaminady (@tripleoxymoron) July 9, 2018

2/ "Willow into a new future, one that flourishes in goodness by listening to the stories and investigating Bill Hybels, the leaders, and the Elders." @Chelseaker @jdahlmd @DDRod @revkyleathens @byJimHenderson @DDRod @TribSeeker @bobsmietana @NancyLBeach @futuristguy @AndyRowell

— benjaminady (@tripleoxymoron) July 9, 2018

“What may be complicating the matter is a question some of us have: Have there been non-disclosure agreements that prevent former employees from talking? That is, severance pay for silence.”

This is 100% true. I signed a confidentiality agreement. https://t.co/BpqcE9AzUB

— Anna Keith (@annakeith) July 9, 2018

Thank you for the much needed clear summary and powerful suggestion for moving forward!!! Listen to this @WillowCreekCC, @steveryancarter, Heather Larson, elders and staff! Wisdom!

— Catherine Ellison (@cathyseelyelli4) July 9, 2018

Encouraged by these words by @steveryancarter about the way @WillowCreekCC has mishandled the misconduct allegations against Bill Hybels. I think it’s important to note that he posted this on his private blog and not on the Willow website. https://t.co/XXPJ2uF89I

— Boz Tchividjian (@BozT) June 30, 2018

When the lead teaching pastor and the Elders have 2 very different responses to the Bill Hybels sexual misconduct allegations, that's called a SCANDAL. @WillowCreekCC Elders pls confess and tell the truth. @HeatherJLarson @LoriAnneThomps2 @lollie50 @futuristguy @ennabre_bryna

— Brian Frankly (@BrianFrankly75) June 30, 2018

@CTmagazine pls report on this scandal. Join teaching pastor @steveryancarter in exposing the lies of @WillowCreekCC Elders. We now know Steve is not aligned w/ the false narrative the Elders have been pushing. Will @HeatherJLarson & Elders confess the truth? @futuristguy

— Brian Frankly (@BrianFrankly75) June 30, 2018

Thanks @steveryancarter , 4 sorrow and apology over mishandling of women who came forward. I'm praying for you as you teach @WillowCreekCC whom we deeply love. @HeatherJLarson @wcagls @chicagotribune @CTmagazine #metoo #churchtoo #silenceisnotspiritual https://t.co/kiHEvdapB3

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) June 30, 2018

Willow Creek Church leader repents for his actions and words. hopefully others will join in. Now, will they support and independent 3rd party investigation? https://t.co/X2EMgU622v

— Dee Parsons (@wartwatch) June 30, 2018

@steveryancarter has ignited a Revolution @WillowCreekCC by tipping the tea into the harbor staying silent no longer. His apology post is the shot heard around the evangelical world. #AllEyesOnTheElders Will they fight? Retreat? Join him? #WillowRevolution @futuristguy @NBAbbott1

— Brian Frankly (@BrianFrankly75) June 30, 2018

These statements of Willow Creek co-pastors & Elders were posted today (June 30). They are certain to draw critical analysis to place them in the ongoing historical context. I may retweet posts contributing to the MRI process. Retweet doesn't=endorsement.https://t.co/W3EPz6n2sb

— futuristguy (@futuristguy) July 1, 2018

1/ My friend @byJimHenderson writes "These statements are from two leaders who know they’re on a sinking ship. Their explanations, apologies and reframes sound almost to a T like the rationales the left-over elders offered after Driscoll resigned in disgrace from Mars Hill Church

— benjaminady (@tripleoxymoron) July 1, 2018

I read Steve's and thought it was genuine. Then I read Heather's then WC elders. Too similar in my opinion. "Expanding our investigative efforts to, as best we can, get to the truth around these allegations." Still allegations… https://t.co/3JfvGGuDUv

— Debra Stevens (@gotmanna) July 1, 2018

A small step but @WillowCreek co-pastors @steveryancarter, @HeatherJLarson and the elders involved need to step down for their actions so the church can begin again. @wartwatch @BrandyBetts777 @futuristguy @Chelseaker https://t.co/8uGDDmLkPw

— TXcyclist72 (@TXcyclist72) July 1, 2018

"We now believe Bill entered into areas of sin related to the allegations that have been brought forth." From Willow Creek's elders https://t.co/mLSqyD12yy

— Bob Smietana (@bobsmietana) July 1, 2018

Thank you @scotmcknight for the boldness, for trusting Holy Spirit to speak out and say truth.

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 1, 2018

“I believe the stories that Bill had interactions that were hurtful to these women.”
No @HeatherJLarson these were not ‘hurtful interactions’; they were SINS, ABUSE & SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. Somehow you always stop short of calling it what is was – Clergy Abuse https://t.co/avogmxu2fK

— Anna Keith (@annakeith) July 1, 2018

The allegations of Bill’s misconduct – which include sexual harassment & sexual misconduct are but one facet of his abuse of authority. The exposure is NOT new. Three elders resigned 4 years ago amid a refusal by @heatherjlarson and other elders to take the allegations seriously

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 1, 2018

Three WCA board members resigned after an incomplete, not thorough and extremely biased investigation by an attorney who represented Hybels and the elder team. Those 3 should be apologized to,brought back and the others sent walking.

— jackie (@jackthemanreach) July 2, 2018

"We apologize and ask for forgiveness that the “tone” of our initial response was not one of humility and deep concern for all the women involved." Is @WillowCreekCC apologizing about the tone or about the sin? What are you going to do about the sin part?

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 3, 2018

So the elders of @WillowCreekCC have been backing & defending @billhybels all along? That isn’t how the governance of a non-profit is supposed to work. The elders of WCA, then, were the ones who showed courage

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 2, 2018

Has @wcagls “cared deeply for the women who stepped forward?” Have they kept their word? @WillowCreekCC @NancyLBeach @NancyOrtberg @Chelseaker pic.twitter.com/D2djnYPlnq

— laura barringer (@lbarringer1) July 3, 2018

Heather’s statement is weak. She still stops short of calling what Bill did as sinful & abusive. She’s still using ‘perceptions’ as a denial & won’t fully call Hybels out for clergy abuse.

— Anna Keith (@annakeith) July 1, 2018

To call this abuse – flat out – means she must own that she participated in abuse willingly. Listening again this morning to her statements at the family meeting – the apology seems imbalanced. I am grateful to those who persisted in requesting truth.

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 1, 2018

We shall see.
For "Repentance" requires a waiting period. Truly knowing the heart, only God is able to forgive instantly. What we assume is "confession" from a doer or protector of such evil remains to be seen, no matter how sincere words sound. #churchtoo Matt. 7: 15-20 https://t.co/wjzHJltBzr

— Dee Ann Miller (@writer_dee) July 1, 2018

I feel Steve must stay and the others step down. No more secrets, silencing, NDA's, PR and legal. All that has been done must be revealed and those who have been sent packing, invited back with love and open arms. https://t.co/qCm2zyHS1l

— jackie (@jackthemanreach) July 1, 2018

Thank you for the refresh on the facts. I was aware of the previous attempt to reign in @billhybels abusive conduct, his leveraging of consultants & other elders. Seems anyone who crosses Hybels gets a pretty unfair treatment.

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 2, 2018

What I wonder is a why do people believe that @billhybels@is a Christ follower? Where is the changed man? Where is the fruit of the spirit?

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 2, 2018

Stop with the Christianese. He *entered into sin? Seriously. Say what you mean. He sinned by hurting women who worked for him. Bill Hybels 'Entered Into Sin,' Willow Creek Elders Now Admit, Apologizing for Not Believing Women" https://t.co/9eilw4Yb2C

— Dee Parsons (@wartwatch) July 2, 2018

If @WillowCreekCC is truly confessing and repenting – why are they avoiding candor? Which will cost the tithing members more? Continuing to pay Bill’s retirement or settling out all of the harassment and hostile workplace claims? These are the tithing members options

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 2, 2018

One option seeks to repair the damage to @billhybels victims – the other continues to reward him for harming people. And he remains completely silent publicly – while he was meeting w/ some privately to determine his timing for returning to the spotlight. until Steve spoke

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 2, 2018

Is @HeatherJLarson – are the elders of @WillowCreekCC being sincere? Invoking the morality clause may cease Hybels retirement. It may also nullify liability insurance and require Hybels to face settlement payments himself rather than casting those debts to the tithing members

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 2, 2018

Stop with the Christianese. He *entered into sin? Seriously. Say what you mean. He sinned by hurting women who worked for him. Bill Hybels 'Entered Into Sin,' Willow Creek Elders Now Admit, Apologizing for Not Believing Women" https://t.co/9eilw4Yb2C

— Dee Parsons (@wartwatch) July 2, 2018

Thank you for saying it @wartwatch If he stepped into areas of sin, he sinned. If he sinned, then @WillowCreekCC church has much more that needs to be done to rectify the slanderous statements made about women and advocates and sent around the world. #retract

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 3, 2018

Has @wcagls “cared deeply for the women who stepped forward?” Have they kept their word? @WillowCreekCC @NancyLBeach @NancyOrtberg @Chelseaker pic.twitter.com/D2djnYPlnq

— laura barringer (@lbarringer1) July 3, 2018

No. They’ve refused to retract standing by @BillHybels false claims and refused to apologize specifically to women on all media forms use to export slander about them globally. @wcagls has not gained right to speak on this topic at summit. https://t.co/pLhSH1YzWT

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 4, 2018

Thank you for saying it @wartwatch If he stepped into areas of sin, he sinned. If he sinned, then @WillowCreekCC church has much more that needs to be done to rectify the slanderous statements made about women and advocates and sent around the world. #retract

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 3, 2018

"Flat out lies" then "some are not lies", then "Hurtful" and now Willow Creek Elders admit that Bill "stepped into areas of sin". How about we investigate & see which it actually is? The women are the only ones who haven't changed their story.

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 3, 2018

What can people learn at #GLS2018? When a church associated “religious” organization responds worse to a sexual harassment and bullying crisis than The Weinstein Company. @wcagls https://t.co/iTkXsHdRTY

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 3, 2018

“So our founder was discovered to be sexually harassing and bullying people. Just because he was the founder & basically taught us all how to lead – NONE of the current leadership would ever sexually harass or bully.”https://t.co/iTkXsHdRTY

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 3, 2018

Any elder who supported BH during this season of accusation and did not adequately support the victims should resign. Just because the pastoral staff is admitting the church failed the victims is not enough. The leaders need to resign as a way of saying “We Failed Our People”.

— Mike Phillips (@sacwriter) July 3, 2018

Yes they did. Which is one of the many reasons the non-supporting elders should resign immediately.

— Mike Phillips (@sacwriter) July 3, 2018

@WillowCreekcc has released THREE different stories. #1 the original March response. 2nd statement that not all stories were lies. Now #3 this past wknd after @steveryancarter apology. So, what is their official response? How can an org that has an ever evolving story be trusted?

— Brian Frankly (@BrianFrankly75) July 4, 2018

You can only change your story if it was false in the first place. Take note @WillowCreekCC @wcagls @BillHybels @HeatherJLarson @wartwatch @wad3mullen @jdahlmd https://t.co/8Bu2EagjBm

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 4, 2018

Never-they can’t be trusted. Only in the face of undeniable testimony and/or evidence do they ‘amend’ their position & placate with empty apologies. It’s big-business-corporate-church protecting their financial interests. That’s it.

— Anna Keith (@annakeith) July 4, 2018

I was not molested, but abuse of leadership and sexual mis-conduct occurred, as written in my blog. Abuse of power is rampant in the culture. If I published all stories I’ve received since this came out, the church would weep in dismay. https://t.co/lRwfFs324U

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 4, 2018

What is the part about a staff member slandering Vonda Dyer to a host church in Texas? 😮

— Nancy Drew (@N4nceeDrew) July 4, 2018

WCA staff came to Tx and lied 2 sv Summit. He lied abt me to church ldrs who are friends. He lied 2nd time saying I demanded response in 24 hours. I’ve asked 4 a specific public apology. 2 lies. Still no apology nor retraction of @BillHybels false defense.👀

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 4, 2018

This conduct by @wcagls appears that DeVries and DeMos opted to read Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power – but neither even invested in that & they are operating from the titles of each chapter. This is further reason why #GLS2018 is a horrid place to learn leadership

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 4, 2018

Here's the response from @AllenCreekCC where we're protesting this Sunday. Brace yourself it's horrific. They characterise the response from @wcagls as "the organisation handled it well". https://t.co/pZTelJtWQ4 @byJimHenderson @bobsmietana @TribSeeker @AllanDemond @jdahlmd

— benjaminady (@tripleoxymoron) July 4, 2018

Here's the response from @AllenCreekCC where we're protesting this Sunday. Brace yourself it's horrific. They characterise the response from @wcagls as "the organisation handled it well". https://t.co/pZTelJtWQ4 @byJimHenderson @bobsmietana @TribSeeker @AllanDemond @jdahlmd

— benjaminady (@tripleoxymoron) July 4, 2018

Did anyone else notice: (1)they are asking the opinion of women [appearance of caring] while (2) making subtle devaluing comments: first w/"joking" that ppl don't know who the women are/can't tell them apart & the referring to the women being in the "cheap seats."?

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 4, 2018

This combines manipulation of the audience: appearing to value women's opinion, shows women being sympathetic to @billhybels with perpetuating Hybel-esque subtle digs at women.

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 4, 2018

Stop. When you started without all the elements together, you went off track in the arena of sexual harassment and abusive treatment in the workplace. That is not leadership. Someone needs to pull the red cord and stop the train. People are hurt and you’re not even pausing.

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 5, 2018

“Public figures” who block are revealing tremendous insecurities and demand for control. Does that sound like a changed heart and repentance? He’s back to being a celebrity pastor after a year in the wilderness? It is very sad that the message of cheap grace is so appealing

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 7, 2018

Changing the script is a core trait of deception. When you only care about audience perception, you will manage the information they receive and then adapt your performance depending on how they respond to new knowledge. That’s why apologies often follow public outcry.

— Wade Mullen (@wad3mullen) July 7, 2018

Please don't take this as a cheap shot. There has been a lot of good fruit from Willow Creek and Bill Hybels. Neither should be vilified. Yet, IMO it is important to take note of: About 10 years ago Willow Creek (after… https://t.co/IFmnH49p04

— lanceford (@lanceford) July 9, 2018

That’s really insightful. It is a problem with thinking that we can do things in our own wisdom and strength—which makes us then think that we are so much smarter than anyone else, which leads to spiritual abuse.

— SheilaGregoire (@sheilagregoire) July 9, 2018

I led in a Willow Creek Association church. I wrote about how it uprooted my soul, my pastoral leadership, my discipleship, and what it took to find my roots again. https://t.co/SflYSrOSWp pic.twitter.com/kDlEnYuFDF

— Dan White Jr. (@danwhitejr) July 9, 2018

Bill Hybels failure is not solely about one man's sin. It's also about a style and system of CEO/Hierarchical leadership that's sold to the masses that builds ego-monsters.

— Dan White Jr. (@danwhitejr) July 9, 2018

This compounds the problem of people with NPD entering “ministry.” Those who have NPD see churches as fertile opportunity. Those w/traits can worsen. People in the congregation look to the pastor, not Jesus. https://t.co/U4usn7RhKV

— Julia Dahl (@jdahlmd) July 9, 2018

Agree I even screenshot their changing claims. It has been insanity to even try to reason with them. I stated this on my call with an elder. It why they hv no trust and are not fit to lead. pic.twitter.com/yBovBAT7lA

— Vonda J Dyer (@Chelseaker) July 4, 2018