Check out these two short video clips about how Willow Creek Community Church is having to reinvent how they do church. This one is from Greg Hawkins, one of their executive staff members, who talks about research they’ve done at their church and others that has revealed to them the need to restructure their efforts in regard to disciple making. This one is from Bill Hybels himself in talking about what it means for their church. An article entitled Willow Creek Repents? can be found here. This is some fascinating stuff and one that all church leaders need to see and read. These guys have my respect. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
I saw this, it seems they are going more into a missional mindset.
http://www.matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org
What a revolutionary idea—research that great pool of untapped ideas and information commonly known as ” the congregation.” This is reminiscent of the old story about the men who argued for hours over how many teeth a particular horse had. The argument ended only when one of them thought to open the horse’s mouth and count the teeth. Likewise, how can church leaders know the needs of the congregation until they “open the horse’s mouth and count the teeth.” People who are somehow included in the decision making processes of any organized effort, are more likely to take ownership and become more motivated and productive workers in that effort.
The research data was interesting, and I agree with the conclusion that we all need to learn how to self-feed. There are times when spiritual growth might depend on this alone. Does this differ from daily Bible reading?
Brad,
I’ll check out the links. Sounds interesting.
John Dobbs recommended your blog as one to include in our book The Church of Christ is Blogging. If interested, send me one of your blog articles from 2007 and a link, a brief bio, why you blog, and a description of your blog. Send to benoverby@specialtywriting.com
Thanks,
Ben Overby
Brad,
Thank you so much for the links it is appreciated so much. I love Bill Hybels and his books on being an authentic Christian, Too Busy Not To Pray, and others. I do believe he has been a fantastic pastor to his congregation. I do think maybe the way they have approach worship, small groups and other things could have been differenly. The word “Repent” though is a strong word though. I don’t think Hybel’s maybe using the word out of context a bit. Thanks again for you articles links.