Comments on: Randy Frazee and Gene Appel are leaving Willow Creek Community Church

By: mrclm

mrclm — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:39:56 +0000

Trevor,
I would disagree with your assessment of Willow Creek leading people astray. I’m comfortable betting that Willow has changed more eternities than your church, and I don’t even know where you attend. You can disagree with their methodology, I even fit that category somewhat, but to think that they aren’t preaching Christ and Him crucified, or that they aren’t preaching the whole counsel of the Bible is ignorant at best. I don’t always agree with their interpretation, but that is the case almost anywhere. I don’t always agree with John MacArthur either, but that doesn’t mean I think he is leading people down the wrong path either.

And to Willow’s credit, they have very publicly admitted that they have room to improve. Their whole “Reveal” study is evidence of their openness – an openness that few other churches are willing to share. They have published a book about their shortcomings, and are taking steps to change. Certainly they’ll remain flawed, as will every church that has humans in it.

By: Trevor Carpenter

Trevor Carpenter — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:13:47 +0000

“Bill Hybels IS Willow.”

Wow. This reveals so much about the failures of Willow Creek. Maybe the elders will bring in a leader, to replace those who left, that will teach the whole Word of God, and not neglect those parts that they don’t like.

Maybe Willow Creek will become a leader in the Christian church, instead of leading so many away.

By: Eileen Carlisle

Eileen Carlisle — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:01:12 +0000

I am absolutely ecstatic that Bill has returned to our “local church” – He is outstanding – I never left when the others took over, I assumed God would bring Bill back to us and He has. Bill Hybels IS Willow. Since he has returned, I feel like our Willow is back to being our home. THank you, God!

By: DEBBIE BARBES

DEBBIE BARBES — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:05:44 +0000

RANDY WE ARE THE ALVARADO FAMILY TRACY OUR DAUGHTER WAS IN YOUR HOME GROUP THOSE WERE THE DAYS WELL BANJO MAN WEVE MISSED YOUR WIFE AND FAMILY AND FAMILY IS NOT TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED WELL TO NIGHTS DEBBIES 56TH BIRTHDAY AND WERE ALL TOGETHER AT TRACYS HOME ON WOODSONG BY LAKE ARLINGTON YOU WERE MY KEEP IT SIMPLE GUY GO FOR IT AND ON YOUR WAY UP TO FT WTH YOU HAVE A OPEN INVITATION FOR SOME AWESOME MESQUITE STEAKS LOVE IS SIMPLE WITH MY FRIEND JESUS NOW THATS A BLESSING BILLY AND DEBBIE BARNES

By: Rod

Rod — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:00:18 +0000

I am grateful for Gene wherever he goes. He is a leader and I believe he knows his place. He built a huge huge following in Las Vegas and left a mark not many remember but the few who have known him in silence over the years. He is a strong person and god will deliver him wherever he is needed. I don’t read any politics into any of this as it is Gods timing not ours.
Many of us are so excited to see him speak again in Las Vegas the first weekend in April and anxious to find out where he is planting himself.
I wish he stayed in one place ha. You will hear huge words on this leader in the near future/maybe some TV time!

By: Loni Labak

Loni Labak — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:13:15 +0000

It is not for anyone to judge when God calls someone to do his work. He calls us out to “be the church” and we must listen. That is what Gene, Randy and Mike are doing. Is that what you do?

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:40:29 +0000

Many do not find it a coincidence that three pastors have left at once. I like Willow a lot but this was handled very poorly. Bill Hybels founded the church, so for an elder to get up and announce the news of this was quite disappointing. Bill announced all of these pastors coming to the church initially and he should have been the one to talk about them leaving. Furthermore, to hear an elder say that “Bill has graciously agreed to step back into the role of lead pastor” seemed a bit strange given that everyone knows that Bill is the one running the church. I found it very strange that an elder would make this statement given that the congregation barely ever hears anything from an elder in services. It was even more disappointing to hear Bill barely muster a few words about these pastors then start in on talking about the environment. I just hope that a lesson can be learned from this and that Willow will move forward in a positive manner.