Well, it seems that the folks at Willow Creek have finally realized that the Burger King ("Have it Your Way") philosophy of ministry is not all its cracked up to be. Turns out, all of their catering to the self-centered appetites of their "consumers" has done very little to promote real spiritual growth. Read all about it here.
Here's the good news: They admitted it without trying to rationalize, make excuses, or spin the story. I applaud that rare expression of humility.
Here's the bad news: For 30 years, churches across the country have been abandoning the Biblical message and means of ministry for the Willow Creek model, assuming that numerical growth was as important or perhaps indicative of real spiritual growth and disciplemaking. My first concern is -- how many of these churches will even discover the startling revelations of Willow Creek's self evaluation? Will they continue blissfully along the primrose path of their status quo without even being aware of this cause for concern? My second concern is -- how many will learn of these discoveries, but refuse to change because of fear of losing people, having to trim staff and/or salaries, having to cut programs, or God-forbid downsize facilities? My third concern is -- will those who recognize and change return to Biblical means or will they seek the latest fad or trend to replace Hybelsism? My fourth concern is -- why did it take 30 years of doing ministry this way and several years of study to discover this? It seems to me that a cursory knowledge of the New Testament and some personal familiarity with the people to whom they are "ministering" would have revealed it long before now!
Here's the good news: They admitted it without trying to rationalize, make excuses, or spin the story. I applaud that rare expression of humility.
Here's the bad news: For 30 years, churches across the country have been abandoning the Biblical message and means of ministry for the Willow Creek model, assuming that numerical growth was as important or perhaps indicative of real spiritual growth and disciplemaking. My first concern is -- how many of these churches will even discover the startling revelations of Willow Creek's self evaluation? Will they continue blissfully along the primrose path of their status quo without even being aware of this cause for concern? My second concern is -- how many will learn of these discoveries, but refuse to change because of fear of losing people, having to trim staff and/or salaries, having to cut programs, or God-forbid downsize facilities? My third concern is -- will those who recognize and change return to Biblical means or will they seek the latest fad or trend to replace Hybelsism? My fourth concern is -- why did it take 30 years of doing ministry this way and several years of study to discover this? It seems to me that a cursory knowledge of the New Testament and some personal familiarity with the people to whom they are "ministering" would have revealed it long before now!
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