HippoChurch

First off, let me say I’ve never attended a Willow Creek service in my life. I have attended a leadership conference there and watched a few via simulcast.

Recently, under the Reveal project, Willow has been sharing some of their research into what their ministry model has produced over the years. They’ve admitted some mistakes they’ve made along the way. I say all of this simply to establish that I’m not some rabid, Willow-can-do-wrong fan.

Okay, with that out of the way, I am so saddened and disappointed to see the condemnation, the “I told you so” attitude, and pure gloating among some in the Christian community over the courage a church and its leadership had to undertake some self-examination, admit their mistakes and publicly share what they’ve found. It’s out there. Just do a Google search for “willow creek” and “reveal”. Lots of prideful revelry in the links and postings that follow.

I think what disgusts me the most is all the “mature” believers and clergy spouting their judgment on Willow’s efforts over the decades - to a point where it almost seems like they desire to see its leaders publicly repent to them, before God. I can’t believe the pride in that and the repeated damage that does to the Church’s mission.

Anyway, though I have no allegiance to Willow, I would like to publicly thank them for the lives they’ve changed through their ministry efforts over the years. There are thousands of people in the Kingdom today because of all you’ve done, and thank you for the beautiful, healthy and refreshing practice of self-examination before God and the transparency you’ve demonstrated with this Reveal effort.

The mistakes you feel you’ve made are common to all of us in the church world: You seek God’s heart and try your best to minister to people. You experience some success with some of your methods, so you seize upon them and develop programs to support it. The challenge in that is not to systemize it to the point that you end up making the program “sacred” when God has clearly continued to move on.

That’s not unique to Willow. It’s common to man. We frequently run to Him when we need answers or relief, only to drift away once those are provided. For all the mud-slingers out there, try some of that self-examination medicine first and thank God for this very public reminder that’s been provided through Willow to constantly examine what we do in His light. Sincere thanks, Willow, for your humility and transparency.