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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Winds of Change at Willow Creek

The winds of change are blowing at Willow Creek. A recent announcement by Willow Creek's elders state that Randy Frazee is leaving and moving to Texas where he will teach and lead in partnership with pastor and author, Max Lucado.

Gene Appel, the Lead Pastor for Willow Creek's South Barrington campus is also leaving for another pastorate.

Change happens. I don't necessarily like change, but recognize that it is necessary. God is always looking for us to trust Him and grow in faith to give Him glory. I pray that these two men seek after God's will for their lives and that they honor Him in all that they do. I pray that they lead Christ-centered churches void of marketing tactics and fad trends.

The only other thoughts that I had when I read the news was sonething that struck me as odd.

Here is an excerpt...

"On January 17, 2008 the Elders of Willow Creek and Bill Hybels agreed that Bill will assume the role of Lead Pastor-South Barrington in addition to his other senior pastor responsibilities, which include oversight of the Regional Campuses and the Willow Creek Association. "


Other senior pastor duties of overseeing the campuses and association?

As far as I know, pastors are supposed to feed the sheep (John 21:15-17) and protect the sheep (Acts 20:28-29).

2nd Timothy 4:2 says a lot right here, too... "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."

Now I'm not saying that one does not need a sense of administration regarding a large congregation, it (the article) just struck me as kind of odd in laying out administration as prime examples of what a pastor does.

These two men, have a large "recognition factor". I pray that these two keep to their calling and not follow some of the things that Willow Creek did and that the Lord uses them mightily in their new ventures.

Because Truth matters,
George

1 comment:

Diana said...

Hmmm I went to your link about the Voice of the Martyrs and was a bit stung by what I read. I was curious and went to http://www.willowcreek.com/
just to see their web site. I found a link to member churches under find a church. I am assuming that these churches that are listed in their database support willow Creek in all that they do and practice.

The following is directly quoted from their site. Read it however you want

"All WCA Member Churches have affirmed the central doctrines of the Bible reflected in the WCA Statement of Faith and also presented in the historic creeds of the Christian faith."

What does that mean? Hmmmmm

I am not kncking Willow Creek or the churches that join with them, I just find it curious. I found it intresting and maybe a bit enlightening that the WCA statement of Faith came before the historic creeds of Christianity. Mincing of words I know, but it was just an observation.