Every time I hear Bill Hybels speak, I wonder… Do you think Bill recognizes the impact he’s had on the church? You can agree or disagree with the approach Willow uses to help people who are far from God become fully-devoted followers of Christ. (I happen to think their strategy really works.) But whether you do or not, it seems like we owe Bill Hybels a sincere thank you.

Thirty years ago, there was one way to do church. That way worked for a lot of people–but it didn’t work for everyone. God used Bill Hybels to change the way we look at the ministry of the local church. Now, there’s lots of conversation and sometimes debate about what the local church should look like. That dialogue would not be happening if God hadn’t raised up a leader to bring a unique vision, release creativity and consider the freedoms we have to offer Jesus in a new way. That’s what God has used Bill and the ministry of Willow Creek to do. For that, I’m incredibly thankful. And, that’s why whenever Bill speaks, I tend to engage just a little bit more, because I know God’s hand is all over this leader and God has used Bill Hybels in an incredible way to build His church.

Now, back to today’s session. Bill shared a number of stories from the early days of Willow. He talked about times he could have quit–times he was seriously considering giving up on the vision he knew God had called him to. Through those difficult times, Bill learned some lessons. And, these were some of the nuggets I caught from him in today’s session as he shared these stories:

  • Do the vision that God has called you to do. Step out in faith. The God of mercy will accompany you.
  • The rate at which I was doing the work of God was destroying God’s work in me. But, the God who was rich in mercy stepped in.
  • Your life matters. You don’t know the extent of the work God wants to do through you. And, every time you feel yourself in a place where you’re deciding whether or not to stay on the path God has planned for you, let the God who is rich in mercy come along side you to give you courage to follow that plan.

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