Willow Creek admits they've done it all wrong?

There's a note going around that describes how Willow Creek Church has admitted they've done it all wrong. You can read an original here.

I believe the case against Willow has been overstated... here were some of my remarks to some fellow elders that discussed it:

Thank you for that insightful note. A few months ago I listened to Willow’s vision series that they taught early this year. They admitted much of what is covered in this note. I didn’t get the idea that they believe their ‘seeker driven’ services are the problem, it is what they’ve done after someone becomes a Christian that they have evaluated as ineffective. Their “next steps” weren’t leading people where they hoped they were. Their people were being held back.

They admitted the failure: they haven’t taught people to be self feeding. You simply can’t come to church one day a week and eat enough to last an entire week was a line I remember. They are now building a process that allows Willow to partner with each member to build a custom spiritual growth program. They are making a heavy investment in it.

The other thing Willow covered in their vision series was a desire for their congregation to show love and grace all across Chicagoland and the world. They strongly challenged their people to continue inviting people to come to church, and to make positive impact in the world around them with community service.

It’s a similar dilemma some of us have had with what our church is doing. Have we paved a good clear road for the Christian who wants to do more than just attend for an hour on Sunday?

October 12, 1975 they started a church revolution that was felt around the world. God has clearly been with them. Now they’re modifying their model to make deeper disciples; seems like God would welcome that as well!

How are we doing at it?

Sean Caldwell