I just read a recent article called "Willow Creek Repents?" Willow Creek, pastored by Bill Hybels, is known for its highly controversial, pragmatic and business like approach to ministry. But apparently Hybels, as well as Greg Hawkins, executive pastor at Willow Creek have had a change of heart. They confess that their approach seems to have failed to produce true spiritual growth in the lives of many Willow Creeker's. Yet, one wonders if this is just more hyper-pragmatism. The novelty and superficiality of the seeker service model apparently has lost its attraction among many. So, it's time for a change. If this change is because of convictions created from a careful study of the Scriptures, than I would be hopeful and encouraged. My fear is that it is just more of the "if it works" driven type of ministry; the new and improved Willow Creek. I do pray that the change is one back to a biblical driven ministry. Only time will tell.
7: number of days until our first basketball practice of the year
32: number of days until our first basketball game of the year
12: number of consecutive hours I was in the church building yesterday :)
9 and 4: combined win/loss record of my two favorite football teams (college: Purdue, pro: Tampa Bay)...when the first number (in this case 9) is greater than the second number (4), I tend to be in a better mood :)
11 (and counting): number of days I have been without my car
1: number of new songs in yesterday's service (How Can I Keep From Singing) I like to do new songs occasionally...but not every week, and only if they're very SINGABLE. This particular one is a keeper, I think.
2: Hours left to be super-productive before I leave the office for the day. So I guess I'd better get to it!
For those of you who were in the morning service yesterday and would like more information about the Schrauger family, please visit www.cbcmi.com and click on "prayer requests".
Thank you for supporting Cliff, Vicki, and their surviving children during this extremely difficult time.
As part of this year's Most Wanted List campaign, we're hoping to invite 1,000 friends to attend our Christmas program, The Richest Family in Town, in the 1,000 hours before the first performance. You can find more information about our production at: SpringfieldChristmas.com
I just read a recent article called "Willow Creek Repents?" Willow Creek, pastored by Bill Hybels, is known for its highly controversial, pragmatic and business like approach to ministry. But apparently Hybels, as well as Greg Hawkins, executive pastor at Willow Creek have had a change of heart. They confess that their approach seems to have failed to produce true spiritual growth in the lives of many Willow Creeker's. Yet, one wonders if this is just more hyper-pragmatism. The novelty and superficiality of the seeker service model apparently has lost its attraction among many. So, it's time for a change. If this change is because of convictions created from a careful study of the Scriptures, than I would be hopeful and encouraged. My fear is that it is just more of the "if it works" driven type of ministry; the new and improved Willow Creek. I do pray that the change is one back to a biblical driven ministry. Only time will tell.
