Willow Creek Succession – Some Observations
I was sad to have missed the announcement this past weekend at my church, but my husband’s work took him to Anaheim this weekend, so of course we trailed along.
Willow’s announcement will be hashed and re-hashed this week, and I wanted to offer some facts, and some observations from a long-time (20+ years) Willow attender and participating member. I expect a volume of criticism (which bothers me not), most based on untruths and erroneous perceptions of Willow (which bothers me a lot). My purpose in this blog is to clear up misperceptions, as well as comment on implications.
First, Willow Creek has always been led by a plurality of elders, and this is quite Biblical. All decisions that the elders have ever made in the 40+ history of the church have been unanimous. This is an extraordinary demonstration of Holy Spirit unity. Willow has always been served by both male and female elders, and this is also quite Biblical.
Secondly, Willow has always chosen its leaders and teaching pastors based on giftedness. Over the years, Willow has been led by many female leaders and teaching pastors, most notably, Nancy Ortberg and Nancy Beach.
All that to say, the recent announcement should not be surprising in any way. Willow is not breaking new ground theologically, merely extending its long-held beliefs and practices to the lead pastor role.
Thirdly, it’s important to note that Steve Carter, as Lead Teaching Pastor, will be accountable to Heather Larson, Lead Pastor, who alone will be accountable directly to the Elder Board. They will not be co-leaders in the strictest sense of the word. This structure honors the Willow value of appointing leaders based on Holy Spirit giftedness, not gender.
Willow Creek is an influential church in its own right, even outside of the equally influential Willow Creek Association. I expect this announcement will generate ripples throughout Willow’s large circle of influence. Some of it will be negative. That’s okay. God works through criticism and approval alike. There can be no doubt that the Holy Spirit is in this. I expect God will continue to do great things through Willow as it continues to seek His will for His Kingdom purposes. It’s been my pleasure to serve and be served by Willow, and I’m looking forward to more of what God will do!
Click here for the facts.