Three Different Texas District Vice Presidents challenged me in
public when I attacked the "Church Growth-Leadership Training Movement" promoted
by the Texas District Office. However, they do not challenge the teachings of Bill Hybles
of Willow Creek being promoted in Texas LCMS Congregations by the Texas District Office.
In an open meeting of some 110 people in Dallas, Texas on February 11th, Texas District
Vice President Joeckel objected when I claimed that Bill Hybles was a guest speaker at
Bethel Lutheran Church in Dallas. The following statement appeared in the January news
letter of the Grace Lutheran Church Arlington, Texas, Vice President Joeckel’s
congregation. "Become a Contagious Christian" "The angels announced that
good news! The shepherds returned telling everyone what they had heard and seen. Do you
know how to share to Gospel? If you could use some help, then consider attending the
‘Become a Contagious Christian’ workshop on Saturday, January 30th."
"Mr. Paul Krentz, of the Texas District Office, said: '"This is the finest
witnessing course out because it helps people learn to share Jesus from their own natural
style rather than with a contrived set of questions."'
"The course is based on the book by Bill Hybles, senior pastor of Willow Creek
Community Church, the largest Christian Church in America."
"The workshop will be held on Saturday, January 30th from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at
Bethel Lutheran Church, 11211 E. Plano), in Dallas. Registration is $20 and must be
received by Monday, January 18th to reserve a participant’s guide. Contact the church
office or phone Bethel at (214) 348-0420. Cost at the door is $25."
I certainly owe Vice President Joeckel an apology for saying that Bill Hybles spoke at
Bethel Lutheran Church. Others had misread the above statement and told me that is what
they thought it said. Joeckel then went on to defend the right of the District Office in
promoting Hybles’ book and the Hybles’ workshop at Bethel Lutheran because there
is much we can learn from it.
Here I continue to disagree. Hybles will not even display a cross in his church because
it is too challenging a symbol for visitors. Hybles entire approach is entertainment with
on stage bands, vocalists, and dramas. There are no hymnbooks, liturgies, or catechisms at
Willow Creek. The congregation actually has no binding doctrinal position. Hybles’
form of evangelism only works with churches that are just like his. A number of Texas
District ‘mega-churches’ are trying to present themselves to the public with
Hybles format for worship, or lack of it, that is no hymnbooks, no creeds, and no standard
liturgies. As many LCMS pastors told me in Texas, they offer the Lutheran/Baptist look.
Yes, this is what the Texas District Office has much to learn from and wants the
congregations and lay people to know more about. They want to grow Texas District
Congregations the Hybles way.