Too many people trust churches more than God. The desire for acceptance and community can be strong. That is how the sjws teachers, ministers, fake news, etc. Operates.
Though I agree completely with what you said.
Before you swallow the garbage of someones second hand and confirmation biased opinion, read my post 10.
I left Willow long before any of this was even hinted about.
My reasons for leaving weren’t because of major flags I saw.
But more personal differences.
I’ve disagreed with things I’ve seen or heard, since leaving.
But I refuse to gang pile on the church.
I’ve been around many people like the above poster, who spout their garbage as facts.
I left Willow and now attend a small church (approx. 150)
Attended another large church a few times.
Have no desire for a large church (at this time)
While there, I never viewed Willow as perfect.
Obviously less so now.
But Hybels sinned... not the church
(the church being the congregation, not the organization)
The elders did wrong things.
(again...not the church)
There are MANY people there who love and serve God to the best of their ability.
God has done many wonderful things in peoples lives there.
There will be many who leave.
But there will also be many who stay, who will try to pick up the pieces and put their church back together.
Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
I find this verse reassuring in my own life.
Christ foretells of Peters betrayal.
Christ HIMSELF prays for Peters faith.
He knows what Peter will do...and yet...
“when you have turned again,
strengthen your brothers.”
In modern Christianity, there are no wounded Christians.
We shoot our wounded.