We are attempting to start a book reading club at our office and the first book on our list was Descending Into Greatness by Bill Hybels. Bill is known for his success at the Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois and even though this book was published back in the early 90's it was still very applicable.
Hybels uses the beginning of Philippians 2 as the foundation of his book. If you read that passage it pretty much sums up the book. However, the book expands by giving some anecdotal examples of how a person must intentionally take a downward path in order to rise to success. Hybels also doesn't sugarcoat it by saying it will be easy.
I didn't find the book awe inspiring like some might, but it was a good reminder of the importance of letting go of your own self interests and provide for others. My favorite part was the comparison he made between Jesus and Herod.
Have you read it? What did you think?
Willow Creek is going through a great metamorphis. The seeker friendly method has left a large congregation feeling empty.
ReplyDeleteThere has been much written about them recently. Those who believe Willow Creek gave away the farm believe the self analysis simply proved their point. Others suggest that they were wise enough to look at themselves introspectively.
I'm not weighing in one way or the other. Since I don't live or attend the church, it's probably a bit of both.
Sorry, forgot to include Google news links to some current commentary on Willow Creeks look at themselves.
ReplyDeleteok, this time I'm really posting them.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.google.com/news?q=willow%20creek%20church&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wn
Yeah, I remember hearing about the Willow Creek changes that were coming last November. I first heard it over on a podcast by Wayne Jacobson at The God Journey
ReplyDelete