I was suspicious, I was sceptical. Of whom? Of what? Bill Hybels, and Willow Creek conferences!
All that I had picked up on the evangelical grapevine told me, 'There's lots to shun and little to learn from this US export'. I picked up my first Hybels book, Becoming a Contagious Christian, with more than a degree of concern. I just knew it was going to be slick; surely it was the 'how to build a super-church the easy way?'
How wrong I was! I discovered a gem. The pastor of a massive church was writing about how each individual Christian needs to keep close to God, to keep relationships with non-Christians, and be able and willing to share the gospel clearly. Sounds easy? But huge numbers of Christians in evangelical churches don't keep those elements in a biblical balance. Here was no 'church growth by simple steps', but a straightforward explanation of biblical principles that desperately need teaching. Perhaps I needed a re-think?
