Last week I attended the Willow Creek Association’s Global Leadership Summit. I was especially looking forward to hearing from Starbuck’s founder and CEO, Howard Schultz. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

Under pressure from a gay advocacy group, Schultz canceled his appearance, just a few days before the event. Bill Hybels had the difficult task of announcing this to the assembled crowd. I thought he did a tremendous job.

Question: What leadership lessons do you glean from this?”
Comments (72)
Posted on: August 14, 2011 in Videos

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are snarky, offensive, or off-topic. If in doubt, read My Comments Policy.

  • http://www.marcmillan.com Marc Millan

    A few things actually, Bill handles this will great class, he knows he has to inform a large audience both in the room and over satellite. He delivers the news, his position and facts with grace. Also, it says a lot about Schultz I think as well. What ever position you take on it, Schultz had the opportunity to pour into leaders around the world and he responded to fear, He has a global position as a leader for a large and known company. I think he missed a chance to inspire people.
    M_

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. I should have mentioned: only 700+ people signed the petition. What will happen next time they demand something? You end up yielding your leadership to whomever shouts the loudest.

      • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

        I found that point compelling too. It’s like dealing with terrorist in a way. Once you compromise based on their demands then you have opened yourself up for more of the same when the next decision is not something they like. “They” being any group who disagrees and threatens to rally or boycott or whatever.

        I don’t think Howard’s decision was a wise one (for multiple reasons) but I do think how Bill and his team handled it was. I love how Bill redirected the potential swell in the Christian community to not react to Starbucks in a negative way but to example Jesus and respond in love. I hope we (as the church) do that not just in this case but in all like it.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          I liked Bill’s example, too. Anytime you call people to something higher, you are standing in good stead. This is precisely what the great leaders do.

        • http://www.bradfarris.com/ Brad Farris

          Daniel;

          Your comparison to terrorism got me thinking. Why do people resort to terrorism? Because they feel that they have no other way to be heard. Bill and Jim respond by going to talk to them and listen to them. I found that very powerful.

          • Sdf

            I don’t know a lot about starbucks, but my experience with starbucks is that they alienate the right to target the left. (I’ve read gay rights statements on some of their cups is my only real experience.) So my guess is that they agreed with the sentiment, it wasn’t that they were concerned about losing customers as much as they agreed they shouldn’t support a group that views homosexuality as sinful.

      • Joe Lalonde

        I found it quite sad too that it only took around 700 people to get a leader to cancel a commitment. However, it was great to see Bill handle this with such class and grace.

    • David

      Marc:

      I couldn’t agree more.  I would also hasten to question whether a leader who can’t resist this kind of political pressure is a “leader” Christians need to hear from these days.  

  • http://www.churchthought.com Matt Steen

    I thought that this was probably one of the high points of a very good summit.  Hybels modeled Jesus for everyone taking part in the Summit, and challenged us to engage in these kinds of conversations in a new way.  All in all, I came away feeling like this played into the overall theme that seemed to take shape throughout the entire Summit.

  • http://www.bradfarris.com/ Brad Farris

    Leadership lessons?

    1. Address bad news straight away.
    2. Don’t play the blame game. It could have felt good to throw Howard, or the group making the protest under the bus; Bill didn’t do that. He said, “Howard made a business decision.”
    3. Cut your losses. Rather than fight over the contract, Bill let him out and put the whole thing in his rearview mirror.
    4. Turn a negative into a positive. By asking people to send Howard a nice email, buy his book and a cup of coffee he is creating an opportunity for what could be a negative feeling into a positive one.

    Overall I was most impressed that he turned the whole thing on it’s head. The protest group threatened a boycott – Bill attempted to raise sales.

    This is one of the many reasons I really appreciate Bill Hybels!

    • http://www.lionstand.com Jamie (Lionstand)

      Brad,

      I was ready to answer the question that Michael proposed but your one caught my eye first.

      I don’t think I could convey my thoughts any clearer than you just did.

      Great observations!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Great observations, Brad. Thanks!

    • Joe Lalonde

      Brad, those are great points. I love skimming through the comments to see what others learned from these posts. You put my thoughts into words better than I did.

      • http://www.bradfarris.com/ Brad Farris

        Thanks Joe, Michael & Jamie for your kind words. I was really impressed with how Bill handled it and it was good for me to think through why…

  • http://www.lionstand.com Jamie (Lionstand)

    I’m just a little curious, with Starbucks being a public traded company, is it possible that Howard was forced to withdraw from the conference by the board? Or does he indeed have the final say?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      The CEO reports to the board, so the board always has the last say. I doubt this went to the board, but I could be wrong.

      • http://www.lionstand.com Jamie (Lionstand)

        Thanks Michael,

        You are probably right. It was a great lesson in leadership from Bill nonetheless.

        I loved how he confronted the situation directly. So much so by asking those who signed the petition to speak with him directly. 

        It’s a great testament to his character that he is proactive in conflict resolution.

  • http://twitter.com/CharlesSpecht GodAdopts.com

    I have learned that Howard Schultz is more of a “yes man” than he is a leader.  By his decision Schultz actually displayed that he is a follower…not a leader.  Leaders lead by example.  They don’t bow to the desires of a petition with only 700+ signatures.  He may have won the shallow respect of a few hundred coffee drinkers, but he has no doubt lost the respect (and following) of tens of thousands.  

    One more “self-proclaimed” leader to scratch off my short list of people to watch in the leadership world.  That’s about what I learned.

    Charles

  • Jaraker

    Leaders call people higher instead of cutting people lower. Leaders maintain integrity with their principles and values of the organization they are leading even though it may be costly. Bill did this and more. I was encouraged and challenged in my own “difficult circumstances.”

  • Slowtraincoming

    I will never, ever, go in and buy a latte’ mocha coffee! Never.

    Oh, not because of this… but because I’ve never drank coffee in my life! I’ve never had a Starbucks anything.  I may be the only person in America that can say that. But I like Mr. Hyatt and I support Hybels and I think they sell cake… so I will visit “my” local Starbucks and by a piece of marble cake. I do like cake.

  • Kristen

    What I appreciated most here was Mr. Hybels’s answering opposition with scripture and truth. His desire to meet and reconcile with his opponents is a powerful testimony by action.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      It is. He is offering them more than they offered him. This is leadership in action.

      • http://twitter.com/dyaji Dyaji

        I agree without a doubt. This is Leadership in action. How I wish other leaders will get a copy of this short video, watch and learn. I was so impressed that I shared the link with a couple of my friends around Africa. I told them, “if we cannot be like this-Bill Hybels, we should be better”. I am challenged!

  • http://twitter.com/jmhardy98 Jim Hardy

    Bill handled this well. I have always respected Howard and thought he was an authentic leader, but I am not sure he stood by his values. He may have stood by his people, as a good leader does, but he let his people dictate his values and not his leadership.

    Jim

  • http://twitter.com/drbret Bret L Simmons

    Very impressive move on his part. I bought a cup of Starbucks the next day as he requested. I thought about never drinking Starbucks again, but after reflecting on Bill’s comments quickly decided that would be wrong. We forgive good people when they make bad decisions. 

  • http://rmabry.com Richard Mabry

    Mike, Thanks so much for sharing this. Yes, I think Bill did a great job in a tough situation, and the thing that struck me was how he managed to communicate Biblical truths throughout, turning a negative situation into an opportunity for a positive witness to Christian principles.

  • http://twitter.com/RukshanFr Rukshan Fernando

    Bill hits all of the issues head on and does not avoid ANYTHING in this situation.  He uses simple, clear language and does not sugarcoat the problem with Bible verses.  Thank God.   More importantly, he does not just address homosexuality but heterosexuality as well.  This comprehensive response on sexuality is missing in many evangelical churches today.  However, the fact the remains: overall many Christian churches have failed the homosexuality community.  While I do not agree with Howard Schultz decision, his and his team seem to be responding to “anti-gay” rhetoric heard from many Christian pulpits.  Hybels shows them that they and should cannot paint the body of Christ with such brush-strokes!  Thanks for posting this– it’s a good reminder for me as I interact with students on this issue and other leadership issues at a Christian college. 

  • Jeromy

    Bill makes it sound like the petitioners threatened to organize a boycott of Starbucks unless Schultz cancels. But when you actually read the petition it doesn’t ask that it all. It brings attention to Willow Creeks anti-gay activities and asks Shultz to denounce those before appearing. And while the letter says the individual petitioner (all 700) might stop shopping at Starbucks, it never mentions a boycott. Bill spins this to sound much more threatening than it actually is, and portrays Shultz as responding with fear and making a “business decision” not to speak. That type of spin is not an example of grace.

    Starbucks has a long history of supporting LGBT community. It makes sense that Shultz would not want to associate himself with an anti-gay organization like Willow Creek. It’s unfortunate that he learned of their activities just a week before the event, but I think the graceful thing to do would be to assume he made a moral decision rather than a business one.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Except that Willow Creek is not anti-gay. And, Bill reviewed the threatening emails that Shultz received.

      • Jeromy

        I know Bill says they are not anti-gay, and he may honestly believe
        that. But his church has been involved with sexual re-orientation (pray
        the gay away) programs condemned by the APA and AMA as harmful. In a
        Podcast about homosexuals titled “Modern Day Madness part 3″ He
        basically says that gays aren’t born that way, they are
        made through traumatic events in unhappy childhoods, that there are no
        happy gays, and their only hope is come to Jesus and be converted to
        straight. Even in the video above he basically says that god intends for
        gays to live their whole lives celibate since they can’t marry (unless
        of course he supports gay marriage, but he didn’t mention that).

        Now, Bill may not think those positions are anti-gay, but the
        LGBT community does. Given that, Schultz’s decision to back out really
        could have been a moral one and not just a cynical business one. 

        As to the emails: Bill mischaracterized the online
        petition, and he mischaracterized his Church’s positions on
        Homosexuality, so I’m not sure what to make of his description of these
        emails. 

        Shultz does have something to teach us about leadership:
        sometimes there is no good option. Backing out wasn’t a great option.
        Frankly I think he should have attended and addressed the issues
        directly, but I understand and empathize with his decision not to,
        whereas Bill and most of the commenters here seem to consider it an act
        of cowardice. Assuming the worst in people is not an act of grace. Even
        if you recommend their book and tell people buy their coffee.

    • http://bladeronner.com Ron Dawson

      That may be the case about Starbucks, but if that was the real reason Schultz backed out, then why agree in the first place. It’s a church for crying out loud. One of the largest and highest profile in the nation. It doesn’t take a genius to know that  a CHURCH will have a stance against homosexuality. Schultz had to know going in that as a church it’s stance would not be in line with some of Starbucks’ view on LGBT issues. But that doesn’t mean leaders from both can’t co-exist.

      One of our long term clients is a non-profit that helps girls make positive changes in their community. It’s a terrific organization whose work is worthwhile. However, the CEO is a lesbian. I consider her a friend. She knows my wife and I are devout Christians. We’ve made videos for them for about 8 years now. Some of the issues this group supports would not fall in line with my Christian ethics, but I don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. Nor have I ever been asked to make a video for them that would compromise my Christian values. Likewise, some of the things we as as company stand for this CEO would not agree with. But, we have a strong working relationship that sees a greater good is being done. 

      All this to say, no one person or organization is perfect. I believe Schultz could have proudly made a presentation at Willow regardless of his or his company’s stance on this topic, w/o it compromising those beliefs. A quite frankly, I really don’t think a boycott (or even a threat of one) would really hold up. Quite frankly, people who love Starbucks are too addicted to it just to give it up for something as inconsequential as a CEO speaking at a leadership conference. Just my opinion.

  • Anonymous

    thanks, mr. hyatt, for sharing this. even though i would have liked to have seen mr. schultz follow through on his commitment, i probably wouldn’t have heard anything about it. many ‘right decisions’ go unacknowledged every day, even those of high profile. 

    i cannot condemn him for not upholding Christian values, if he doesn’t expressly claim to follow Jesus. i can really only be disappointed in him for not keeping a commitment as a leader, or otherwise making sure his values aligned with an organization before committing to a public speaking engagement.

    but because of his decision, i was able to view this post and see an example of mr. hybels ‘walking in love’ with practical steps, and inspiring me to do the same, keeping in mind that i would be grateful to someone who would treat me with this kind of graciousness when i make a less-than-ideal decision.

    “There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we believe that the path we are choosing is the right and best thing to do.” – from Onward

    i can give mr. schultz the benefit of the doubt that he believes he chose the right and best thing to do… for in an indirect way, i am better for it.

    thanks again, mr. hyatt – yours is one of my favorite blogs. 

    now, off to starry’s for a latte…. cheers!

  • http://debdodson.wordpress.com/ DebD

    –Don’t hide the truth from those following you. It’s better to be the one to share the truth of the matter (as Hybels did) before gossip and innuendo tells the story in its own way with its own spin. 
    –Be gracious to your “adversary” when you must “tell on him.” Don’t shame him or embarrass him or try to make yourself look better than him. 
    –Speak as honestly and graciously as you can about your response to the situation. Be humble, be respectable, be true.
    –When there is bad news to be delivered, try and follow it up with a solution to the setback. This helps you (your event) keep your momentum going and “calms” everyone so they will not continue to focus on the setback, but with you are looking forward to the “win” that can be offered in its stead.
    –Offer the branch of reconciliation whenever you are provided an opportunity to do so. This is not only good leadership, but also Christ-like. And that’s even more important.
    –Try to find solutions that help point others to Jesus through your actions, words, kindness, sensibleness, and graciousness.

  • http://www.irunurun.com Travis Dommert

    Wow.  My dad in Michigan called and shared this with me on Friday…I couldn’t really imagine how well Bill could have handled it, until I saw it here.  The REAL good news was this:  Bill modeled some of the best of leadership and Christian love I have ever seen.

    Seriously, I can’t imagine that I could have learned as much from Howard’s actual speech.  That said, I’ll buy his book and find out.  Thanks for sharing this, Michael!

  • Eccle0412

    I emailed “starbucks” and already heard back from them!  Glad to point to Bills resemblance of Christ and Jesus’ inclusiove nature not exclusive practices.  God can do….

  • http://joeandancy.com Joe Abraham

    Proactive leadership! 

    Highly commendable. Thanks for the post.

  • http://www.facebook.com/mikeqdaniel Mike Daniel

    I was happy to be attending the summit as well, and was thrilled with the class and grace Bill showed. Scripture clearly challenges us to respond to malice with love, and only a leader who is secure in who he is – not needing to defend himself or his organization – can afford to respond this way.

    Our Life in Christ is one that allows us to depend upon His sufficiency by grace, so we have no needs, no defensiveness, from others.  Yet the maturity this requires is rare, and wonderful to witness.

    I am disappointed with the SB leadership.  Tough calls are best made from a principle-driven perspective, not a financial one.  Clearly Howard’s principles in his book and company have consistently been held high in decision making, but missed the opportunity to shine and clarify company values regarding operating from truth and not just opinion here…  not to mention shirking a commitment already made.

    Thanks for posting this Mike. It’s a lesson for all of us on living a life full of grace and seasoned with salt out of Christ-confidence instead of on our heels out of self-righteousness.  …And bravo, Bill!

  • Elder Yves

    That was incredible.  I like how he centralized the debate.  It isn’t an issue of Homosexuality vs. Heterosexuality.  Rather, it is an issue of obedience to the tenets of the bible.  Further, he graciously let Schulz out of his signed contract.  Not only that…he encouraged his congregation to support Starbucks.  Also, he is reaching out to the less than 1K petition group.  He’s willing to talk to them and give them an informed stance on where his church stands.  He did all of this without changing his stance in the face of opposition.

  • michael kilpatrick

    Powerfully done- great class, energy, and humility. Really showed the Christian spirit-  Loved Howard’s book and love Starbucks!  

  • http://www.forward-living.com W. Mark Thompson

    “What leadership lessons do you glean from this?”
    Do not jump to conclusions. Always have your facts straight before starting to make a decision.
    Make your decisions in prayer and discussion with other wise people.

  • Shane

    I appreciate the class and honesty Hybels gave the attendees–and any listeners– in this short statement. It would have been easier to deal with it behind the scenes, leaving the only upfront statement a bland “Howard Schultz couldn’t make it today; instead Patrick Lencioni has come to teach us about…”

    I also noted that there were only 700-ish signatures on the petition; considering Starbuck’s market share this would hardly represent a legitimate threat. I remember a quote a friend used to often say (I believe it was attributed to Napoleon) “The final outcome of defensive warfare is surrender.”

    Finally, it was great to hear a respected Christian leader clearly articulate a message of grace and truth-filled inclusion to a world in need of Jesus.

  • http://bladeronner.com Ron Dawson

    That has got to be one of the classiest and Christ-like responses to this issue I have ever seen. Spoken with grace, respect, gentleness, kindness, yet not compromising. It reminds me of the proverb I memorized today: 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” What a great example of leadership. Thanks for sharing Michael.

  • Jasonburris

    Amazing job by Bill. The comments about our country are alarming and man if only the right ears could let the seed of Gods word fall on the good soil. Leaders on every level must rise up in this world for things to change. I pray that Howard Schultz has an encounter with God and learns from this experience. May he know God more now than ever before.

  • Joe Lalonde

    Bill Hybels showed an amazing amount of grace and wisdom with how he handled this situation. Some one sad thing and several great things I saw from the video -

    First, the sad item -

    A small group was able to get a leader to cancel his obligation and contract to speak. – 700 signers on a petition seem like a small amount to have him pull out.

    Now, the GREAT items! –

    He showed grace in releasing Howard from the contract. – I would think that this is something you would rarely see today in the world of contracts and lawyers. It’s great to see that Willow Creek was willing to let him off with no penalty.

    There was no bad-mouthing of him or Starbucks. – Instead of saying anything negative about Starbucks, he lifted up the company. He stated some good characteristics and loved on them.

    He encouraged the attendees and those watching the video to still purchase from Starbucks. – I’m sure the cancellation caused sore feelings for some attendees. However, Bill Hybels still encourage them to reach out and purchase from Starbucks, to write kind letters to Howard and the company, and to not hold any ill-will towards them.

    He’s willing to sit down with those that started the petition. – It’s great to see a man who is not willing to run away from those that oppose him. It would be great to hear if he is able to get a meeting with the organizers of the petition and what the end result is.

    During this cancellation, he went out and found another presenter. – During this, he was able to have his staff get another great speaker to fill the empty spot.

  • Elisabeth

    Thank you so much for posting this, so many compelling lessons! The one word this entire video brings to my mind is grace, what a picture of a grace led leader. Grace always looks good on everyone and always shows you in the best light, well done!

  • Jean Davis

    “Rapidly making our country ungovernable” what a true statement about how most throw stones first and then ask questions.  Thankyou Willow Creek and and to Bill Hybels for setting such a Christian example in leadership.  What did Joseph say to his brothers?  What you did you meant for harm, but God used it for good.  This message from the pulpit is good.  May God bless you in the Matthew 18 intervention you have planned.  May we all learn and be better for it.  Howard Schultz, yes I’ll still buy Starbucks :)

  • http://www.ivangiesbrecht.com Ivan

    Bill Hybels shows grace and class all the way here.

    I am very disappointed in Howard Schultz’s decision to cancel his speech. That said, I hope he sees this clip and hears Hybels’ response.

    I think Hybels’ words provide Schultz a safe and classy opportunity for Schultz to do the right thing. Let’s pray he takes it.

  • http://www.inspirationtochange.org Karen Zeigler

    I agree with Marc Millan’s comment which I thought was stated quite eloquently.  The only thing I would add is that true leaders make their decisions not based on money which Schultz appears to have done but on but on principles.  Since his book was worth reading 4 times I am sure he is a man of principle as it’s difficult to write a book on leadership without principles.  The only thing I’ve discovered that can push a man off their principles is fear. Real or imagined fear is a powerful thing which I write about in my book Freedom from Worry – Prayer of Peace for an Anxious Mind.  So I suppose we, as believers, can have the greatest impact on Schultz and the leadership influence of Starbucks by praying that their faith will continue to grow stronger and stronger so that nothing, no amount of money, no amount of threats, NOTHING will push them from their principles.  

  • http://www.facebook.com/scot.longyear Scot Longyear

    Kudos to Bill for taking this event and leveraging it for multiple teaching points and for kingdom clarity.  I believe one characteristics of a great leader is to leverage what is now in order to improve what is not yet. 

  • Tracy Stoller

    I think that Mr. Schultz first learned to think a little longer and harder before he accepts a speaking engagement, then learned that he was very fortunate that Pastor Hybels extended grace and encouraged others to do the same. 
     
    Starbucks as a corporation has been very welcoming to gay advocacy ideals, so perhaps a church that holds the historic stance (and biblical stance, in my understanding) was not a good fit for him.  I wonder why he accepted in the first place?  Perhaps he believed that “Willow Creek Association’s Global Leadership Summit” was enough of a separate event that the GLBT advocates would not consider it a speaking engagement at Willow Creek–the church.
     
     I am glad that Pastor Hybels was gracious and encouraged others to be kind, but I think encouraging people to buy his book or go to Starbucks was a bit silly. 

  • http://profiles.google.com/heather.knight.pdx Heather Knight

    Well, I find this interesting considering I attended the Gay Christian Network (GCN) conference this past January in Denver, CO.  Phillip Yancey was one of our keynote speakers.  He received numerous threats from the Christian community chastising him for speaking to a bunch of “gays” and asking for him to back out of his commitment.  He did not.  He spoke to our group of 400 LGBT Christians and shared his faith with us.  For that I am grateful.  He demonstrated true Christian love for his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

    Here we are on the other side of the coin and Howard decided to back out of his speaking engagement at a Church because of pressure from a gay-rights organization.  Very interesting, indeed.

  • http://newvintageleadership.com Tim Spivey

    I thought Bill did a terrific job handling this. I wonder, though, if he could have been a bit stronger (just a hair stronger) in dealing with the criticism. I might have also liked to see him deal with Schultz’s caving to fear just a hair more strongly. All in all, I thought he did a typically solid, Hybelsian job of addressing the situation.

  • http://twitter.com/umconnection UMConnection

    I learned 3 lessons from this. 

    1. There is usually more to the story.  After reading this story( ) it seems fairly clear that Schultz felt like appearing to align himself with the “religious right” a few days before he makes a major political move wouldn’t help his cause. In our media driven world that 700 person petition could have changed the issue from Schultz views on the debt to his religious views. He seems to have felt that his political agenda outweighed speaking at the Summit this year. 

    2. Most things make more sense in the fullness of time. Watching now when Hybels say’s throw stones then ask questions. I feel like he is talking to me, not the folks at change.org with the petition. I quickly wanted to call him a wimp for bowing down to a small petition but there was clearly more on the line to Schultz. I still don’t agree with his move but after taking time and seeing more facts come out it makes way more sense. 

    3. Don’t type comments on you blog from my ipad because they take 3 times as long to type and get lost in cyberspace! :) 

  • http://communicatecreativity.com/ Rebecca A. Burgener

    You know what I love, Michael? I love that I can read through the comments on your blog about a controversial topic and not see a bunch of hate speech from both sides that I wish I hadn’t read. Thank you for making this a friendly community.

    Bill Hybels did a great job handling the situation. I really can’t add anything that hasn’t already been said by so many others. I hope his meeting with the protesters bears good fruit.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      We, too. I would love a world where people made more of an effort to listen than to talk!

  • http://beckfarfromhome.blogspot.com/ Beck Gambill

    Beautifully handled. Bill Hybel’s response of grace placed him on top of an unpleasant situation. It’s amazing how grace always does that.

  • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

    A sad/ bad news shared with elegance and clarity. His speech was awesome and incredible. Love it.

  • http://twitter.com/mmathia Mark Mathia

    I also attended the conference but from a satellite
    location. For me, Howard’s appearance was to be the highlight of the day. I
    have read his book Onward and so much of his core business principles
    strikes a chord with me as a Christian entrepreneur. I know that I can learn a
    lot from what drives Howard and his ability to look forward in life rather than
    always backwards. However, as Bill announced the pull out I found myself in a
    difficult situation; a decision to become offended or not. (I am being very
    transparent.) In the end, I prayerfully, chose not. I figured to myself if he
    made this move to pull out solely based on the petition and fear of losing
    revenue; that would be a shame. However, I decided that I needed to give him
    the benefit of the doubt. To believe that Howard’s decision was rooted in love.
    For me, this represents a perfect motive.

    Having wrestled with that and wondering if Best Buy lost
    revenue when Brad Anderson shared at the Summit I still wondered how a
    top-level leader finds himself in such turbulent waters? Then my personal
    leadership lesson hit me in the face. Luke14:28-30. Jesus addressed this issue
    with his team when he told them clearly to calculate the cost before beginning
    a project.

    Many lessons could be taken from Bill Hybel’s excellent
    response; however, the lesson that struck the biggest chord with me was a
    reminder in my leadership life to count the cost. Count the cost unless I find
    my motives being questioned and I disappoint a willing audience.

  • Jc7350

    he is a great speaker and i dont think they could have put it ANY OTHER WAY! i think they did the christian thing, and even tho it wouldnt have been MY FIRST CHOISE:) to let him out of it. i think it was the right/christian thing to do and they did a great job! great christian exapmple. cant say it enough

  • Billy

    Willow is generally a good place by my experience, but it  doesn’t always do what  Hybels declares it’s doing. I have experienced that directly. Sent a single mother to Willows CARS ministry who was in a bad way. Willow refused to provide her with  transportation help she needed, after interrogating her about her church attendance. They told her she was not involved enough, and therefore did not qualify for help. 

    While Hybels pumps this CARS ministry up publicly as a great outreach, the reality is that at Willow’s CARS ministry there is no room at the inn for those who don’t have good sermon notes.

    If gays at Willow experience what my needy friend did, then their actual experience can be something quite different than Hybels declares.

    • Craig

      Billy, regarding the Cars Ministry,  they only have so many cars at a  time.  It’s not as if they have a lot full to pick from.  BTW, they have helped hundreds of single mothers, but because of supply and demand, can’t help everyone.  

  • Craig

    I am a participating member of Willow.  It always amazes me, when you ask a critic of Willow, on any subject, have you ever attended a a service?  The answer is always, well no, but that’s what I hear, or thats what I read, or that’s what someone told me.   Willow is not perfect, but countless lives, including mine, have been changed because of it.

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