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Published August 9, 2018
Pre-Summit Address from Tom De Vries
Willow Creek Association president, Tom De Vries, explains what has happened since the allegations against Bill Hybels were made and what steps we are taking as we pursue truth and justice.
The Global Leadership Network is a community committed to learning from each other and using our influence to accomplish God’s purposes on earth. No matter where your influence is, when you commit to grow your leadership, everyone around you wins—businesses work for good, communities are transformed and churches thrive! Both global and diverse, our network includes partners in 1,400+ cities and 135+ countries. We are committed to deliver fresh, actionable and inspiring leadership content both at The Global Leadership Summit, and year-round through our digital platforms.
Tom joined the Global Leadership Network (GLN) in 2017 as President and CEO. He brings a wealth of expertise to the GLN’s year-round leadership development efforts and the leadership of producing The Global Leadership Summit (GLS), the premier leadership event of the year. Prior to joining the GLN, Tom was the General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), the oldest continuing Protestant denomination in the United States with over 200,000 members and 100 missionaries serving in 40 countries around the world. Tom has a B.A. in Sociology from Wheaton College, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Western Seminary. He has provided leadership in both the ministry and nonprofit environments serving as a church planter, large church lead pastor and multisite pastor. He served on the central committee of the World Council of Churches and the governing board of the National Council of Churches. Additionally, Tom served on the Board of Trustees for New Brunswick Theological Seminary and Western Theological Seminary and has also taught as an adjunct professor at Western Theological Seminary. Tom played a key leadership role in the launching of a nonprofit focused on food insufficiency in young children and today Hand2Hand feeds more than 8,000 children each weekend through school-church partnerships. He has been a featured guest on NPR, the Salem Radio Network, Life Today Live, Newsmax TV, Moody Radio, the WOW Factor, and Common Good.
Remember, Jesus is & will continue to build His church! While the gates of hell may be storming right now at Willow, they will not prevail. My brothers & sisters at Willow, keep your eyes focused on Jesus, asking Him to raise up new shepherds/elders/pastors, and keep lifting Him up, as He will then draw all men/women/children to Himself. Don’t ever elevate anyone higher than Jesus as He is the founder & head of any true church= body of believers. Jesus, keep healing & building Your church at Willow, but also throughout America, and to the uttermost parts of Your amazing world!
Tom. Powerful statement and message. Praying for you and the leadership. Knowing That God is in control and He will deliver and protect His church. God has lead Willow Creek to this point and He will lead His church through this. Keep looking to God for He is The God of the valley and the mountain. He will renew your strength and give you wisdom. Praying for all. God Bless
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Remember, Jesus is & will continue to build His church! While the gates of hell may be storming right now at Willow, they will not prevail. My brothers & sisters at Willow, keep your eyes focused on Jesus, asking Him to raise up new shepherds/elders/pastors, and keep lifting Him up, as He will then draw all men/women/children to Himself. Don’t ever elevate anyone higher than Jesus as He is the founder & head of any true church= body of believers. Jesus, keep healing & building Your church at Willow, but also throughout America, and to the uttermost parts of Your amazing world!
Tom. Powerful statement and message. Praying for you and the leadership. Knowing That God is in control and He will deliver and protect His church. God has lead Willow Creek to this point and He will lead His church through this. Keep looking to God for He is The God of the valley and the mountain. He will renew your strength and give you wisdom. Praying for all. God Bless
Tom and Criag showed such great leadership. So thankful for their leadership.