Many of you know that we have been a host site for Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit for 14 years. Some of you may have heard that the pastor of Willow Creek Church, Bill Hybels, has recently resigned amid allegations of misconduct with women perpetrated over many years. (See CHRISTIANITY TODAY ARTICLES)
After much thought and prayer, we have decided that Vineyard Cincinnati Church will not be a host site of the Global Leadership Summit this year.
We are reminded from Scripture that God calls us to defend the vulnerable — the orphan, the widow, the oppressed and those who suffer under the misuse of power.
In short, God cares deeply how those who possess power use that power. We pray that women everywhere who have suffered would see that God’s people stand with them and love them and care for them.
You should know that our Board of Trustees and our HR team are working together to ensure that our own policies and procedures at VCC are above reproach. May God give us the grace that we might never have to deal with this sin here at VCC. And if we do, that He would give us the strength and moral courage to deal with it in total transparency and with swift justice for the good of His Church and His great name.
We have literally wept for the congregation at Willow Creek Church and the women who have come forward. We pray the leadership at Willow Creek will do the right thing for the sake of the women involved, and for the integrity of the Church that Jesus loves so dearly.
FAQS
Q: I’m already registered and I still want to attend the Summit this year, what do I do?
Willow Creek Association will automatically assign you to the closest site to Vineyard Cincinnati Church.
That site is:
Anderson Hills United Methodist Church
7515 Forest Rd,
Cincinnati, OH 45255
Another site close to Vineyard Cincinnati Church is:
SouthBrook Christian Church
9095 Washington Church Rd,
Miamisburg, OH 45342
If you wish to direct which site you attend, please contact the Willow Creek Association directly at 800.570.9812
Q. I am already registered, but no longer wish to attend the Summit. How do I get a refund?
If you've already registered and paid and would like a refund, please contact the Willow Creek Association directly at 800.570.9812
Q: Do I still get the Vineyard discounted rate if I attend somewhere else?
If you’ve already registered and paid, Willow Creek Association will honor that payment to attend.
Q: Will Vineyard be hosting again next year?
At this time we do not have any plans to re-engage with the Global Leadership Summit in the future.
Q: I’m signed-up to be a volunteer for the Summit, do I still get to attend somewhere else for free?
Unfortunately, since the Vineyard will not be hosting, the only way to attend the Summit this year will be to pay the rates listed on the Willow Creek Association website for the Global Leadership Summit.
Q: I have questions about this decision, who can I talk to?
You can direct any questions to:
JR Cifani, Director, LifeStewards Ministry
cifani@vineyardcincinnati.com
513.671.0422 ext. 333
Q: Where can I learn more about this issue?
Please contact the Willow Creek Association (800.570.9812) directly to learn more about the Global Leadership Summit and Bill Hybels.