Not surprisingly Willow Creek has selected two people, male and a female, to replace celebrity pastor Bill Hybels. In her piece for Christianity Today Astray, Kate Shellnutt failed to mention that the Bible restricts women from having spiritual authority over men. Speaking on behalf of God, the Apostle Paul proclaims “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” (1 Tim 2:11-12) Clearly, women are not to have spiritual authority over men. Why? Paul continues: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” (vs 13 & 14.) Women have been given many gifts including the gift of hospitality, evangelism, mercy, helps, teaching — but they are not to teach men.
Here’s the story:
Since “no one person can replace” Willow Creek Community Church founder Bill Hybels, the influential megachurch has named two people: its current executive pastor Heather Larson and teaching pastor Steve Carter.
Hybels announced on Saturday that the pair will succeed him as lead pastors when he steps down in October 2018.
The historic transition will make Willow Creek one of the largest churches in America with a woman in the lead pastor position, as well as the only major evangelical megachurch with male-female lead pastors who aren’t married.