I believe you are confusing Bill Hybels with Rick Warren who started Saddleback Church in Southern California. And your description of what Rick did by going to “interview” people in the area sounds more like gossip than someone who truly read his book “A Purpose-Driven Church”. He didn’t ask their opinion on spiritual or theological matters, he built his “Saddleback Sam” model based on understanding the people in his community. I think it is a wonderfully “novel” idea for churches to build ministries for their communities based on listening to the needs of those being served - kind of like that guy Jesus did.
No, I am correct. I attended a conference a number of years ago where someone in leadership from Willow Creek spoke. He was promoting the “seeker sensitive” method of building churches.
re: I think it is a wonderfully “novel” idea for churches to build ministries for their communities based on listening to the needs of those being served - kind of like that guy Jesus did.
It wasn’t just “listening to the needs”. It included things like getting rid of the cross. People don’t like hearing about sin and Hell and doctrines so watch it there. Don’t talk about controversial moral issues. Give people what they think they need and want. Personally, I think if one is in ministry, their obligation is to teach God’s Word even if it does make some uncomfortable. That is what Jesus did. You don’t have to be obnoxious about it. But you tell the truth. The whole Bible. You don’t water it down. BTW, several years ago Hybels himself came to conclusion that simply giving people what they wanted with the seeker sensitive approach was not such a great plan after-all. It made for growth but not for disciples.