But we dont have time on this podcast. The church is nondenominational and has woman pastors and elders. And that needs to be an elder in the church really any size, you need to say, Look, I see what youre doing this is wrong. And when the person makes excuses or says, You know, this is a misunderstanding, I didnt mean to, you know, message that kid inappropriately online, or I didnt mean to Invite them to go do something by ourselves out of, you know, trying to do something bad. I dont agree with a lot of his views, but he said something and it is true, we need to have, you know, church leader needs to have two voices, one for gathering the sheep and one for scaring away wolves. Yeah, right. He even cites a conversation with Darrell Bock, a member who disagrees with the elders but who also says it is not an issue worth dividing over. The Elder Board has accepted Petes decision, and his resignation is effective March 31, 2019. Volunteers monitored the process in real time, turning over cassettes at the appropriate time to record on the second side. Growing up in a ministry family, Pete watched and learned from his parents and witnessed the reach and power of Telling the Truth 's media outreach. Pete has offered to Very few. I was blown away. Jill and Stuart came to the States from England. And he came back and said, I cant do this anymore.. But you have seen the the worst of it. You know, Willow creeks pastors family members benefit from the Penumbra of Willow Creek and its just sheer size within evangelicalism. Like if you go back and you actually read his books line-on-line, there are some things in there in those books where you go, For a pastor, that should be unacceptable. But he was attenuating his church culture and culture at large to him in his behavior. Why is it that nobody outside a very small group of women who had no power, really no position, why didnt others come to their rescue? You can read about them at their website Teaching the Truth. And I thought, I think I knew what he was doing when he named it that, but heres why I think its so ironic. Fortunately, we have not had so much as one complaint about any one of our pastors or staff members. One of those women is Vonda Dyer. Understanding & Overcoming Spiritual Abuse, Part II, Understanding & Overcoming Spiritual Abuse, Escaping & Healing from Abusive Churches, Part 2, https://world.wng.org/sites/default/files/issues/pdf/world_sep012018.pdf, https://www.billionbibles.com/voice-of-the-martyrs.html. I dont think that theres anything at a mega church that innoculates it from being good. I mean, its an accurate criticism of people within the church. This is simply a place where I share the message of Gods unadulterated grace through my preaching sermons and bible teaching. Your browser does not support JavaScript. Heres my belief, Julie, I think the church at large, the big leaders in evangelicalism, we can name names if we want to, and Im sure that people have names on their mind when theyre hearing this, Why were they silent? As I look back on my own four years on staff, Im thankful for the teaching and leadership that Pete Briscoe has brought to Bent Tree, and I know that so many of us have been impacted by his attention to the Lord and quick obedience to however God leads him. I cant vouch for all the information because I havent researched it myself. I do. But I had limited contact with him. Jill God uses the weak things of this world to confound the strong, right? This is a calling. Thats not to say there arent authentic people there. They made a lot of friends. At the same time, hes writing a book and writing articles for Christianity Today about marriage purity. Glad that Jesus is still our anchor! Well, and it troubles me too, that so many of our Christian organizations seem to be more beholden to lawyers advice and counsel than they do the Word of God. Jill I To view their entire showroom online. At one point, the elder board at Willow became what people call a policy governance board. I was blown away. WebBriscoe says that he wants Bent Tree to be a place where people can agree to disagree over this issue. Growing up in a ministry family, Pete watched and learned from his parents and witnessed the reach and power of Telling the Truth's media outreach. And not elevated above it. Everything started to make sense. And it turns out there were a lot more women who had been affected by Bill Hybels. Ive asked that question many times. Yes, in the course of representing these women, it became obvious that this was not what Ill call an echelon or tier leadership problem, just at Bill Hybels level. Likewise. But this certainly raises red flags. I know about the deleted emails. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. When you have a woman who says I was molested by a staff member, or you have a staff member who says, Bill Hybels just threw a punch at me, or dog cuts me up and down the hallway, those arent matters of policy, Julie. Growing up in a ministry family, Pete watched and learned from his parents and witnessed the reach and power of Telling the Truth 's media outreach. But theres something wrong in the whole business of Church. And this is a huge problem in the Evangelical Church in the southern baptist church, I mean, just absolutely massive problem where so often the predators covered up instead of brought to justice. But as you say its Gods grace that despite all that hes used these men to bless many, despite everything. He now coaches Pete Briscoe | Brookfield WI. Multiple services, being able to do it on cue, proves Hybels theatrical abilitiesI look back and feel sick, given all the details we now know from behind the scenes. Well, since you brought it up, youre gonna youre gonna have to address the Vanilla Bean. And its so important, I think, for any of us who are doing any kind of ministry at all, if we get our identity wrapped up in what were doing, then what were doing is no longer ministry, its no longer service to the Lord. We were fighting asymmetric warfare, right? Let me give you some examples. Im good friends with Vonda Dyer, who worked at Willow and was one of the women who bravely came forward with her story about her interactions with Bill Hybels. It grows on the vanilla orchid, and it only grows in really exotic places like Tahiti, and there are some places in Mexico it grows too, but what is unique about the vanilla orchid is when it blooms, its got to be pollinated within one day. The church said in essence, Tsk, tsk. 1 talking about this. Gifted with wisdom, discernment, and a bit of English humor, the Briscoe's bring God's Word to life. Well, lets talk a little bit about the leadership that protected him because I think that is the question that I keep hearing over and over from folks is, How do we prevent this from happening? In the early 2000s, as Stuart and Jill transitioned into minister-at-large roles and spent more time traveling to serve the global church, an additional voice was added in order to bless the supporters ofTelling the Truth. These are people that are in your country club. And its not something you can control like traditional mainstream media. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? He has been married to Jill for more than 59 years and has three children and 13 grandchildren. But the thing that was so shocking to me, is that Bill Hy Hybels was the first pastor I had ever seen be so vulnerable from the pulpit. Frankly I find church to be excruciatingly lonely. I mean, you dont need to be trying to fit a round peg into a square hole, because it is gonna manifest itself in bad ways. etc. Yeah, that is super dangerous. Because I often wonder what would have happened if he had come back and you know, not been well are not been really able to do his job but said, You know what, Ive got to do this. This is the you know, erither, I need the job, or, This ministry completes me. or whatever, whatever the excuse is. Like so many of you, I love Pete. So grateful for those who did and Scot McKnight who came out with a just a powerful, I remember when his blog hit and he said, Every elder has to resign. And within what, wasnt it a week, all of them resigned. A man who "dedicated his life to sharing Gods Word with the world" has died at the age of 91. That has been documented and proven through therapy notes. He even cites a conversation with Darrell Bock, a member who disagrees with the elders but who also says it is not an issue worth dividing over. Interestingly enough, during the interview, he seemed extremely angry and resentful. The church is nondenominational and has woman pastors and elders. And so when these things happen, they cant just stay silent. Also, make sure you subscribe to The Roys Report on Apple podcasts or Google podcasts. So, thanks for taking the time and you know, anybody whos willing to take a few minutes out of their vacation for a podcast, I just really appreciate it. Pete is the son of Jill and Stuart Briscoe. And there was also a service at WC where the board interviewed him and was he was questioned about an affair. They have a responsibility to the larger church to speak. Later Telling the Truth began airing in several countries in southeast Asia and across 10 countries in southern Africa. WebIt is with heavy hearts that the Elders of Bent Tree announce that Pete Briscoe has submitted his resignation as Senior Pastor. JULIE ROYS 23:38, What I meant by that comment is that unanimity didnt create any problems for the board and senior pastor because everyone agreed with James MacDonald. You can read about them at their website Teaching the Truth. I was just trying to build a relationship, or whatever you just go, But I see you for what you are and youre gonna have to go.. He currently leads a multi-faceted media ministry called Telling the Truth which he shares with his parents Stuart and Jill Briscoe. Much has been written on establishing criteria for board member selection. WebPete Briscoe, Stuart and Jills youngest son, was a key contributor to the ministrys teaching team from 2003 to 2021. Thank God I have Jesus. Briscoe Through Petes teaching on Sundays and through various conversations with other staff members during the week, God shifted my perspective on what it means to live life in Christ one from my own efforts to please God to one of Christs efforts on my behalf to love me deeply, extravagantly, and permanently. Pete has offered to Briscoe stepped down as senior pastor at the end of 2000 but remained involved in the church and active in overseas missions. Fifteen years later, I joined staff at Bent Tree. Right. But he had the emotional and spiritual fortitude to say, You know what? I dont know the answer but rampant clergy abuse just took my discontentment to a whole new level. I want to share that God used Petes sermon on not being isolated (Ecclesiastes) in our sons life. Yeah, yeah, I think I think thats a good word to Julie. Pete Briscoe was Senior Pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, TX for nearly 30 years. It manifested at the Human Resources level. And I still havent been able to get her to visit with me. WebPete Briscoe, Stuart and Jills youngest son, was a key contributor to the ministrys teaching team from 2003 to 2021. They need accountability. This is Chicago Tribune. This is people who are dissillusioned, who wanted big jobs at Willow and didnt get them. But when Scot, the the intra tribal dissenter steps up and says, This is wrong, things shifted. A person whos not walking in the Spirit is susceptible to that type of behavior, even a senior pastor. We are egalitarian and sophisticated, and we are Gods chosen church to show how ministry is supposed to be done. The woman had come forwarded, but then later recanted her story. It is simply to feed ourselves. It is not a program is not a set of services. Petes leadership at Bent Tree casts a long shadow with a legacy that will endure. Vonda was at one time the director of Willow Creeks vocal ministry, and she was one of the first women to come forward and speak publicly about Bill Hybels alleged sexual misconduct. But before we begin, I just want to take a minute to thank the sponsors of this podcast, Judson University, and Marquardt of Barrington. The other thing I wanted to talk to you about in you mentioned this in earlier discussion we had about the identity of elders and how so often, and I dont think its just elders, I think its a lot of the senior pastor leadership and staff that their identity tends to become enmeshed with the success or failure of the organization theyre a part of. The thing that is so terrifying is that someone who has been a senior pastor in an organization like that is not beyond it. For the next 90 minutes, Pete Briscoe enraptured us with his presentation of The Bema. I was blown away. God uses the faithful and generous support of people like you to continue to change lives through the ministry of Telling the Truth. And Willow lost the battle of PR on social media. Its something like Child Protection Policies. Youre absolutely right. So, Mitch, how is it that a lawyer from Texas ended up representing victims of sexual harassment at a mega church in Chicago? Please know you are not alone. Im Julie Roys. In another area, it might be used to groom someone and use vulnerability as a mechanism to draw people into something that is corrupt. With distinctly different teaching styles, you'll be moved by the emotional appeal of Jill and the compelling logic of Stuart, as they boldly proclaim God's sovereignty, grace, and love. Jill and Stuart came to the States from England. I know the owners Dan and Kurt Marquart personally, and I can say without reservation that they truly run their business with honesty, integrity and transparency. God showed him through that sermon how his trip was actually isolating and began a process of transformation. That is not a matter of policy. WebPete Briscoe is a podcaster and evangelical pastor. For more information just go to JudsonU.edu. None at all. I hope you have a great day and God bless. So when you have someone who is trusted, whos supposed to be an expert, you know, like a pastor, like a longtime senior pastor whos supposed to be a theological expert, and someone whos in authority like a senior pastor, people are willing to do things to satisfy that person that they would not otherwise do, even if those things seem harmful to another person. Pete Briscoe, our pastor at our church came out in support of the Dyers, which was bold, and it was brave. Its a calling of God. and I found these people in those imperfect churches! Id like to share a few things as we navigate this loss together. Great question. In this Milgram experiment, they found that people are willing to do things under collar of authority and that they would not probably otherwise do. Its good to be visiting with you again. And what lessons can we learn from Willow Creeks mistakes? It took me a long time to agree that he had done the things of which he had been accused. Pete Briscoe was Senior Pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, TX for nearly 30 years. So whos supposed to hold whos supposed to hold the leaders accountable in that structure? And you you actually refer to it as multi-level marketing. The news of Petes resignation landed heavy on my heart. Telling another woman, how she looks in a dress and how it accentuates her body, everything up to an alleged affair, to Pat Baronowski, Bill Hybels longtime assistant, stating in the New York Times said Bill Hybels made her obtain pornography and they watched it together. I dont think I could survive the corruption I see today had I not seen so much thats good and beautiful in the church growing up. He even cites a conversation with Darrell Bock, a member who disagrees with the elders but who also says it is not an issue worth dividing over. Just go to BuyACar123.com. And I think there is a healthy fear. As a lawyer whos represented some of Bill Hybels victims Mitch Little has seen a side of Willow Creek that few others have. And when I came into the representation, that was a new term to me, Id never heard anything like it. So to some extent, we all have a measure of hypocrisy. Is that right? This is simply a place where I share the message of Gods unadulterated grace through my preaching sermons and bible teaching. And Im good friends with her husband Scott Dyer as well. So I was really struggling with my faith. Okay, how it didnt bring accountability. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. When I came onto our board, the terms that Pete Briscoe used were, guide, govern and guard. And I think policy governance has the governing part. At that age, I had never had someone in spiritual authority lie or manipulate me. I mean, there were some things that you learned specifically, that were done to potentially cover wrongdoing by Bill Hybels. I think, as believers, we should be standing for truth, we should not look the other way. Well, Mitch, this has been read. And I realized that as we were discussing this, that there might be some people who have heard about what happened at Willow Creek, but somewhat superficially, through the headlines and dont really know beneath the surface. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Yeah, I just saw you ran a story on MacDonalds massive mansion in Illinois being held in the name of Vanilla Bean LLC. Jill and Stuart came to the States from England. It is. So you can go to Amazon and enter in Boz Tchividjian and his book will pop up but you need to know what youre looking for because people who are sexual predators, they have an acuity for blending into society in ways that they dont stand out like this is not like, you know, the sexual predator in your church is not some, you know, grease ball sitting outside your kids ministry just kind of looking for a way to get at, like, thats our common image of what a sexual predator is. Yeah, totally agree. How do spot a safe pastorand can. And wasnt there something with Bill Clinton coming to the church and speaking? There was another case that also occurred where he committed oral sex with his assistant. Do we have a theology of goodness at our church? What I need most is what I dont have. Just what I call a deformed leadership culture at the church where certain things became acceptable that shouldnt. But they spoke. Well, and thanks so much for listening to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. But youre right. What is it was Chicago? I think one of the things that happens in churches, from a deformed leadership standpoint, is requiring boards to operate in unanimity or using unity as a cudgel against people who have firm convictions about things. The news of Petes resignation landed heavy on my heart. Well, and I hope there are Christian leaders listening to this who take note because is the time of just being silent and thinking that because youre silent, nothing will come back on you, thats past. And theres a lot of people asking, Is that just too great a burden to ever put on one person? How do you respond to that? Now, God is leading our friend and leader Pete away from these walls, and we look on with sadness the sadness that comes when a season you love is passing. And I remember you saying. Heres my belief, Julie, I think the church at large, the big leaders in evangelicalism, we can name names if we want to, and Im sure that people have names on their mind when theyre hearing this, Why were they silent? I think that they were scared of what Ill call the Christian Industrial Complex that had risen up around Bill, the economic consequences of speaking out on a topic of high consequence. I think thats dangerous. Its designed to be fought asymmetrically. WebLearn More About Pete Today - Pete Briscoe God loves you to distraction, There is nothing you can do to make Him love them more or less, And, that Life with this Lover God is rich beyond description, regardless of your performance. There was a period of time, Ill call, The Great Loneliness after that Chicago Tribune article came out, where they were radioactive. At that age, I think, as believers, we have had. Hearts that the elders of Bent Tree announce that Pete Briscoe used,! 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