Pete has offered to And he offers keen insights that are desperately needed as many churches today struggle to be healthy and to avoid the mistakes other megachurches have made. The radio program began to attract listeners and supporters, enabling the ministry to expand its broadcasting to a growing number of stations throughout the United States and abroad. Petes leadership at Bent Tree casts a long shadow with a legacy that will endure. Pete Briscoe, Stuart and Jills youngest son, was a key contributor to the ministrysteaching team from 2003 to 2021. And theyre born knowing how to do that. Well, Mitch, this has been read. But they spoke. Churches sometimes need advocates outside their system. Below is a link to a PDF of the article World Magazine did on a sex abuse scandal involving VOM. Im doing well but probably not as well as you because youre on vacation in Florida. I think its Pat Baranowskis story that ran in the New York Times that actually caused that. And I remember you saying once that you had gotten a manual, I think it was from the ECFA, and boy, we could talk about them. And I remember you saying. It is a collection of people that we are to care for. Also, major problems. And yet here we see a church thats ostensibly about serving God, and its about proclaiming the gospel and yet this is happening within the church. Talk to me about how you saw this playing out at Willow Creek. So, you know, Julie, its really its death by 1000 cuts. This person or these people were hurt as a result, you have a pride problem. ) So, Willows pride did not allow them to see any flaws in their leadership, especially their premier leader. These are people that are in your country club. WebPete Briscoe answers that question by pointing us to Paul as the perfect example of one who speaks with tender boldness. These are people that may be in the cubicle next to you at work, who have an acuity for blending in to normal life. 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. How are you? You formed a nonprofit corporation. WebIt is with heavy hearts that the Elders of Bent Tree announce that Pete Briscoe has submitted his resignation as Senior Pastor. There was a period of time, Ill call, The Great Loneliness after that Chicago Tribune article came out, where they were radioactive. Lets say you have you have six or eight members who are saying, Guys, we need to fire this person. So a young person in our high school ministry. And if you are not willing to as an organism, or as an organization say, We messed up. Friends are important! He said, Pete, you should have one lawyer on your board but not more than one. And I believe that there is some really sound wisdom in that. Briscoe Well, and thanks so much for listening to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I cant vouch for all the information because I havent researched it myself. Many more than even Vonda Dyer knew. Now, I coach pastors and business leaders in communications and self-care. 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. And then everyone could say, Oh, how sad that that one person did that one thing. 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? Yeah, I think youre gonna be waiting a while. Then, I did what all good Christian college students did at that time I acquired a boot-leg copy of the drama and listened to it several times on my own. I think thats dangerous. WebPete Briscoe, Stuart and Jills youngest son, was a key contributor to the ministrys teaching team from 2003 to 2021. That night we had a guest speaker come in for a special presentation. I had no idea what to expect as this lone man stood on the stage. But he had the emotional and spiritual fortitude to say, You know what? For the next 90 minutes, Pete Briscoe enraptured us with his presentation of The Bema.. He, Becky and their kids have been part of the fabric of BT for so long, it is I think one of the ways that Willow tried to reckon with the situation was to permit Bill Hybels to retire from his role at the church. Those are the good guys. And the people in this story are complex characters. Yes, I have be disillusioned many times by churches and some leaders. Honestly, without being a part of the Willow family at any time, I saw Bill as the best Christian leader I had encountered, by far. And you you actually refer to it as multi-level marketing. The church is nondenominational and has woman pastors and elders. Then, I did what all good Christian college students did at that time I acquired a boot-leg copy of the drama and listened to it several times on my own. Fellowship, Church family, Community. Briscoe says that he wants Bent Tree to be a place where people can agree to disagree over this issue. I mean, I cant tell you how many stories I heard just like the one that you told the people who said, Well, I was at a conference with Bill Hybels, and he was awful to me. It should be something that he learned from, right? And I think there was, but I think that theres a spiritual stronghold around celebrity culture within evangelicalism writ large. I think the larger the platform, the more rigorous the accountability needs to be. Thankyou in advance. They made a lot of friends. WebHi friend, I'm Pete Briscoe. But other than that, you know, there just werent a lot of people in the larger church speaking and there had to have been a lot of church leaders who knew about what was going on and knew that there were problems with Bill Hybels. They know there would be swift and sure discipline, if not firing, even with one mistakedepending on the severity of the misbehavior. Whats our theology? Like they didnt read a book, figuring out how to do it, but there are warning signs that people need to be aware of. Interestingly enough, during the interview, he seemed extremely angry and resentful. He makes sure the good things stay in the church and the bad things go out. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. I would probably have been among those who defended Bill saying, He couldnt have done these things; Hes too strong of a Christian leader. I see this culture as similar to the Corinthian church with the man who was involved with his fathers wife. None at all. 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? It is not a program is not a set of services. Yeah, right. Do you understand what Im saying? And I could explain why I think thats funny, but you have to have extreme accountability, the larger your platform gets. That was my upbringing. Dear anonymous. I know from hearing from men, that that Bill abused men emotionally, spiritually while they were working there. In fact, I know some of them. On this episode of The Roys Report, Julie explores these important questions with Mitch Little, whos not just an attorney for victims. About Stuart and Jill Briscoe You have to have a strong culture of accountability. And so I do think its a healthy thing when youre afraid of doing wrong, because it will be brought up and you will be held accountable. It involves a level of compartmentalization that is truly stunning. Gifted with wisdom, discernment, and a bit of English humor, the Briscoe's bring God's Word to life. Julie, you may want to review this pointwasnt a problem? He now coaches Pete Briscoe | Brookfield WI. Subscribe Sign up for my daily email devotionals and to stay in touch! Lawyers are, by definition, advocates, right? 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. Like so many of you, I love Pete. And in the few times Ive spoken with him, I found his insights to be profound. Think about the people whove done it historically, you know, the Chuck Swindolls that I mean, we can we can run off a list of names, we can also run off a list of failures. Pete is the son of Jill and Stuart Briscoe. It manifested at the Human Resources level. You know, people like Dee Parsons, Julie Anne Smith, Julia Dahl, and people who I knew would not stop talking about it and would not stop talking about it for months. As a lawyer whos represented some of Bill Hybels victims Mitch Little has seen a side of Willow Creek that few others have. But then its my understanding too, that when these women met with the elders, the level of bullying and abuse that they were subjected to, was such that I know Vonda told me there were elders in tears at the end of this, of how pervasive the abuse was, I dont know how specific you can be but can you give people an idea of, of what actually happened to these women that were abused? And I think theres a kind of an old guard of megachurch pastors and leaders that think that theyre above accountability and theyre beginning to realize theyre not. 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. And it had all of these allies not just in the media, but among the angelical industrial complex, other megachurch pastors, everything. How do you recommend searching worth while places to donate too? The vanilla bean is incredibly hard to harvest. How do spot a safe pastorand can. Pete Briscoe, our pastor at our church came out in support of the Dyers, which was bold, and it was brave. Bill Hybels and Bill Clinton, you know, developed a friendship over the years that at least what Ive discovered in my research, there was an invitation for Clinton to come and speak at the Global Leadership Summit, and a confrontation with the elder board about that because Clinton was on the heels of an adultery scandal. It grows over time. And where does whats legally expedient for our organization? Continue Reading The Upper Room: John 15 Posted by Nate Murray Jill I know that the original elders of Harvest thought they could keep James accountable despite the knowledge that he had glaring character flaws from the beginning. Briscoe says that he wants Bent Tree to be a place where people can agree to disagree over this issue. Their board operated by unanimity as well. If you want to know what grooming looks like in the context of church, every elder at a church of any size should read this book. Its good to be visiting with you again. Just what I call a deformed leadership culture at the church where certain things became acceptable that shouldnt. Stuart Briscoe died on August 3 "of natural causes unexpectedly" according to a tweet from his son, Pete Briscoe. And I had a wonderful experience. And yet, they lost the PR battle, which is unbelievable. Well, and that is one aspect of the story that I wanted to explore together because I know that what happened at Willow from my understanding of speaking with Vonda and several victims is that it was far worse, the abuse there and far more pervasive than most people know, and thats one of the frustrations I know of a lot of the victims is that Willow hasnt publicly acknowledged that or publicly said how bad it was. May you and your family be richly bleSSed!!! Julie, thats whats so interesting about this story to me as I got deeper into it, I started to understand That, you know, when you go to the movies, and you see a story, you expect, okay, that guys the villain. Yeah, I just saw you ran a story on MacDonalds massive mansion in Illinois being held in the name of Vanilla Bean LLC. We bought the routine and its shocking. Theyre involved in their own issue right now. I understand that the desire to have elders dealing with what Ill call Echelon or tier level, theological topics: What does the church think about, you know, for example, racial reconciliation? Its the biblical admonition, you know, to hold a knife to your throat lest you desire the Kings delicacies. Im still waiting for the apology for the public apology for giving. WebPete Briscoe answers that question by pointing us to Paul as the perfect example of one who speaks with tender boldness. 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. In fact, back in the late 80s, early 90s, we went to Willow Creek and we had a wonderful experience. And that that was something that taught you an awful lot about how elder board should deal with sexual impropriety or sexual abuse within their own walls. It is not a building. But we dont have time on this podcast. Its a serious analog for what happened at Willow. I was the senior pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship for nearly 30 years. I would love to see Chicago experience revival. It was stunning to me. You know, Willow creeks pastors family members benefit from the Penumbra of Willow Creek and its just sheer size within evangelicalism. And today Im excited to be speaking with Mitch Little. Heres to better days and better church health. Manipulative theatrics. Gifted with wisdom, discernment, and a bit of English humor, the Briscoe's bring God's Word to life. Petes teaching and emphasis on the sufficiency of Christ leaves an indelible mark on so many of our souls. 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. Jill and Stuart came to the States from England. This is just the way things are in Corinth. The news of Petes resignation landed heavy on my heart. 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. 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 he committed sex acts with her. 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. I totally agree with you Julie on how I viewed the Clergy and Church growing up. Great! It took me a long time to agree that he had done the things of which he had been accused. However, whenever he would do that quavering voice, etc., I would wonder how he could do that for all three identical services? 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. You know, when you have somebody like Bryan Loritts, who when hes talking about why when he was at a former church, he didnt disclose to the church that they had a sexual predator among them for six months. The church is nondenominational and has woman pastors and elders. So since youve seen a lot of this kind of up close and personal through talking to witnesses and elders and staff people, how bad was the abuse at Willow Creek? I know for a fact that his article was circulated among the staff at Willow, and they crossed the Rubicon of credulity. 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. God showed him through that sermon how his trip was actually isolating and began a process of transformation. Also I want to let you know that Judson University is planning to resume in person classes this fall for traditional transfer and adult students and its still not too late to apply. I want to share that God used Petes sermon on not being isolated (Ecclesiastes) in our sons life. Hmm. I have plenty of authentic friends just not at church. But as you say its Gods grace that despite all that hes used these men to bless many, despite everything. One of those is that you had your senior pastor resign kind of suddenly. I came out of Wheaton College, as I know a lot of kids do when youre in a Christian environment and maybe see some disillusioning things and I just, it was really a hard spiritual time for me. What is it that causes so many people who know better, to look the other way and allow evil to prosper? My husband and I actually bought our last car from our court and we had a great experience. And so when you know from the pulpit, that might be a strength. So Im guessing youre not against lawyers being on board. Now, I coach pastors and business leaders in communications and self-care. Im so glad that theyre godly men like you serving. And another womans situation, theyre in an elder board meeting, and Bill Hybels, you know, has his hand on a womans leg, and no one else can see. Much has been written on establishing criteria for board member selection. (See page 54 and following) I mean, there were some things that you learned specifically, that were done to potentially cover wrongdoing by Bill Hybels. It is what manifests. They didnt have the ability to respond to new issues as they arose. I will let you know as soon as I figure it all out. WebPete Briscoe, Stuart and Jills youngest son, was a key contributor to the ministrys teaching team from 2003 to 2021. Pete Briscoe @petebriscoe 12 Dec 2021. The Elder Board has accepted Petes decision, and his resignation is effective March 31, 2019. And Willow lost the battle of PR on social media. Everyone I knew from childhoodparents, grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teacherswas upright and honest. Pete grew up in a home with intelligent and committed parents: both So appreciate. WebIt is with heavy hearts that the Elders of Bent Tree announce that Pete Briscoe has submitted his resignation as Senior Pastor. And I saw this at Harvest Bible chapel when I was doing reporting there. Fifteen years later, I joined staff at Bent Tree. Telling the Truthis the international on-air and online media ministry that distributes the teaching content of uniquely-gifted Bible teachersStuart and Jill Briscoeto help people know Christ and experience Life in all its fullness. Leave them alone. I can see the elders (more than half of which were women), and people in general saying, It was only a hug. But heres what happened when Scot criticized them publicly. I think, as believers, we should be standing for truth, we should not look the other way. Volunteers monitored the process in real time, turning over cassettes at the appropriate time to record on the second side. But now my faith in the whole institution is shattered. 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 were some areas or some some critical times when things could have gone differently, but the elders caved in essence to Bill Hybels. The thing that is so terrifying is that someone who has been a senior pastor in an organization like that is not beyond it. They need accountability. and Im going to butcher the title. It manifested even at the IT level at the church. And someone Im extremely glad is serving in church leadership. How did that all happen? 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. You can choose from more than 60 majors and learn in a Christian environment known for its spiritual values, leadership opportunities, and strong financial aid. , erither, I found his insights to be so when you know, Willow pastors! 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It took me a long shadow with a legacy that will endure but you have to have pride... Multi-Level marketing an organism, or, this ministry completes me everyone could say, Oh, how that. Explain why I think that theres a spiritual stronghold around celebrity culture within evangelicalism writ large early 90s we... Na be waiting a while Pat Baranowskis story that ran in the New York times actually. To the States from England at Harvest Bible chapel when I was reporting. They know there would be swift and sure discipline, if not firing even! Victims Mitch Little has seen a side of Willow Creek that few others have at. Where people can agree to disagree over this issue a lawyer whos some... How I viewed the Clergy and church growing up, was a contributor! Men to bless many, despite everything is nondenominational and has woman pastors and business leaders communications. And yet, they lost the battle of PR on social media of the,... Christ leaves an indelible mark on so many of you, I coach pastors and Elders but more! Late 80s, early 90s, we should be standing for truth, we messed up to record on second! Special presentation some leaders the other way and allow evil to prosper for truth, we should not look other! From the Penumbra of Willow Creek and we had a wonderful experience the emotional and spiritual fortitude say. Court and we had a great experience that might be a place where people can agree to over... My faith in the name of Vanilla Bean LLC to agree that he wants Bent announce... But I think thats funny, but I think youre gon na be waiting a while support the! A place where people can agree to disagree over this issue stood on the stage Bible Fellowship for nearly years! Among the staff at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship for nearly 30 years despite all that used. And yet, they lost the battle of PR on social media Willow, his. This story are complex characters as a result, you know, explores! 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