Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
The influential Willow Creek Community Church, a megachurch in suburban Chicago, is changing leaders. The church announced on Sunday that David Dummitt, who became pastor during the pandemic, is stepping down.
“Dave came to Willow during a critical moment in our church’s history, leading through a time of change with wisdom, humility and a heart for unity,” the elder board announced on the church website. “He has played an essential role in bringing stability and ensuring a strong foundation for the future. We thank Dave and his family for how they have served, and we will have time to celebrate the Dummitts before Dave’s official transition off staff.”
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Shawn Williams, the campus pastor of Willow Creek’s South Barrington, Ill., location, will succeed Dummitt as senior pastor starting April 1. He earned a master of theology degree from Wheaton College and served in multiple leadership roles at area churches. “Since joining the Willow staff in 2020, Shawn has proven to be an effective leader and impactful teacher, leading staff and the South Barrington congregation with authenticity, wisdom and clarity,” the board said.
The church experienced several years of turmoil following the 2018 resignation of longtime Pastor Bill Hybels amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Hybel’s handpicked successors and the church’s entire elder board resigned that same year. The church went through several interim pastors before hiring Dummitt.
At its peak, the church drew more than 25,000 worshippers to services at several Chicago-area campuses under Hybels, known for his ambitious, corporate style of management and obsession for excellence. Hybels denied allegations against him and has largely disappeared from public life in recent years. After his departure, attendance dwindled and giving dropped, leading the church to lay off nearly one-third of its staff in 2022. The church closed its downtown Chicago campus last year but still has seven locations in the suburbs.
–Alan Goforth
