Former Willow Creek Executive Pastor Tim Stevens unpacks the situation at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. In a transparent conversation, Tim dissects the dynamics of abuse at Willow Creek, outlines the problem with isolated leadership, and covers how to lead when you start with zero trust.

Tim and Carey also discuss how to build a new culture and find momentum as you reach the next generation.

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Welcome to The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast, a podcast about leadership, change, and personal growth. I hope this episode helps you thrive in life and leadership.

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Intro Music:
Song: Alexey Anisimov - Always Be Beautiful
Music provided by Tunetank.
Free Download: https://tunetank.com/track/4144-alway...

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Chapters
00:00 - Willow Creek's Culture
02:33 - Willow Creek: My Journey
10:07 - Running Into the Fire
16:36 - The Culture of Power Abuse at Willow Creek
21:29 - The Physical Reconfiguration of the Senior Pastor's Office
24:41 - The Culture of the Church
27:06 - Leaders of Willow Church During the Sexual Misconduct scandal
34:32 - The Culture of the Team at Willow
41:12 - Willow Church's Crisis of Trust
44:31 - Staff Values
48:11 - When You Inherit a Legacy Facility
52:54 - Engaging Millennials and Gen Z
55:47 - Why Tim Stevens Retired from Willow
57:33 - The Challenges Facing the Church
01:02:24 - Playing The Long Game in Leadership