Today, former pastor and noted Case for Christ author Lee Strobel posted on Twitter that he supports and believes the women accusing former Willow Creek pastor Bill Hybels of sexual misconduct.
Strobel said the women were “Godly and credible” and admitted he hadn’t seen any evidence of misconduct while he was at Willow Creek.
My heart breaks for Pat Baranowski and all victims of Bill Hybels at Willow Creek. I never saw any hint of misconduct when I was there. Still, I know these women and they are Godly and credible. I believe them and weep for them. Scot McKnight is right: https://t.co/bH3q6HYKde
— Lee Strobel (@LeeStrobel) August 6, 2018
Strobel was teaching pastor at Willow Creek from 1987 to 2000. His comments come in the wake of fresh allegations against Hybels by his former executive assistant Pat Baranowski, who told The New York Times Hybels had groped her and harassed her on myriad occasions while they worked together in the 1980s.
Hybels accelerated his retirement earlier this year after the initial allegations were by other women in March, even while denying the allegations. This week, teaching pastor Steve Carter stepped down from the church, citing differences in judgment with church elders over how to treat the victims and the accusations.
The church is opening a new investigation into Hybels’ behavior.
