Most Popular Books by Bill Hybels

The founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church shares the passionate cry of his heart: the local church is the hope of the world and its future rests in the hands of its leaders.

Rediscovering Church is the candid story of Willow Creek Community Church''s phenomenal growth, from 100 members meeting in a Palatine, Illinois, movie theater to its present Sunday morning attendance of 15,000. Bill Hybels and his wife, Lynne, tell about Willow Creek''s beginnings, its struggles, the philosophy behind its success, and the strategies that have made it a model for church growth. The first half of the book, written by Lynne Hybels, explores the early years of Willow Creek and the personal accounts behind one of this century''s most remarkable church stories. It offers an honest look at the ways God has used both the strengths and weaknesses of His people, creating a church of believers who have had tremendous impact for Christ in their community. In the second half of Rediscovering Church, Bill Hybels helps you apply the strengths of Willow Creek''s ministry philosophy to your own congregation''s mission. From mission statements to developing leadership, making sound financial decisions, and handling growth, Bill stresses that God wants to build His church to be an effective and committed community of faith that reaches out to a hurting world, to be the body of Christ in real and tangible ways. Rediscovering Church draws on the experiences of Willow Creek to show how one fellowship crystallized its mission and methodology, its vision and values. The Willow Creek story provides an example that churches and individuals alike can turn to for inspiration, encouragement, and a means of uncovering the pattern for their own unique mission and ministry.

In a society where "upward mobility" is the highest goal, Bill Hybels asks a tough question: Do Christians place God''s desires first-or their own? In Descending into Greatness, Hybels and writer Rob Wilkins take the example of Christ''s downward journey as it was meant to be; the radical and essential answer for every Christian. In fourteen powerful chapters, the authors explore such topics as How Jesus managed power. The intentional decisions necessary to move down. The uplifting nature of true humility. Abundant life through dying to self. The ambush of joy. Moving down is never an easy matter that can be reduced to a formula. It involves a life committed to discipleship. Descending into Greatness introduces you to the touching stories of modern men and women committed to advancing the kingdom of God: from the pro football player, to the medical missionary, to a businessman wrestling with the priorities in the world of finance. Descending into Greatness asks tough questions and gives hopeful answers. Now, this powerful, urgent message also includes a discussion guide so that you can follow through, too. "Like Christ, we must descend-into self-abandonment, unconditional giving, sacrifice, and death to self. And, like Christ, we will then ascend-into fulfillment, blessing, joy, and purpose."

The best leaders not only lead well but also reflect on their leadership long enough and thoughtfully enough to articulate the philosophies that cause them to do so. Whether serving in the marketplace or in ministry, as executives or rank-and-file employees, as salaried staff or volunteer servants, good leaders can pinpoint the rationale for their actions and decisions with the ease of reciting their home address. In Axiom: author Bill Hybels divulges the God-given convictions that have dictated his leadership strategy for more than three decades as senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. Oriented toward four key leadership categories ... 1. Vision and strategy (''Promote Shameless Profitability, '' ''Take a Flyer'') 2. Teamwork and communication (''Obi-Wan Kenobi Isn''t for Hire, '' ''Disagree without Drawing Blood'') 3. Activity and assessment (''Develop a Mole System, '' ''Sweat the Small Stuff'') 4. Personal integrity (''Admit Mistakes, and Your Stock Goes Up, '' ''Fight for Your Family'') ...Axiom brokers accessible wisdom from one leader''s journey, as well as emboldens you to nail down the reasons why you lead like you lead.

Shows readers how they can find and feed their personal areas of holy discontent, fight for it when things get risky, and follow it when it takes a mid-course turn.

Evangelism doesn''t have to be frustrating or intimidating. Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg believe that effectively communicating our faith in Christ should be the most natural thing in the world. We just need encouragement and direction. In Becoming a Contagious Christian, Hybels and Mittelberg articulate the central principles that have helped the believers at Willow Creek Community Church become a church known around the world for its outstanding outreach to unchurched people. Based on the words of Jesus and flowing from the firsthand experiences of the authors, Becoming a Contagious Christian is a groundbreaking, personalized approach to relational evangelism. You will discover your own natural evangelism style, how to develop a contagious Christian character, to build spiritually strategic relationships, to direct conversations toward matters of faith, and to share biblical truths in everyday language. This landmark book presents a blueprint for starting a spiritual epidemic of hope and enthusiasm for spreading the Gospel.

Bill Hybels points us to the wisdom of the book of Proverbs. This practical guidebook is ideal for anyone who wants to live the Christian life with wisdom and wholeness.

Guide to making prayer a part of everyday life and finding time to pray in a busy schedule.

God instituted festivals and feasts. Jesus went to weddings and parties. Christians were made to be people who celebrate, and the focal point of praise should always be God. He is generous, and He is righteous, and believers'' natural responses should be celebration.

God wants you to be a world changer. Your acts of service, words of truth, love for God, and care for people can have a transformational impact. In a dark world, the light of heaven can shine through you. It''s time to influence the world with the love of Jesus. It''s time to maximize our impact for God!

God wants you to walk confidently in your new identity in Christ, serving Him with joy and energy in your various roles. This study gives you a close-up view of these different roles and equips you with the sound biblical insights you need to fulfill them. (6 sessions)

In "Simplify," bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies the core issues that lure us into frenetic living--and offers searingly practical steps for sweeping the clutter from our souls. Today''s velocity of life can consume and control us ... until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That''s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don''t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do. What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live--and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn''t matter--and start doing what does.

FOR DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE THE USA. Building on the solid foundation laid in Becoming a Contagious Christian (1994), Just Walk Across the Room signals the next era in personal evangelism. Pastor Bill Hybels'' firm conviction is that the highest value in personal evangelism is being attuned to and cooperative with the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This means playing only the role you are intended to play---walking when the Spirit says to walk; talking when the Spirit says to talk; and falling silent when the Spirit suggests that you''ve already said enough.

Hybels makes a clarion call to move beyond volunteer retention to volunteer acquisition. By attracting, connecting, training, and sustaining volunteers, churches will mobilize people into places of service that will bring new meaning to their lives as it advances God''s cause upon planet Earth.

"In a culture obsessed with sex, where virginity and fidelity belong only to a minority, what hope is there for sexual purity? For too much history, the church has been almost silent about sex except to say no and don''t. Today, facing a culture that says a loud yes to every kind of sexual activity, Christians have found it necessary to dig deeper: What is the purpose of sex? How can Christians avoid to seduction of sexual traps and rescue others caught in them? In Tender Love, Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins explore the contrast between God''s design for sex and the world''s design. In modern society, rights have been emphasized and responsibilities deemphasized. Commitment is considered too time-consuming. Sex increasingly becomes an act of destruction leading to addiction, divorce, pain, perversion, depersonalization, disease and death. Tender Love speaks to the committed couple who want to remain faithful and may need to reinforcement from God''s word to overcome the obstacles and distractions to purity. It also speaks to anyone trying to understand and help others, especially to young people struggling with their own sexuality. Gripping case histories chronicle the lifelong learning process of individuals who have learned the beauty or the destructive potential of sex. A discussion guide is included for further study with your spouse, a friend, or a small group. Tender Love resolves some of the curious duality that many have about their sexuality: Pleasure and guilt, wonder and shame. The mystery and wonder of sex point to an imaginative and relational Creator-God and remind us that sexual intimacy is meant as a gift, not an idol." --Back cover of book.

Network is a six-session dynamic program to help Christians understand who God has uniquely made them to be and mobilize them to a place of meaningful service in the local church. Each participant in Network will work through a series of assessments to discover their unique blend of spiritual gifts, personal style, and ministry passion.

God is ready to give the wisdom and insight needed to navigate the questions that seem too big, such as: Will wars ever cease? Can the planet survive? Is God really out there? Does God hear prayers? Aren''t all religions the same?

What does it mean to be truly committed to Christ?Jesus’ answer to that question forms perhaps the greatest sermon ever delivered. In Commitment, you’ll revisit the Sermon on the Mount to discover practical ways for assessing your present level of commitment and setting goals for its growth.You’ll find out what the Master expects from those who follow Him and what rewards await them. You’ll also learn how to sidestep common barriers to commitment and draw closer to Christ than you’ve ever thought possible. As you explore the themes of Jesus’ famous sermon and apply them to your own relationship with God, you’ll discover the confidence that comes from being fully committed to Christ.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Through this small group Bible study, move beyond six tough hurdles: adversity, fear, apathy, greed, lust, and sorrow. As you unite the hope and insight of Scripture with the support of the people in your group, you''ll find strength to overcome the things in your life you thought would never change. 6 SESSIONS

Pastor Bill Hybels’s firm conviction is that the highest value in personal evangelism is being attuned to and cooperative with the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This means playing only the role you are intended to play—walking when the Spirit says to walk, talking when the Spirit says to talk, and falling silent when the Spirit suggests that you’ve already said enough. More than two thousand years ago, Jesus himself introduced the perfect model for evangelism. He left the marvelous adoration of the angels and the perfection of heaven, and he chose to “walk” clear across the cosmos. He had no memorized script, no forced formulas. Instead, he was armed only with an offer of redemption to people just like you and me, many of whom were neck-deep in pain of their own making. Today, the goal for every Christian is to reflect Christ’s love and follow his example by taking simple walks across rooms—leaving our circles of comfort and extending hands of care, compassion, and inclusiveness to people living far from God. Designed for use with the video.

Bill Hybels outlines the dynamics of listening for God''s voice and obeying His leading.

If you''re ready to experience the joy of true, deep community, this study will help you move beyond your fears into the realm of knowing others and being known by them. 6 SESSIONS

This study will help you and your spouse draw insight from one another and from the other couples in your group to build the kind of close relationship you''ve always wanted. (6 sessions)

Those who follow in the steps of Jesus hear the invitation to excellent living. When believers seek to give God their best, they discover that the power of Jesus helps them live excellent lives on every level: spiritually, morally, relationally, financially, directionally, and eternally.

You probably don’t think of yourself as an evangelist.Most Christians would rather leave evangelism to a select few with "special talent" for outreach. But when Christ gave the command to spread the Gospel, He gave it to us all. Because He knew we''d each have something unique to offer as His witnesses to the world. In Reaching Out, Bill Hybels helps you develop your own evangelism style—one that fits your personality like a glove. You''ll discover the meaning and importance of sharing your faith and learn the motivation and mind-set behind evangelism. You''ll also get the solid guidance and seasoned tips you need to put it all into motion successfully. As you walk through this proven, highly effective approach, you''ll find your hesitations melting into an enthusiasm for winning lost men and women to Christ.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

The Psalms reflect the many-faceted relationship between humans and God in the ever-changing proving grounds of life. Learn about God''s heart toward you -- and what He looks for in your heart toward Him. 6 SESSIONS

Offers the counsel of biblical advice and principles to the triumphs and problems of marriage.

Be set free to pursue God’s purpose for your life.God wants to set you free. No more bondage. No more fear. No more living as a slave to sin. Sound like a dream? God is in the business of making these kinds of dreams a reality. He is committed to giving you a life of incredible significance, and he has already done all that is necessary to break the chains that keep you from it.In Significance, you will discover a strategy for becoming all God wants you to be. God has a plan for you to walk in tremendous purpose, and he has provided the power needed to put this plan into action. But first, the chains that hold you back must be destroyed. This series of studies maps out God’s road to freedom and significance. Every journey begins with one step. Are you ready to take it?Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Based on the book of Proverbs and Bill Hybels''s Making Life Work, this study guide will help you develop discipline, speak truth and strengthen relationships--equipping you to think and act out of godly wisdom.

This guide helps parents tackle the thorny issues they face today and also develop confidence and competence in their role as a parent.

Discover the joy of serving others.How can you identify full devoted followers of Christ? Their servant lifestyle gives them away! In our “me-first” culture, servanthood is the earmark of men and women who have discovered the joy of giving. But the secret to servanthood isn’t running yourself ragged trying to be everything to everyone—it’s pouring freely out of a full cup the things you were designed to give.Love in Action shows how you can break the back of self-centeredness and experience the satisfaction of serving others wisely and effectively. You’ll discover how sharing your unique personal resources and spiritual gifts can become a source of strength to others, worship and praise to God, and a personal delight that nothing else can match!Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

This analysis of the inconsistencies in the lifestyle of today''s Christians is accompanied by specific examples and discussion of how Christians can restore authentic Christianity in their personal lives and thus nurture a troubled world.

Today''s leading preachers share their expertise in preparing great sermons On top of all the responsibilities that comprise their vocation, pastors must write sermons that are original, insightful, useful, challenging, and comforting-once a week. This volume in The Preacher''s Toolbox series explores the art and craft of sitting down to a blank page and writing a message that nourishes and speaks truth-to the listener. Every chapter, written by an expert in the field, provides insights and techniques that are the result of years of sermon preparation. Articles include: Writing a Good Message in a Bad Week, Scott Wenig Five Hammer Strokes for Creating Expository Sermon Outlines, Jeffrey Arthurs How Prayer Transforms Prep, Michael Lawrence If You Dislike Sermon Prep, Bill Hybels Four Ways to Get Out of a "One Pitch" Preaching Rut, Matt Woodley How to Plan and Package a Year of Sermon Series, David Daniels The Spiritual Importance of Being, an Emotionally Healthy Preacher, Pete Scazzerro A special hands-on section from leading pastors entitled "How I Prepare a Sermon" brings theory into practice and will give you the benefit of decades of experience. Contributors include: Timothy Keller Mark Driscoll Lee Eclov Matt Chandler Justin Buzzard and more Book jacket.

This four-session video-based study explains how to navigate life through whispers from God--whispers that arbitrate key decisions, whispers that provide rescue from a dark night of the soul, whispers that spur on growth, whispers that come by way of another person, and whispers that unveil the terrible plight people face in this world.

Satisfy the deepest longing of your heart -- God made us to run, jump, dance, and celebrate absolute freedom. Yet too often we feel bound by past failures, sin, and guilt. What will it take for the shackles to fall to the ground? Where can we find a freedom that no one can ever take away? In the book of Romans, God points you to the path of freedom. You will discover an inexhaustible, heavenly power to break the chains that bind you. You''ll find forgiveness for all moral failures, a new future where all things are made right, and the joy of living in community with God''s people. In Romans, you will walk the road of freedom that will set you truly free!

What kind of love makes a difference?A bold yet compassionate love is a trademark of Jesus Christ. Love without limits. A world-changing love. Can such love be reproduced in the lives of sinful men and women like us? Is it possible to follow Jesus'' model of giving and receiving love? In Lessons on Love, you''ll find out how. You''ll learn about the various kinds of love, beginning with forms of love you''ll recognize—and ending with a supernatural love so awesome it can utterly transform lives. Christ''s love. The world around you will take note when you unleash the power of Christ''s love—and it will never be the same.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.