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From: MondayMorningInsight.com: I specifically remember one of Bill Hybels' many off-hand remarks at a Leadership Summit a few years back. I can't remember the actual speaker that Hybels was interviewing, but at some point in the dialogue, the interviewee said something that sounded a little "wimpy" to Hybels. Hybels quipped, "did you shave your legs this morning?" Hybels comment elicited hoots, hollers and moans from the assembled crowds, both live and at the many satellites across the country. Two things occurred as a result of Hybels’ comment.  As is common, men were immediately drawn in to the manly love-language of insult...myself included.  I believe this was the point at which I realized that I would always be fascinated by Hybels because he simply can’t help but say what’s on his mind, regardless of the potential fallout.  The second thing that occurred, was the apology.  When the Summit resumed during the next session, Hybels apologized for his comment and how it probably was degrading to women...etc. I don’t know the inner workings of the Leadership Summit or Willow Creek, but my hunch is that Nancy Beach got a hold of him and scolded him for his comment in between sessions.  Hybels--never one to back down from taking responsibility for his actions and comments--apologized to the many thousands assembled.  My guess is that most of the men assembled secretly thought, “what’s the big deal?”.  To be honest...I wouldn’t be surprised if Hybels secretly thought the same thing. Fast forward to last week and Hybels is speaking his mind again--this time to Mark Driscoll for his stance on male-only pastors/elders.  I wasn’t there, so I don’t have the play-by-play, but I’ve heard plenty from friends that were there and from the various reports from those both in favor and opposed to Hybels comments.  I’m fascinated by it all.  Love him or not, Driscoll is who he says he is and his actions are an outflow of his beliefs.  I can’t always say the same for Hybels.  Hybel’s has always been an enigma to me. If you listen to (or read) enough of Hybels through the years, you can tell that he’s an alpha-male of the highest order.  Further, comments like the one mentioned previously betray the fact that there is a very clear divide between a man and a woman in Hybels mind, regardless of his stated beliefs on the matter.  One might even infer that he has a disdain for some of the characteristics of the weaker sex.  So...should we be surprised by Hybels’ egalitarian views in regard to pastoral roles?  I think not. Truthfully, I’ve met quite a few pastors that are egalitarian in their leadership views, yet privately show a tendency toward male chauvinism.  While this might seem strange at first glance, it can actually be the perfect marriage.  A male chauvinist that is a Christian should experience guilt about how he really feels about the opposite sex (or maybe it’s more about the characteristics of the opposite sex?). Guilt has to go somewhere--it leaks.  Therefore, I believe many of these leaders have unconsciously imposed a sort of “penence” for their personal chauvinism by going to bat for egalitarian theology.  I don’t think this is wide-spread, but I have seen this phenomenon with at least one pastor I’ve worked with.  While this pastor spoke a good game with his egalitarian views, he acted like a benevolent autocrat with his one female pastor...treating her as one that should be thankful for his stance on leadership. While this might not be the case with Hybels, I can’t help but consider the possibility.  Otherwise, the contradiction that is Bill Hybels still eludes me.  In the end, I’m guessing this little public spat will blow over and one day, Hybels and Driscoll will meet and become friends.  Either way, Hybels was wrong in his public scolding of Driscoll and should probably repent and apologize.  He’s good at that. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Rick White is the lead pastor of CityView Church—a new church located in the Alliance-Texas Corridor, north of Fort Worth.  CityView is committed to keeping Jesus and His Gospel as the central focus of their mission and message.  CityView was planted by The Village Church and is a part of the Acts29 Network. Rick and his wife of 11 years are proud parents of three children.  You can read more of Rick’s writings at his blog, ”The 20 Year Baton”. He can be contacted via email at rick@cityviewchurch.net http://mondaymorninginsight.com/index.php/7809/

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