Global Leadership Summit Attendance Unaffected
WCA did not respond to our request for specific numbers on partnering churches or attendance, but WCA President and CEO Tom De Vries told the Daily Herald that the number of registered attendees both for South Barrington and around the world is on track with previous years.
According to the Daily Herald, about 10,000 people are expected to attend the summit on the main campus in South Barrington, while 150,000 will be viewing remotely across the U.S. Another 250,000 in 135 other countries will be listening in 60 different languages.
In a statement, the WCA board said of Hybels’ absence: “There is no question that Bill has had a significant impact on this ministry, but the Summit has never been about one person. It has only ever been about the mission to energize Christians and mobilize churches globally by growing their leadership skills and commitment to maximize Kingdom impact.”
The Global Leadership Summit is scheduled for Aug. 9-10 and will feature a faculty of 15 rather than the usual 12. It includes Angela Ahrendts, senior vice president of Apple; T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House; and author Simon Sinek.
While Hybels normally opens and closes the Global Leadership Summit, this year’s summit opening and closing will be led by Craig Groeschel, co-founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, which is based in Oklahoma but has multiple locations around the country.
Bill Hybels’ Accusers Are Not Ready to Move On
Willow Creek: No Collusion in Bill Hybels Allegations
New Allegations Surface in Bill Hybels Investigation
Bill Hybels Announces Resignation, Cites ‘harmful accusations’
