Dummitt said that Willow Creek had been working for three years with a developer on a plan “to build up” the Chicago property while still retaining “some space for the church,” but current interest rates made the project an impossibility.
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Dummitt also said that the church considered leasing out the property and moving the Chicago congregation to a different location. However, “while difficult,” Willow Creek leadership believes that closing the campus altogether “is the best decision for our immediate future.”
Dummitt assured church members that there are no plans to close any additional Willow Creek campuses.
“Now, I just want to say, this has not been easy for our entire team—our Chicago team in particular—they are fantastic. They have built a beautiful, multiethnic, growing congregation in the South Loop,” Dummitt said. “And we’re committed to walking with them in this and, hopefully, finding new roles at Willow, should they choose to stay.”
Dummitt encouraged church members to be praying for the Chicago campus team and to reach out and “check in on them.”
“I think this is our chance to practice being the church to one another,” Dummitt said.
Willow Creek’s Chicago campus will hold its final service on Sunday, Feb. 25.
