Megan Bagnall, one of Willow’s executive pastors, said she and other staffers had been hoping Williams would be Willow’s new pastor, after learning that Dummitt would be departing. She was glad to see the elders affirm Williams in that new role.
“I think that was very helpful for us as we were thinking about what this transition was going to look like,” she said.
Ed Kanthack, a longtime volunteer and small-group leader at Willow, said he was saddened to hear the news of Dummitt’s departure, as the pastor had brought stability to the church after a difficult time.
“My first thought was, I’m tired of transition,” he said, with a smile. “But as it sunk in, I truly believe God has a plan. God is still moving. He’s not done with his church, and there’ll be good things in the future.”
This article originally appeared here.
 that he is stepping down as leader of the influential Chicagoland megachurch.){kind=link}