Pastor Steps Down To Chase New Dreams
After serving as senior pastor for five years, Dave Dummitt announced his decision to step down from Willow Creek Community Church, located in suburban Chicago. He shared his plans to pursue other ventures and confirmed that the leadership transition is a smooth, healthy one. Shawn Williams, the current South Barrington campus pastor, will take over as senior pastor in April. Williams was hired and mentored by Dummitt, who praised his character and leadership abilities.
Dummitt took on the role of senior pastor in 2020, two years after the resignation of Willow Creek’s founder, Bill Hybels, amid sexual misconduct allegations. Dummitt led the church through a challenging period, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused significant disruptions and a decrease in church attendance. However, he emphasized that his departure is not due to any scandal or pressure, but simply his desire to pursue new dreams after 20 years in ministry.
During his tenure, Dummitt helped stabilize the church, and by 2022, the church was seeing growth in areas such as attendance and baptisms. He noted that 40% of new attendees had not been part of a church before coming to Willow Creek, demonstrating success in reaching new people. Dummitt expressed gratitude for the work done by the staff and volunteers, who contributed to the church’s improved health.
Williams, who will succeed Dummitt, is a respected leader within the church, and Dummitt spoke highly of his abilities as both a leader and a communicator. Dummitt plans to remain involved until July to assist with the transition before taking a break from ministry. Afterward, he intends to focus on personal projects, including joining a consultancy business and managing family-owned ventures in Chicago.
With the leadership handover in progress, Willow Creek remains in a period of positive momentum, and Dummitt is optimistic about the future direction of the church under Williams’ leadership.