Best Selling Books by Bill Hybels

The book you hold resonates with this conviction: that leaders such as you have the potential to be the most influential forces on planet Earth. Yours is the staggering responsibility and the matchless privilege of rallying believers and mobilizing their spiritual gifts in order to help people who are far from God become fully devoted followers of Christ. Life transformation and the eternal destinies of real people depend on the redemptive message entrusted to the local church. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to lead your church effectively so God’s message of hope can change the world? Then this book is for you. Courageous Leadership is Bill Hybels’ magnum opus, a book far too important to be written before its time. Only now, after nearly thirty years leading his own church from a handful of people with a burning vision into a globe-spanning kingdom force—only after almost three decades of victories and setbacks, of praying hard and risking big—is Hybels ready at last to share the lessons he has learned, and continues to learn, about Christian leadership. Too much is at stake for you not to maximize your spiritual gift of leadership, insists Hybels. In this passionate, powerful book, he unpacks the tools, tasks, and challenges of your calling. You’ll discover the power of vision and how to turn it into action. You’ll gain frontline insights for developing a kingdom dream team, discovering your leadership style, developing other leaders, making decisions, walking with God, embracing change, staying your God-given course, and much, much more. Drawing on his own richly varied life experiences, Hybels fleshes out vital principles with riveting firsthand stories. This is far more than another book on leadership strategies and techniques. You’ll find those topics in here, to be sure. But beyond them, you’ll find the very essence of one of today’s foremost Christian leaders—his fervent commitment to evangelism and discipleship and his zeal to inspire fellow church leaders even as he seeks to keep growing as a leader himself. If unchurched people matter to you . . . if you love seeing believers serve passionately with their spiritual gifts . . . if God’s heartbeat for the church is your heartbeat as well . . . then this book is a must. Courageous Leadership will convince you to lead with all your might, all your skill, and all your faith. And it will give you the tools to do just that.

"In a culture obsessed with sex, where virginity and fidelity belong only to a minority, what hope is there for sexual purity? For too much history, the church has been almost silent about sex except to say no and don''t. Today, facing a culture that says a loud yes to every kind of sexual activity, Christians have found it necessary to dig deeper: What is the purpose of sex? How can Christians avoid to seduction of sexual traps and rescue others caught in them? In Tender Love, Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins explore the contrast between God''s design for sex and the world''s design. In modern society, rights have been emphasized and responsibilities deemphasized. Commitment is considered too time-consuming. Sex increasingly becomes an act of destruction leading to addiction, divorce, pain, perversion, depersonalization, disease and death. Tender Love speaks to the committed couple who want to remain faithful and may need to reinforcement from God''s word to overcome the obstacles and distractions to purity. It also speaks to anyone trying to understand and help others, especially to young people struggling with their own sexuality. Gripping case histories chronicle the lifelong learning process of individuals who have learned the beauty or the destructive potential of sex. A discussion guide is included for further study with your spouse, a friend, or a small group. Tender Love resolves some of the curious duality that many have about their sexuality: Pleasure and guilt, wonder and shame. The mystery and wonder of sex point to an imaginative and relational Creator-God and remind us that sexual intimacy is meant as a gift, not an idol." --Back cover of book.

Rediscovering Church is the candid story of Willow Creek Community Church’s phenomenal growth, from 100 members meeting in a Palatine, Illinois, movie theater to its present Sunday morning attendance of 15,000. Bill Hybels and his wife, Lynne, tell about Willow Creek’s beginnings, its struggles, the philosophy behind its success, and the strategies that have made it a model for church growth. The first half of the book, written by Lynne Hybels, explores the early years of Willow Creek and the personal accounts behind one of this century''s most remarkable church stories. It offers an honest look at the ways God has used both the strengths and weaknesses of His people, creating a church of believers who have had tremendous impact for Christ in their community. In the second half of Rediscovering Church, Bill Hybels helps you apply the strengths of Willow Creek''s ministry philosophy to your own congregation''s mission. From mission statements to developing leadership, making sound financial decisions, and handling growth, Bill stresses that God wants to build His church to be an effective and committed community of faith that reaches out to a hurting world, to be the body of Christ in real and tangible ways. Rediscovering Church draws on the experiences of Willow Creek to show how one fellowship crystallized its mission and methodology, its vision and values. The Willow Creek story provides an example that churches and individuals alike can turn to for inspiration, encouragement, and a means of uncovering the pattern for their own unique mission and ministry.

FOR DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE THE USA. Winning leaders have winning points-of-view---succinct, practical, portable leadership proverbs that help them arbitrate decisions and arouse troops to action. In Axiom: The Language of Leadership, Pastor Bill Hybels reveals sixty God-given, from-the-gut truths that continue to raise his game and his vision, thirty-plus years into his local-church leadership experience.

Discover an identity that fits you for kingdom service.As a Christian, you have received more than God''s forgiveness. You also have a brand new identity! You are a new creation in Christ, with fresh and exciting privileges and responsibilities. And God wants you to walk confidently in this identity, serving Him with joy and energy in your various roles as• A son or daughter of God• A saint of God• A soldier of God• An ambassador of God• A friend of God• A manager of God''s resourcesNew Identity gives you a close-up view of these different roles and equips you with the sound biblical insights you need to fulfill them. You''ll discover new ways to make your citizenship in God''s kingdom a daily reality right where you live. Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Evangelism doesn''t have to be frustrating or intimidating. Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg believe that effectively communicating our faith in Christ should be the most natural thing in the world. We just need encouragement and direction. In Becoming a Contagious Christian, Hybels and Mittelberg articulate the central principles that have helped the believers at Willow Creek Community Church become a church known around the world for its outstanding outreach to unchurched people. Based on the words of Jesus and flowing from the firsthand experiences of the authors, Becoming a Contagious Christian is a groundbreaking, personalized approach to relational evangelism. You will discover your own natural evangelism style, how to develop a contagious Christian character, to build spiritually strategic relationships, to direct conversations toward matters of faith, and to share biblical truths in everyday language. This landmark book presents a blueprint for starting a spiritual epidemic of hope and enthusiasm for spreading the Gospel.

Bill Hybels points us to the wisdom of the book of Proverbs. This practical guidebook is ideal for anyone who wants to live the Christian life with wisdom and wholeness.

In a society where "upward mobility" is the highest goal, Bill Hybels asks a tough question: Do Christians place God''s desires first-or their own? In Descending into Greatness, Hybels and writer Rob Wilkins take the example of Christ''s downward journey as it was meant to be; the radical and essential answer for every Christian. In fourteen powerful chapters, the authors explore such topics as How Jesus managed power. The intentional decisions necessary to move down. The uplifting nature of true humility. Abundant life through dying to self. The ambush of joy. Moving down is never an easy matter that can be reduced to a formula. It involves a life committed to discipleship. Descending into Greatness introduces you to the touching stories of modern men and women committed to advancing the kingdom of God: from the pro football player, to the medical missionary, to a businessman wrestling with the priorities in the world of finance. Descending into Greatness asks tough questions and gives hopeful answers. Now, this powerful, urgent message also includes a discussion guide so that you can follow through, too. "Like Christ, we must descend-into self-abandonment, unconditional giving, sacrifice, and death to self. And, like Christ, we will then ascend-into fulfillment, blessing, joy, and purpose."

In "Simplify," bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies the core issues that lure us into frenetic living--and offers searingly practical steps for sweeping the clutter from our souls. Today''s velocity of life can consume and control us ... until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That''s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don''t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do. What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live--and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn''t matter--and start doing what does.

What if you knew that by simply crossing the room and saying hello to someone, you could change that person’s forever? Just a few steps to make an eternal difference. It has nothing to do with methods and everything to do with taking a genuine interest in another human being. All you need is a heart that’s in tune with the Holy Spirit and a willingness to venture out of your “Circle of Comfort” and into another person’s life. Just Walk Across the Room brings personal evangelism into the twenty-first century. Building on the solid foundation laid in Becoming a Contagious Christian, Bill Hybels shows how you can participate in the model first set by Jesus, who stepped down from heaven 2,000 years ago to bring hope and redemption to broken people living in a fallen world. Now it’s your turn. Your journey may not be as dramatic, but it can have a life-changing impact for someone standing a few steps away from you—and for you as well, as you learn the power of extending care, compassion, and inclusiveness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The highest value in personal evangelism is cooperating with the Spirit, says Hybels. This means playing only the role you’re meant to play—walking when the Spirit says to walk, talking when he says to talk, and falling silent when he suggests that you’ve said enough. Hybels encourages you to “live in 3D” … —Developing friendships —Discovering stories —Discerning appropriate next steps … as a means of learning to understand the Holy Spirit’s promptings. With fresh perspectives from his own reflections and experiences collected during his most recent decade of ministry, Bill Hybels shows with convincing and inspiring clarity the power of this personal, richly relational approach to evangelism. The stakes are high. The implications are eternal. And you may be only a conversation away from having an eternal impact on someone’s life—if you will just walk across the room.

This analysis of the inconsistencies in the lifestyle of today''s Christians is accompanied by specific examples and discussion of how Christians can restore authentic Christianity in their personal lives and thus nurture a troubled world.

Modern business practice and scholarship have honed the laws of the leadership. To achieve success, you''re supposed to - among other things - leverage your time, choose a strong team, and avoid unnecessary controversy. But what do you do when the laws of leadership collide with the teachings of Christ? What would it mean to reveal your true character to those you lead? What would it take for you to take an honest look at yourself and ask, "Am I leading from my mission … or my shadow mission?" Using stories from their own lives and ministries, Bill Hybels, John Ortberg, and Dan Allender illustrate how the laws of leadership sometimes crash head-on into the demands of discipleship, and how the decisions you make at these crossroads could affect not only you, but the destiny of those you lead. The Call to Lead includesthe previous releases from the Leadership Library series: When Leadership and Discipleship Collide, by Bill Hybels, Overcoming Your Shadow Mission, by John Ortberg, and Leading Character from Dan Allender.

Network is a six-session dynamic program to help Christians understand who God has uniquely made them to be and mobilize them to a place of meaningful service in the local church. Each participant in Network will work through a series of assessments to discover their unique blend of spiritual gifts, personal style, and ministry passion.

What is the one aspect of this broken world that, when you see it, touch it, get near it, you just can’t stand? Very likely, that firestorm of frustration reflects your holy discontent, a reality so troubling that you are thrust off the couch and into the game. It’s during these defining times when your eyes open to the needs surrounding you and your heart hungers to respond that you hear God say, “I feel the same way about this problem. Now, let’s go solve it together!”Bill Hybels invites you to consider the dramatic impact your life will have when you allow your holy discontent to fuel instead of frustrate you. Using examples from the Bible, his own life, and the experiences of others, Hybels shows how you can find and feed your personal area of holy discontent, fight for it when things get risky, and follow it when it takes a mid-course turn. As you live from the energy of your holy discontent, you’ll fulfill your role in setting what is wrong in this world right!

Based on the book of Proverbs and Bill Hybels''s Making Life Work, this study guide will help you develop discipline, speak truth and strengthen relationships--equipping you to think and act out of godly wisdom.

God wants you to be a world changer. Your acts of service, words of truth, love for God, and care for people can have a transformational impact. In a dark world, the light of heaven can shine through you. It''s time to influence the world with the love of Jesus. It''s time to maximize our impact for God!

Pastor Bill Hybels believes that there is a new reality in America. The church has entered an era of growth and unprecedented spiritual opportunity to share the Gospel, yet at the same time we face a shrinking economy and a world in crisis. This poses a great resource challenge for the church. In order to reach out to people who are spiritually hungry, the church needs more people to be equipped to serve others. Hybels passionately believes the key to the future of the church is the equation "X (paid staff) + Y (volunteers) = Z (bearing much fruit for God’s glory)." Churches cannot afford to continue hiring more and more staff with limited budgets. The key to resourcing the church is what Hybels calls "the Y factor." The Y factor is the pool of volunteers in every church. The great need of the church is to grow the church’s volunteer base through the equipping ministry of church staffs. As churches recover the message of Ephesians 4:11-12 to "equip God’s people for works of service" they will launch a Volunteer Revolution. People are just waiting to discover the gifts and passions that God has given them to serve others and then be invited to use those gifts and passions through the local church in order to advance the kingdom of God on Earth. Hybels believes that every church staff should be helping people discover their spiritual gifts, passions and place of service in order to meet the growing needs in our churches and world. Hybels makes a clarion call to move beyond volunteer retention to volunteer acquisition. By attracting, connecting, training, and sustaining volunteers, churches will mobilize people into places of service that will bring new meaning to their lives and understand why God put them on planet Earth. Hybels also outlines how we can build lifelong volunteers in the church through community, celebration, and commendation.

Offers the counsel of biblical advice and principles to the triumphs and problems of marriage.

What does it mean to be truly committed to Christ?Jesus’ answer to that question forms perhaps the greatest sermon ever delivered. In Commitment, you’ll revisit the Sermon on the Mount to discover practical ways for assessing your present level of commitment and setting goals for its growth.You’ll find out what the Master expects from those who follow Him and what rewards await them. You’ll also learn how to sidestep common barriers to commitment and draw closer to Christ than you’ve ever thought possible. As you explore the themes of Jesus’ famous sermon and apply them to your own relationship with God, you’ll discover the confidence that comes from being fully committed to Christ.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Be set free to pursue God’s purpose for your life.God wants to set you free. No more bondage. No more fear. No more living as a slave to sin. Sound like a dream? God is in the business of making these kinds of dreams a reality. He is committed to giving you a life of incredible significance, and he has already done all that is necessary to break the chains that keep you from it.In Significance, you will discover a strategy for becoming all God wants you to be. God has a plan for you to walk in tremendous purpose, and he has provided the power needed to put this plan into action. But first, the chains that hold you back must be destroyed. This series of studies maps out God’s road to freedom and significance. Every journey begins with one step. Are you ready to take it?Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Those who follow in the steps of Jesus hear the invitation to excellent living. When believers seek to give God their best, they discover that the power of Jesus helps them live excellent lives on every level: spiritually, morally, relationally, financially, directionally, and eternally.

Here’s help to get over life’s 20-foot walls.A career blow, panic attacks, overwhelming grief, sexual temptation, even plain old apathy—life’s tough challenges take many forms. Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee immunity. Rather, it offers growth and victory as you face your personal struggles in the power of Christ.In Living in God’s Power, Bill Hybels lends a hand to help you move beyond six tough hurdles: adversity, fear, apathy, greed, lust, and sorrow. As you unite the hope and insight of Scripture with the support of the people in your group, you’ll find strength to overcome the things in your life you thought would never change.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

God instituted festivals and feasts. Jesus went to weddings and parties. Christians were made to be people who celebrate, and the focal point of praise should always be God. He is generous, and He is righteous, and believers'' natural responses should be celebration.

Discover the joy of serving others.How can you identify full devoted followers of Christ? Their servant lifestyle gives them away! In our “me-first” culture, servanthood is the earmark of men and women who have discovered the joy of giving. But the secret to servanthood isn’t running yourself ragged trying to be everything to everyone—it’s pouring freely out of a full cup the things you were designed to give.Love in Action shows how you can break the back of self-centeredness and experience the satisfaction of serving others wisely and effectively. You’ll discover how sharing your unique personal resources and spiritual gifts can become a source of strength to others, worship and praise to God, and a personal delight that nothing else can match!Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

The path to satisfying relationships is clear. And rarely taken. We all long for close relationships. Bonds so secure that we can be completely honest and vulnerable. But often, we keep our relationships at a safe—and shallow—level. We avoid the risk of revealing all that’s in our hearts. God wants us to take that risk. His reward for doing so is the satisfaction of true, deep community. If you’re ready to experience that joy, The Real Deal will help you move beyond your fears into the realm of knowing others and being known by them. Each session will carefully assist you in peeling away the disguises that prevent you from being your truest, freest self. Get ready for a life-changing adventure in developing richer, more meaningful relationships with God, with others, and with yourself.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

For a partnership that''s close and strong.Want to strengthen your marriage but unsure how to start? Marriage will help you and your spouse draw insight from one another and from the other couples in your group to build the kind of close relationship you''ve always wanted. Whether you need to stabilize shaky foundations or just want to make a good marriage even better, here''s how to • Get the most from you and your partner''s different personality traits using a brief, eye-opening self test • Weed out common “romance busters” that drain the excitement from your marriage • Resolve conflicts quickly using a simple three-step peace process• Prevent daily responsibilities from robbing you of real intimacy . . . and more. Marriage will help you and your mate not only recapture the thrill in your marriage, but also maintain and build upon it to create a satisfying, lasting relationship—the kind God designed you both to enjoyInteractions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Bill Hybels outlines the dynamics of listening for God''s voice and obeying His leading.

Satisfy the deepest longing of your heart -- God made us to run, jump, dance, and celebrate absolute freedom. Yet too often we feel bound by past failures, sin, and guilt. What will it take for the shackles to fall to the ground? Where can we find a freedom that no one can ever take away? In the book of Romans, God points you to the path of freedom. You will discover an inexhaustible, heavenly power to break the chains that bind you. You''ll find forgiveness for all moral failures, a new future where all things are made right, and the joy of living in community with God''s people. In Romans, you will walk the road of freedom that will set you truly free!

How to gain traction when you’re out of control.If you drive anywhere in the snow belt, you probably know the feeling: rear wheels fishtailing, steering useless, brakes ineffective—you’re out of control. The good news is, life doesn’t have to be like a car on ice. Bill Hybels offers biblical insights and practical steps to securing a Christ-centered life that will get you where you want to go.Getting a Grip guides you toward wise choices and disciplined action in five vital areas of your life: your time, your health, your finances, your spiritual life, and your relationships. As you learn what the Bible has to say about each of these, you’ll discover how able and eager Jesus is to help you obtain solid traction on the road of life.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

You probably don’t think of yourself as an evangelist.Most Christians would rather leave evangelism to a select few with "special talent" for outreach. But when Christ gave the command to spread the Gospel, He gave it to us all. Because He knew we''d each have something unique to offer as His witnesses to the world. In Reaching Out, Bill Hybels helps you develop your own evangelism style—one that fits your personality like a glove. You''ll discover the meaning and importance of sharing your faith and learn the motivation and mind-set behind evangelism. You''ll also get the solid guidance and seasoned tips you need to put it all into motion successfully. As you walk through this proven, highly effective approach, you''ll find your hesitations melting into an enthusiasm for winning lost men and women to Christ.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

If you long for a spiritual life that is deep, fruitful, and profoundly real, these studies will help you draw heart to heart with God. 6 SESSIONS

True stories about the highs and lows of life with God.What is it about the Psalms that creates their ageless appeal? What draws us to them time and again to find courage, hope, and joy? Perhaps it’s the way these ancient songs so faithfully mirror our own experience. With depth and passion, the Psalms reflect the many-faceted relationship between humans and God in the ever-changing proving grounds of life. In Meeting God, you’ll learn about God’s heart toward you—and what He looks for in your heart toward Him. You’ll find a road map for life. Discover a source of courage in the face of fear. Expand your heart with a fresh realization of God’s greatness. And deepen your relationship with a very present, personal Creator.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

How do you hand the tough challenges of parenting?Parenting. Nothing gives us more joy—or greater challenges. “How do I balance my work and family time? What’s the best way to handle my teenager''s attitude? Can I do a better job of raising my kids?”Parenting helps you and your groups tackle the thorny issues parents face today. Each session covers a topic that''s key to effective parenting, from raising well-balanced kids to overcoming the mistakes you make along the way. This practical, hands-on discussion guide helps you create a home where children can thrive. You''ll develop confidence and competence in your God-entrusted role as a parent and enjoy watching your kids grow into vibrant, godly adults.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

The floodwaters of life are rising; the current races faster. You feel yourself slipping. You need a secure foothold . . . and you need it now! We have all experienced the heart-pounding feeling of losing our stability in the storms of life. We want to stand strong as followers of Christ, but the world presses against us with staggering force. Where can we find an unshakable foundation for life? In the book of 1 Peter, you and your small group will find a rock-solid basis for living in a precarious and uncertain world. God offers you hope, love, purpose, service, submission, and victory. You can stand strong against the flood as you anchor yourself to the bedrock of Jesus Christ.

Life as a follower of Christ is not a fifty-yard dash. It''s a marathon. God offers strength for the race, cold water to quench our thirst, and fresh legs when we grow weary. We never run alone. He is always right beside us cheering us on or ahead of us leading the way. Do you need energy and refreshment for the race of life? In Philippians, you will find all you need to run with strength and confidence. If you desire joy beyond measure, perseverance, a servant''s heart, hope for the future, a peace beyond understanding, and lasting contentment, look no further than Philippians. New Community Series -- a high-impact tool for experiencing the transforming power of God''s Word. This cutting-edge series lets you explore life-changing topics from a biblical perspective in community with others in your small group. Challenging questions encourage you to reflect on Scripture and its impact on your life, both as an individual and as part of a community of Christ followers.

What kind of love makes a difference?A bold yet compassionate love is a trademark of Jesus Christ. Love without limits. A world-changing love. Can such love be reproduced in the lives of sinful men and women like us? Is it possible to follow Jesus'' model of giving and receiving love? In Lessons on Love, you''ll find out how. You''ll learn about the various kinds of love, beginning with forms of love you''ll recognize—and ending with a supernatural love so awesome it can utterly transform lives. Christ''s love. The world around you will take note when you unleash the power of Christ''s love—and it will never be the same.Interactions—a powerful and challenging tool for building deep relationships between you and your group members, and you and God. Interactions is far more than another group Bible study. It''s a cutting-edge series designed to help small group participants develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.