Descending Into Greatness

by Bill Hybels, Rob Wilkins

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."

Genres: Christian, Leadership, Christianity, Christian Living, Lifestyle, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

About the author

Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, a non-denominational church with eight regional locations in the Chicago area. He is the bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Simplify, Axiom, Holy Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer Revolution, Courageous Leadership, Too Busy Not to Pray, and Becoming a Contagious Christian.

Hybels launched Willow Creek Community Church in 1975 with his wife, Lynne (Berry), and a group of friends who gathered in rented space in a movie theater with a vision of helping people from any faith background (or no faith at all) become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Utilizing contemporary music, the arts, relevant teaching from the Bible, and a small-groups community focus that has revolutionized how people experience community in the local church, Willow Creek has grown to more than 25,000 attendees, one of the largest churches in North America—and one of the most influential.

In 1992, Hybels launched Willow Creek Association, a not-for-profit organization that equips, inspires, and empowers leaders around the world. In 1995, he convened WCA’s first Global Leadership Summit, an annual two-day event featuring top leaders from all perspectives and areas of expertise—both faith-based and secular (past speakers include Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Bono, Melinda Gates, Andy Stanley, Jim Collins, Ed Catmull, Tyler Perry, Sheryl Sandberg, Nicholas Kristof, David Gergen, and Brené Brown). Telecast live from Willow Creek’s 7,000-seat South Barrington auditorium each August, more than 400,000 pastors and community leaders attend the Summit at hundreds of locations across North America, and around the world at 675+ sites in 130 countries and 60 different languages—making it the largest event of its kind on the planet. “Everyone wins when a leader gets better,” Hybels says.

Hybels holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College (now Trinity International University) in Deerfield, Illinois. He and his wife, Lynne, have two grown children and two grandsons.

Reviews

[Shubes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to give this a five-star rating but I have to admit, it was tough going at first. Seemed like a lot of repetition of the same material and reminders, and even though I completely understood and agreed with the premise, I had trouble getting into the book at first.

About halfway in, however, it seemed the material became much more relevant, more applicable to where I live and (difficult as it was to swallow) easy to follow along with. I could nod my head, smile sheepishly, or (as I frequently caught myself doing) wipe tears from my eyes as conviction touched my own heart.

Almost 20 years old, the lessons this book touches are seem even further removed from us today. The truth is unchanging, however, and we owe it to ourselves—and more importantly, to God—to heed the valuable lessons here.

I will put it on the shelf for now, but will almost certainly re-read this one as a reminder.

[Melissa Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the chapters close-reading Philippians.

I did NOT care for the case studies. The individuals and families themselves were great and the way they lived out of humility is all great...but the writing...my goodness it was hard to get through. It’s like someone trying desperately to win an award for poetic journalism by drenching the text in smug adjectives, descriptions, and characterizations that were far more annoying than successful in bringing the stories to life.

So my suggestion is to read the chapters on Philippians and skip over the rest.

[Brandon Current · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read and keep as resource. Basic ideas about servanthood, selflessness, and the overall message of Phil. 2. Compelling illustrations make it a worthwhile read and a good way for building conviction and determination to pursue a path of smallness. Also deals well with the day-to-day issues of the heart rather than focusing on large paychecks and titles as the core problem or demonstration of pride. Throughout are hints of the ministry philosophy and strategy of Willow Creek.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

another forgettable christian book, although i would say that it is quite edifying and a nice tool for discipleship.

[Kara Rull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reminder to live a life of service. In order to be the best example of Christ, we need to be a living example of service and love to others.

[Nick Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. In fact, I think it was the best one Hybels wrote.

[Morentalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book on saying "yes to God" becoming a humble servant. Totally recommended!