Lawyer for Bill Hybels’ Victims Shares Inside Story

Transcript As a lawyer who’s represented some of Bill Hybels’ victims, Mitch Little has seen a side of Willow Creek that few others have. Why did so many look the other way for so long? What eventually broke the culture of secrecy and protection? And what lessons can we learn from Willow Creek’s mistakes? On this episode of The Roys Report, Julie explores these important questions with Mitch Little, who’s not just an attorney for victims. He’s also the chairman of the elder board at a multisite megachurch in Dallas, Texas. Mitch has seen church governance from both the inside and the outside. And he offers keen insights that are desperately needed as many churches today struggle to be healthy and to avoid the mistakes other megachurches have made. Transcript SPEAKERS JULIE ROYS, ATTY MITCH LITTLE JULIE ROYS  00:04 As a lawyer who’s represented some of Bill Hybels victims Mitch Little has seen a side of Willow Creek that few others have. Why did so many look the other way for so long? What eventually broke the culture of secrecy and protection? And what lessons can we learn from Willow Creek’s mistakes? Welcome to the Roys report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And today I’m excited to be speaking with Mitch Little. Mitch is an attorney, a church elder and an advocate for abuse victims. He represented two women involved in the sex abuse scandal involving Bill Hybels. One of those women is Vonda Dyer. Vonda was at one time the director of Willow Creek’s vocal ministry, and she was one of the first women to come forward and speak publicly about Bill Hybels’ alleged sexual misconduct. The other woman that Mitch represented will remain confidential but both these cases enabled Mitch to peek behind the curtain at Willow Creek and view upclose some of the dysfunctions that led to that scandal. Yet Mitch isn’t just the lawyer who’s seen megachurches as an outsider bringing accountability. He’s also the chairman of the elder board and his own church, Bent Tree Fellowship. Bent Tree is a multi site mega church in the Dallas Fort Worth area that’s had its own share of crises over the past several years. So Mitch has a very unique perspective. And in the few times I’ve spoken with him, I found his insights to be profound. So I’m very much looking forward to our time together today. But before we begin, I just want to take a minute to thank the sponsors of this podcast, Judson University, and Marquardt of Barrington. If you’re looking for a car I encourage you to visit my friends at Marquardt of Barrington. My husband and I actually bought our last car from our court and we had a great experience. I know the owners Dan and Kurt Marquart personally, and I can say without reservation that they truly run their business with honesty, integrity and transparency. To view their entire showroom online. Just go to BuyACar123.com. Also I want to let you know that Judson University is planning to resume in person classes this fall for traditional transfer and adult students and it’s still not too late to apply. You can choose from more than 60 majors and learn in a Christian environment known for its spiritual values, leadership opportunities, and strong financial aid. Judson is located just 36 miles outside Chicago on a beautiful 90 acre campus. For more information just go to JudsonU.edu. Well, again, Joining me today is Mitch Little a partner with Scheef & Stone in Frisco, Texas. He’s also a strong believer and advocate for abuse victims. And someone I’m extremely glad is serving in church leadership. So Mitch, thank you so much for taking the time to join me today. ATTY MITCH LITTLE  02:53 Julie, it is great to be with you again. How are you? JULIE ROYS  02:55 I’m doing well but probably not as well as you because you’re on vacation in Florida. So, thanks for taking the time and you know, anybody who’s willing to take a few minutes out of their vacation for a podcast, I jus