Starbucks CEO withdraws from Christian Conference

[Deacon]

At Leadership Summit, Bill Hybels Clarifies Church's Stance on Homosexuality [LINK]

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks Coffee Co. withdrew from his commitment to speak today at the 2011 Annual Global Leadership Conference.

Bill Hybels, a founder of Willow Creek Community Church which sponsors the conference, noted that 700+ gay activists signed a petition declaring Schultz’ participation at the conference unacceptable, citing Willow Creek’s stance on homosexuality.

Hybel’s in a firm and strong Christian response, called Schultz’s response business appropriate and asked for prayer, expecting him appear at some future date. He encouraged participants to purchase his leadership book, which he read four times in preparation for the interview.

Hybel’s responce [LINK] at the 2011 Global Leadership Conference today (08/11/2011) is well worth viewing as a model of Christian love.

Saying that Willow Creek was not against anybody, Hybels say he hoped to meet with the group in the future.

"We challenge homosexuals and heterosexuals to live out the sexual ethics taught in Scriptures, which encourage sexual expression between a man and a woman in the context of marriage," said Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek. He added that the Bible prescribes "sexual abstinence and purity for everyone else."

Rob

 

[Salty]

From the link: Earlier this summer, the coffee company clarified that it had "zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind" Does that mean that the company would refuse to discriminate against employees committing open adultery, or how about a polygamist? Or is the "zero tolerance" only for legally protected classes.

I am disappointed in Howard Schultz. Was it a wise business decision, prob ally. But is it more important not offend homosexuals or God? My vote goes to please the Lord. If my business (even thought it is small) was to suffer - so be it. If I stand on principals - than I will trust the Lord.

 

[Deacon]

This is my second year attending the conference.

I too, was disappointed about the decision;
Schultz' book remained at the resource center and sold well after Hybel's endorcement.

Please view Bill Hybel's responce which is more than gracious!

Rob

 

[billwald]

Good for Schultz taking a stand for the Constitution and the case law it has generated. <G>

 

[Mexdeaf]

It was my first year at the conference. I am disappointed in Schultz' decision. There were plenty of his books left today.

 

[Mexdeaf]

So what did you think of the Summit, Deacon? Day one was a winner as far as I was concerned- Day 2, not so much. I missed the entire last session, though (with McManus).

 

[preacher4truth]

Pretty interesting. Looks to me that Schultz stepped out to protect his business, or better yet, his riches.

Was wondering what would have been said had Paul the apostle written a brief statement in Scripture about Schultz decision, and if it would be akin to Demas, and others departures, and perhaps akin to Galatians face to face enounter with Peter. "Schultz has departed, accepting political correctness instead of clinging to the truth lest he suffer for Christ."?

This is the type of pressure this world will put on Christians and their stand for Christ, truth and Biblical principles.

I think in todays "tolerant" and pc churches, they would see this as "wise." I speak of teh tolerance according to the worlds system, an unrepentant tolerance and endorsement of sinful lifestyles contrary to sound doctrine.

I see this cancellation as loving ones riches more than God, and an abandonment of following Christ in that sense.

Who would this make his god to be in this sense? Mammon? God? The world? I am glad I am not in his position. I do hope he repents, no amount of reason will justify this decision to not suffer for being a Christian. Certainly after hearing about the petition, Schultz could have explained his position (hopefully biblical) when he hit the pulpit there to speak. Plainly, he folded under the pressure. We should pray for him.

I see one thinks we should praise him, or that he is praise worthy for standing for the Constitution? That's truly sad that ones reason would come to such an erroneous conclusion. No amount of reason or logic justifies this. Not here. Christ is first, all other man made ideologies have no place of competition with that choice, or at the least shouldn't.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Howie is a Jew from Carnsie Queens...what do you expect.....Christian Values?

 

[Deacon]

The Global Leadership Conference is geared toward leadership in its variety of forms.

At the beginning of each conference Hybel’s makes it clear that leadership can be learned from both Christian and non-Christian sources and that not everyone participating shares a Christian worldview. Much of what we learn is simply obvious leadership truths spoken by proven experts, Jack Welch spoke last year.

At this year’s we heard from Christian leaders associated with the Pentecostal movement, Christian mysticism, and Catholicism; we also listened to an interview with Michele Rhee, a educational trendsetter who when asked, described herself as “an aspiring Christian”.
Apparently she also had received threats related to her stance on h*m*se*ual issues but chose to ignore them, something she proved she could do during her tenure as Chancellor of the D.C. school district during extremely difficult times.

As CEO, Howard Schultz is in charge of a corporation and its reputation. Regarding his decision; there are times to blaze forward and times to step back (….to every time there is a season). I can only guess at his motivations for not participating in the conference but can say with confidence that it wasn’t a snap decision.

Rather than belittling someone with slurs and promote recriminations, Bill Hybel’s encouraged us to forgive and respect.
Now that’s a leader I'd follow!

Rob

 

[preacher4truth]

Howie is a Jew from Carnsie Queens...what do you expect.....Christian Values?

I took it he was a believer. My fault if he isn't.

 

[Mexdeaf]

The Global Leadership Conference is geared toward leadership in its variety of forms.

At the beginning of each conference Hybel’s makes it clear that leadership can be learned from both Christian and non-Christian sources and that not everyone participating shares a Christian worldview. Much of what we learn is simply obvious leadership truths spoken by proven experts, Jack Welch spoke last year.

At this year’s we heard from Christian leaders associated with the Pentecostal movement, Christian mysticism, and Catholicism; we also listened to an interview with Michele Rhee, a educational trendsetter who when asked, described herself as “an aspiring Christian”.
Apparently she also had received threats related to her stance on h*m*se*ual issues but chose to ignore them, something she proved she could do during her tenure as Chancellor of the D.C. school district during extremely difficult times.

As CEO, Howard Schultz is in charge of a corporation and its reputation. Regarding his decision; there are times to blaze forward and times to step back (….to every time there is a season). I can only guess at his motivations for not participating in the conference but can say with confidence that it wasn’t a snap decision.

Rather than belittling someone with slurs and promote recriminations, Bill Hybel’s encouraged us to forgive and respect.
Now that’s a leader I'd follow!

Rob

I think Hybels handled it well. But the last sentence of his statement was relevant as to how he really felt, IMHO.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I took it he was a believer. My fault if he isn't.

Here is a Wicki--- Bio on Howie Baby! :smilewinkgrin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Schultz