Bill Hybels is an American church leader and author best known as the founding and longtime senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. He co-founded the church in 1975, which grew rapidly to become one of the largest and most influential churches in the United States. Hybels is recognized for his innovative and seeker-friendly approach to ministry, as well as his leadership in training and empowering church leaders globally through organizations like the Willow Creek Association.