"It has been extremely painful for us to see this controversy continue to be a distraction that is hindering our Elders and church staff," Hybels told the church during a "family meeting" Tuesday night.

According to the Chicago Tribune, claims surfaced that Hybels engaged in inappropriate conduct with women at Willow Creek Community Church. Hybels repeatedly denied the allegations.

But now Hybels is resigning six months earlier than planned.

He said, "Going forward, I feel the need to humbly look deep inside myself and determine what God wants to teach me. I intend to continue surrounding myself with wise counselors and trusted friends, and to ask them to speak honestly into my life so that I can learn every single lesson I need to learn from all of this. I have complete peace about this decision and will not rush this process. Your prayers would be much appreciated during this upcoming season of reflection."

Hybels fought back tears as he apologized to churchgoers.

"I apologize to you, my church, for a response that was defensive instead of one that invited conversation and learning," he said.

Hybels has admitted to placing himself "in situations that would have been far wiser to avoid," but he maintains his innocence.

Executive Pastor Heather Larson will step up as chief executive of the church.

"The local church is the hope of the world," Hybels concluded his public statement. "If you are wondering if I am going anywhere, after a season of reflection, I intend to rejoin all of you here in the Willow congregation. Willow will always be my home church."

A video of the church announcement can be viewed here.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

New Discoveries in Last Supper Room: Inscriptions Hidden in Walls of Biblical Site on Mount Zion

Gov Newsom Joins Trump in Seeking Federal Charges against Illegal in Fatal DUI Crash That Left Teen Couple Dead

Trump Tariff Support Surges among Small Business Owners

Trump Signs Order to Boost Deep-Sea Mining, Seeking to Break China's Critical Minerals Dominance

Tulsi Gabbard Gives the Deep State the Boot

Court Strikes Down Illinois Law Forcing Pro-Life Ministries to Promote Abortion, But Upholds Abortion Referral Mandate

Professor Who Boldly Spoke Out against Trans Mutilation of Children Wins Long Court Battle with University that Fired Him

Minnesota Heads Off 'Mass Casualty Attack' Planned for 'the Next 24 Hours'

'It Just Ignited': Pastor Says Revival Is Breaking Out in His California Church [Video]

Two Minutes of Silence for the Six Million Victims of the Holocaust

President Trump Notches Key Victory against Taxpayers' Dollars Funding Illegals across the Country

Stephen Miller to Hannity: Democrats Have Become the 'Party of Terrorists and Illegal Aliens' [Watch]

Undercover Sting Exposes Secret Network that Hides Kids for Trans Treatments, Strips 'Transphobic' Parents of Custody [WATCH]

Department of Education Spokeswoman: We 'Will Not Tolerate' States Using Gender Ideology to Strip Parental Rights

DOT Secretary Duffy Warns Blue States: Comply with Trump Orders or Lose Transportation Funding

President Trump 'Not Happy' with Russian Strikes on Kyiv: 'Vladimir STOP!'

UK to Send 'Sun-Dimming' Aerosol Injections into the Atmosphere for 'Climate Change'

HUD Secretary Scott Turner Tackling Homelessness With Heart, Hope, and Biblical Values

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro Says Trump Called Him About Arson Attack: 'I Appreciated That The President Called Me'

GLOBALISTS IN TURMOIL: World Economic Forum Opens Probe into Founder after Klaus Schwab Resigns