"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

Virginia Restaurant Refuses Service to Christian Group, Could Make Staff 'Uncomfortable or Unsafe'

Biden Administration Just CAUGHT Rewriting History

AI Bot That Can Do Schoolwork Could 'Blow Up' US Education System, With Youngest at Most Risk: Former Teacher

Arizona Governor-Elect's Husband Supports Sex Change on Birth Certificate for 'Trans' Child

'Toxic': American Girl Doll Company Promotes Gender Transition, Puberty Blockers to Girls as Young as 3

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Orders Her State to Pull Investments in Chinese Companies

Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema Leaves Democratic Party, Registers as Independent

TWITTER EXPOSED: Blacklists, Secret Censorship Cabal, Treachery at the Highest Levels

Pray: New Zealand Government Seizes Baby after Parents Refuse COVID Jab-Tainted Blood for Child's Heart Surgery

What's Really behind Biden Administration FCC-Approved Sale of Spanish-Language Radio Stations to Soros-Linked Group

More Chinese Police 'Stations' Linked to China's Communist Party Found Operating in Canada: Report

Biden Releases the 'Merchant Of Death' in Exchange for Brittney Griner; Leaves US Marine behind

Louisiana Encourages Parents to Report Graphic Sexual Content in Schools, Libraries

'Fight Back': Kirk Cameron Speaks Out after Libraries Reportedly Refuse to Host Him; Publisher Decries 'Moral and Ideological' Abuse of Kids

Kirk Cameron Story Hour Refused by Public Libraries That Host Drag Queen Story Hours

Loudoun Scandal: Grand Jury Report Finds Sexual Assault Cover-Up by School Officials

House Dems Shoot Down Religious Freedom Protections to Radical Marriage Bill

Democrat Raphael Warnock Defeats Republican Herschel Walker in Georgia Senate Runoff Battle

Special Report: Propaganda Czar George Soros Bankrolls 253 Groups to Influence Global Media

Elon Musk Fires Twitter Lawyer James Baker over ‘Suppression’ of Documents on Hunter Biden Story