"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

Dr. Alveda King on MLK Day: Let Freedom Ring for Life

Sen. Tim Scott Creates MLK Day Videos, Hopes to Rebut Biden Speech

Virginia's New Governor Youngkin Off to Quick Start with These Executive Orders, Including Ban on Critical Race Theory

Georgia Bill Would Ban Critical Race Theory, Promote Teaching of America's Founding Principles

GE Suspends Covid Vaccine and Testing Rules after Supreme Court Blocks Biden Mandate

DirecTV Cuts Conservative Network from Its Lineup

Rabbi's Brave Actions Helped TX Synagogue Hostages Escape Islamic Terrorist Captor; His British Sons Detained

Mike Rowe Reveals Why He's Reviving 'Dirty Jobs'—and the Problem He's Seeing Everywhere

'Biden Is Not a King': Pro-Freedom Groups React after Supreme Court Blocks Vaccine Mandate

Australia Cancels Visa of Unvaccinated Tennis Star Novak Djokovic for the Second Time

Judge Sentences Loudon County Sex Offender Teen in School Assaults Case that Enflamed Trans Bathroom Debate

Don't Be Fooled by the Language on Voters' Rights Legislation

Illinois Parents Furious About After School Satan Club in Elementary School

Pro-Life Warrior James Sedlak, Feared by Planned Parenthood, Passes Away at 78

Meet Actor Ray Romano's Brother: The Ex-NYPD Cop Who Embarked on an Investigation to Prove Jesus' Death and Resurrection

Less Than 10% of Evangelicals Want Shorter Sermons; 30% Want More In-Depth Teaching: Survey

'God Has Heard and Answered Our Prayers': Anne Graham Lotz Shares Update after Daughter Suffers Heart Attacks

Watchdog Warns That Biden Admin May Be Creating a Database of Americans Who Asked for Religious Exemption from Vax Mandate

Supreme Court Halts Biden COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Businesses

Sen. Sinema Doubles Down on Filibuster Support, Dealing Likely Fatal Blow to Dems' Election Bills