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Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian speaks on Community during session 6 of the 2010 Blest Fest.

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Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian, founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, one of the largest churches in America with over 23K weekly attendees. For several years it has been ranked as the most influential church in America. Dr. Bilezikian’s influence cannot be over estimated at the massive seeker-sensitive church, where senior pastor, Bill Hybels says, “There would be no Willow Creek without Gilbert Bilezikian.” Affectionately known as Dr. B (as the coffee shop still bears his name), he had opportunity to mentor and envision Hybels 35 years ago while teaching and mentoring Hybels at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Born in Paris, he is fluent in several languages, giving him occasion to teach 7 yrs. as Minister of Education at American Church Paris and over 20 yrs. faculty staff at Wheaton College. He has authored several books including the classic Community 101 which in 2001, the French version won the comparable American Book of The Year Award. It is an honor to have Dr. B return to HUB. Not many have influenced so many and he is coming to talk to 777 at Blest Fest.