Keeping the Learning from a Fallen Leader with Dan Goddard

You’re probably familiar with the old expression never meet your heroes because they are sure to disappoint you. But what happens when that disappointment stems from the alleged actions of a leader whose teachings helped to shape the foundation of your personal and professional life?

Dan Goddard, the lead pastor at Victory Church in Moose Jaw, Sask., can relate to the former all too well. For Goddard, disappointment came from the American church figure and author Bill Hybels, who was accused of sexual misconduct in 2018.

Bill was one of the premier leadership teachers in Dan’s world. He published over 20 books and Dan devoured them all. He attended multiple conferences hosted by Bill, and brought along friends, family, colleagues and staff members. He used Bill’s materials to train other people. Bill’s teachings were woven into the fabric of Dan’s being.

Dan was faced with a challenge.

“The thought that just kept running through my mind was, I don’t want to lose all the good things that have come into my life through this leader’s influence,” Dan says. “And how do I preserve that? Even if he’s done some things that are tremendously disappointing.”

He decided to write a paper about it.

Check out the podcast below to discover how Dan’s research helps us understand how we can keep the good in the teachings from a disgraced leader.