"Ten years ago, 15 years ago, I think the church would have been asleep at the switch. This level of activism and engagement with the needs of society by local churches I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime"

Bill Hybels is revealing his surprise and adoration for the level of advocacy and engagement with the requirements of society by regional churches today. He believes that ten or fifteen years earlier, the church would have been "asleep at the switch," implying that it would not have been actively associated with addressing the requirements of society. He is surprised and delighted to see that the church is now taking an active function in helping to address social problems. He never ever thought he would see this level of engagement in his lifetime, and he is encouraged by the progress that has been made. He thinks that the church is now playing an important role in assisting to make the world a better location.