Rick Warren

Rick Warren is an American evangelical pastor and author best known as the founder of Saddleback Church, one of the largest megachurches in the United States. His book The Purpose Driven Life became a global bestseller, profoundly influencing contemporary Protestant thought and practice. Warren's ministry and public advocacy have positioned him as a significant figure in discussions on global health, poverty, and interfaith cooperation.

Early life and education

Rick Warren was born in San Jose, California, to Jimmy and Dot Warren, with his father serving as a Baptist minister and his mother working as a high school librarian. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, before pursuing graduate studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. At Fuller, he studied under noted missiologist Donald McGavran, whose principles of church growth significantly shaped Warren's future methodology. His doctoral project involved developing a strategy for planting new congregations, which directly informed the launch of his own church.

Ministry and Saddleback Church

In 1980, Warren and his wife, Kay Warren, moved to Orange County, California, to start Saddleback Church, holding its first service in their apartment. The church grew rapidly, adopting a seeker-sensitive model that emphasized practical teaching and contemporary worship, becoming a prominent example of the Purpose Driven philosophy. Saddleback's campus in Lake Forest, California, now serves tens of thousands of attendees and has planted numerous affiliated churches globally through the PEACE Plan. The church's affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention has been notable, particularly given its innovative approaches within the traditionally conservative denomination.

The Purpose Driven Life

Warren's 2002 book, The Purpose Driven Life, became an international publishing phenomenon, selling tens of millions of copies and spending years on bestseller lists like those of The New York Times. The book outlines a 40-day spiritual journey, emphasizing God's five purposes for humanity: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission. Its influence extended beyond individual readers to entire congregations, with many churches, including Willow Creek Community Church and North Point Community Church, adopting its principles for church health and growth campaigns. The book's widespread impact made phrases like "purpose-driven" part of the common lexicon within American Christianity.

Public advocacy and influence

Warren has leveraged his platform for significant public advocacy, notably hosting the 2008 Civil Forum on the Presidency with then-candidates Barack Obama and John McCain at Saddleback Church. He has been actively involved in global initiatives, partnering with organizations like the World Economic Forum and UNAIDS to address HIV/AIDS in Africa through the P.E.A.C.E. Plan. While generally avoiding overt partisan alignment, his views on social issues like same-sex marriage have drawn both support and criticism, particularly following his invocation at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration of President Obama. His work in fostering dialogue between evangelical leaders and other faith communities, including Islam and Judaism, has also been a noted aspect of his public role.

Personal life

Rick Warren married Kay Warren in 1975, and they have three adult children: Amy, Josh, and Matthew. The family experienced profound tragedy in 2013 with the death of their youngest son, Matthew Warren, who died by suicide after a long struggle with mental illness. This event led the Warrens to become vocal advocates for mental health awareness within the evangelical community. They reside in Lake Forest, California, and have committed to reverse tithing, giving away 90% of their income through their foundation. Kay Warren is a noted author and activist in her own right, particularly concerning HIV/AIDS issues.

Category:American evangelicals Category:American religious writers Category:1954 births