Pastor Rick's News & Views

News & Views 3/5/10

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMT

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March 5, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, This Weekend We're going to continue the series on When Love Speaks: The 7 Last Words of Jesus. I'll be talking about the significance of Jesus' word of "substitution," where Jesus Christ takes our place on the cross and he cries out "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" It will be a very powerful message and time of worship, which will include communion this weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing you! Decade of Destiny Campaign During the campaign, we're going to have both a small group tract and a weekend tract of sermons both with the same title "When You're Hoping For A Miracle." Small Group Study During our small groups, we're going to be studying the 6 Phases of Faith and how God takes us from: dream, decision, delay, difficulty, dead end, and deliverance. If you're interested in hosting a small group for this special series, CLICK HERE to sign up today! Weekend Services What does it take to make a miracle happen in your life? I'm going to be unpacking this question on the weekend during this six-week campaign. This series will kick off March 27-28 with Vision Weekend, where I'm going to share about the Miracle of Expansion and how Saddleback intends to literally explode not only all over Southern California, but around the world with the expansion of church property and new campuses over the next ten years. Easter Celebration Easter starts at 10:00 a.m. on April 4 and you're going to need to get there early! The gates will open at 8:30 a.m. I'm sure many of you have heard that the Jonas Brothers will be there, so you have to make sure you come early and get a seat. Special Mosaic Our church would not be a church without YOU, the body. For our Easter celebration, we're making a giant mosaic of Jesus, comprised of the photos of every Saddleback member. So, we need your photo as soon as possible! Upload your pictures at www.saddleback.com/mosaic or bring them by the Church Office (your photo will not be returned if sent to the Church Office). If you need to get your picture taken, or are unable to upload a photo on the Website, we'll have PICS photographers available on the patio after every service this weekend. Prayer Needed Would you pray for: Our PEACE Teams who are in Haiti, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Kenya. We're also doing a massive food drive, where we're hoping to fill 50,000 bags of groceries for families in need in our community, so be praying for how you can be involved. Finally, I have a personal request: we just found out that Pastor Gerald Sharon's wife, Tammy has colon cancer that has spread to her liver and abdominal wall. Pray for a miracle of healing and strength for the entire Sharon family. Thank you for your prayers. God bless and we'll see you this weekend! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition P.S. Here are two new ways to stay connected to what's going on at Saddleback Church: Download our iPhone app and join us on Facebook.

News & Views 2/23/10

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

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February 23, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, We're only a few weeks away from our Decade of Destiny Campaign, a month long celebration that will include some extremely important events: First, we'll be celebrating our 30th anniversary and Easter at Angel Stadium on April 4. Second, we'll be looking at the next 10 years of where we're going as a church family. Finally, our Easter offering will go to help Haiti. Decade of Destiny Campaign: Six-week campaign March 27-28: Vision launch of Saddleback's future. April 4: Our Easter Celebration starts at 10:00 a.m. It's the 30th anniversary of Saddleback Church and we're going to take about 50,000 of our people to Angel Stadium. You'll want to get there early to tailgate with your family, friends, and small group. We'll be baptizing in four locations after the service, so if you know somebody who'd like to be baptized, this is an exciting time to do it! Tell others about Easter! April 10-11: Homecoming Week - We're inviting everybody who's been a member, attendee, or staff member of Saddleback Church over the last 30 years to come to church this weekend to celebrate together! April 17-18: Community Weekend - We're honoring firemen, policemen, teachers, nurses, doctors, city officials, and other men and women who have sacrificially served our community over the last 30 years. April 24-25: Anniversary Week - We're going to spend the week celebrating the year you joined Saddleback! May 1-2: This weekend will be a celebration and a commitment to the future and the role you'll play in it! What I Need From You! First, download and print an Easter Poster and put it on your business window, post it in your office - wherever you think people will see it. Second, send me two pictures: a current picture of yourself and then another picture from the year you started attending Saddleback. In the coming weeks, we'll hand out 50,000 grocery bags for you to fill for families in need in our community. Make sure you pick one up and bring it filled with food on Easter Sunday! Finally, I want your feedback! Please answer this quick, one question survey. Click Here This Weekend There's a whole lot more I'm going to be telling you week-to-week about the Decade of Destiny... but start getting ready for it now! This weekend I'll be in Part Three of the series on When Love Speaks, so bring a friend to church with you this weekend! God Bless You! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 2/8/10

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMT

February 8, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, ON HAITI Since the disaster in Haiti, we have been so busy I haven't had time to write you. From the moment the earthquake hit, Saddleback has been coordinating relief efforts, not just from our church, but also for those many churches in our network that look to us for direction. I'll give you a full report later, but just know that the situation in Haiti is far worse than you can imagine. The loss of lives and homes is unlike anything I've known. Churches on the ground are doing the best they can but we lost 70 pastors who were in a meeting when the roof caved in on them. Saddleback has coordinated relief in dozens of disasters, our experience shows us there are 3 stages to every disaster. First is the RESCUE stage, which is the shortest stage (usually hours or a few days) saving those who are still alive. Second is the RESUMING stage, where the goal is to get the power, water, communications, and roads working again. This can take several weeks, but in Haiti, many didn't have these services before the earthquake. The third phase, the REBUILDING stage, takes the longest. For example, we're still sending trained relief workers for Katrina rebuilding - almost 4 years later! We've given millions to disasters and have over 1,800 who've served in the rebuilding process after Katrina. Long after the Hollywood types forget about Haiti, we will still be helping rebuild because we are in this for the long haul. This Easter, our entire Easter offering (at Angel Stadium) will be used for Haiti Relief through the PEACE plan. ON RADICALIS From Tuesday through Friday this week, young pastors from all around the world (about 35 countries) will be at Saddleback for training through our new Radicalis conference. Please pray for them! NEW SERIES BEGINNING THIS WEEKEND The spiritual season of "Lent", which begins 40 days before Easter each year, is not a practice found in the Bible but is simply a 2000 year old tradition from Church history. The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "lencten" which means "Spring." This year Lent begins next week on Feb.17th. The 40 days prior to Easter is a time to consider and remember all that Jesus has done for us. Through prayer, reading the Bible, worship, giving, fasting, and private acts of self-denial, we remind ourselves of all that Jesus gave up in order to save us. "Jesus set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death-and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion." Philippians 2:7-8 (Message) To help you focus on what Jesus did for you, and all of the amazing benefits that he paid for you, I'm going to teach a series on the seven last words of Jesus from the Cross during the next 40 Days. During his hours on the Cross, Jesus made seven statements. Although you have read them many times, you probably don't understand the incredible benefits to you that each statement represents. Jesusnever said anything without a purpose, and his dying words on the Cross are extremely important and valuable to your life. I am eager to unlock their full meaning for you beginning this weekend. Once you know the meaning of Jesus' last words you'll realize that it's more appropriate to call them Jesus' living words - because they contain the truths you need for life. Here's my teaching schedule up to Easter: FEB. 13-14 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF ABSOLUTION: "Father forgive them" so we know we are forgiven! FEB 20-21 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF CONFIRMATION: "Today, you'll be with me in paradise" so we know we are heaven bound! Feb. 27-28 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF PROVISION: "Behold your Son. Behold Your Mother" so we know he will take care of all our needs! MAR 6-7 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF CONFUSION: "Why have you forsaken me?" so we know he paid our debt to God! MAR 13-14 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF DEPRIVATION: "I thirst" so we know he understands all of our human needs, desires, and hungers! MAR 20-21 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF SALVATION: "It is finished" so we know our salvation is completed and secured! MAR 27-28 DECADE OF DESTINY VISION. I'll share the vision that God has given me for where we're going next as a church family. APR 3 Saturday night ONLY pre-Easter worship service HE SPOKE THE WORD OF LIBERATION: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." so we don't have to fear death! APR 4 EASTER AT ANGEL STADIUM! 10 am sharp! Who are you bringing? See you this weekend! Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 1/9/10

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family, All week, amazing stories have continued to pour in about your part in last week's Miracle of Radical Generosity. I'll share the full story - and the lessons we all learned - in my next News & Views. In the meantime, let me say how proud I am of your spiritual maturity. There simply is no other church that does what you do! The world was watching - and they were astounded. This weekend, I begin our first series of the new decade: "WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW JESUS". Also this weekend, on Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy one of four Saddleback Life Development Classes. If you haven't completed these basics - take your next step to spiritual maturing and sign up by clicking on Class 101 or the next class you need to take. Class 101: http://bit.ly/6ZYNwT Class 201: http://bit.ly/7TdWzh Class 301: http://bit.ly/4Mzfkr Class 401: http://bit.ly/7iHrND If you missed last weekend's historic message on Radical Generosity: THE MIRACLE! you can watch it here: http://bit.ly/3vwBvk See you this weekend. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 1/1/10

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:39:00 GMT

WELCOME TO 2010! Dear Saddleback Family, You won't want to miss this weekend at Saddleback! It will be history-making and also the first service of our Decade of Destiny. I can't wait to share with you what happened this week. It speaks volumes about YOU, the depth of commitment in this fellowship, and where God is taking us in 2010 - our 30th Anniversary year. I'm simply calling this week's message "The Miracle". In spite of a media culture that thrives on bad news and is typically clueless about how churches actually work, and in spite of hatefulness and insults by some who immediately jumped to wrong conclusion - the church of God marches on, and once again God surprises all of us! I am humbled to have been your pastor for 30 years. See you this weekend. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 12/31/09

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:46:00 GMT

Wednesday Evening Update: Dear Saddleback Family, It has been both inspiring and humbling to hear the reports of your instant and overwhelming response to this week's News & Views. Thanks so much for all your encouraging notes and emails! Here's just one: Sent: Wed. Dec.30, 2009 5:07 PM To: Rick Warren I was just standing above the Ministry Center entrance with tears in my eyes watching people walk up and drop giving envelopes in the door box. I received your email at home at 2:50 pm and it's just amazing watching people come up and drop off giving envelopes so soon after. We have such amazing members in our church! I am so blessed to be a member of Saddleback, and even more privileged and blessed to serve on the staff of such a church as this. I'll give you a full report this weekend but want to mention two things now: BACKGROUND: The cause of our financial shortfall was NOT a management issue but simply by the way Christmas occurred in this year's calendar. After 10 packed Christmas services, and with Christmas Day on Friday, many people were out of town or too tired to come back for weekend services, so the unusually low attendance created an unusually low offering. That is understandable. MEDIA: Because our church attracts a lot of attention, the media will undoubtedly report my letter- but only partially, not telling the whole story. It is likely that none of the positive end-of-the-year reports of your service to the community and none of your amazing accomplishments as a church family in 2009 will be reported. They may get some facts wrong or even misjudge our motivations. I know this is frustrating, but don't let it bother you. See you this weekend! Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 12/30/09

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 Dear Saddleback Family, THIS IS AN URGENT LETTER unlike any I've written in 30 years. Please read all of it and get back to me in the next 48 hours. I have thrilling news to share with you below but first some seriously bad news: With 10% of our church family out of work due to the recession, our expenses in caring for our community in 2009 rose dramatically while our income stagnated. Still, with wise management, we've stayed close to our budget all year. Then... this last weekend the bottom dropped out. On the last weekend of 2009, our total offerings were less than half of what we normally receive - leaving us $900,000 in the red for the year, unless you help make up the difference today and tomorrow. Please read this end-of-the-year review and then take one of the 3 actions below. 2009: A BANNER YEAR OF MINISTRY IN SPITE OF THE RECESSION There's so much to share - I can only hit the highlights (maybe 5%) of how your church has served our community this year: YOUR GIFTS HELP THE POOR & THOSE HURT MOST BY THE RECESSION: Saddleback Food Pantry- Your gifts are feeding 400 hurting families in our community each month. Over 2,000 different families received food assistance in 2009, thanks to your generosity and the help of over 250 volunteers. Breakfast Together & Homeless Ministry- Thousands of Saddleback volunteers are serving in the 6 locations hardest hit by poverty here south OC. Financial Coaching- With 10% of our congregation out of work due to the recession, this ministry exploded with growth in 2009. Cars Ministry- Received over 150 donated vehicles. Some were sold to pay for parts to refurbish the rest of the cars which were given to members struggling without transportation. All our mechanics volunteer their time. YOU ARE HELPING THOSE WITH PERSONAL & RELATIONAL PAIN Counseling- Your 230 certified Saddleback counselors provided over 20,000 free counseling sessions to our community this year! Training for new counselors start in January. The need is so great. Support Groups- 193 volunteers lead these specialized small groups that focus on acute needs. We support everything from Alzheimer's and AIDS to Young Adults with Aspergers. Recovery- During the recession, attendance at Celebrate Recovery has grown 35% after 27,000 participated in our 8 week Life's Healing Choices Campaign Experience. A new program for elementary kids, Celebrate Station, was launched. Over 12,000 other churches nationwide now use our Celebrate Recovery program. Prayer Garden- 6,720 people in crisis received warm, face-to-face attention and prayer through our Prayer Garden and Restoration Service. This does not include our counseling ministry. YOU ARE HELPING CHANGE LIVES FOR CHRIST! Baptisms - 2803 people demonstrated their new life in Christ through baptism- the most in 30 years! Joining our Family - 4,026 attended Class 101 in 2009 - another 30 year record. Prison Ministry - CR Inside grew by 20 state representatives who are directing our work in jails, prisons & rehab facilities nationally. Every state will be covered by the end of 2010. YOU ARE HELPING PEOPLE FIND GOD IN WORSHIP There is so much going on with our worship ministries it would require 3 pages. Here are just a few activities you probably don't know about: A 5th Saddleback campus opened in Laguna Woods - Adding to our available services in San Clemente, Irvine, Corona, and Lake Forest. Our Lake Forest worship venues (Overdrive, Praise, Traditions, and others) continue to minister to tens of thousands of spiritually hungry people. 20 worship leaders have been mentored. Saddleback's School of Music & Arts - 472 students took weekly lessons with our ten instructors. Our children's choirs, involving hundreds of kids, did 20 outreach events in our community. Guitarists in God (GIG) Ministry - Over 50 guitarists volunteer to play at nursing homes, our motel ministry to the homeless, urban outreaches, and Bible studies on our campus and in homes. A new credentialing program will launch in 2010. Purpose Driven Radio - Began in 2009 on the Internet, offering 24 hour a day music, daily devotionals, children's programming, and more. You can hear it HERE. Our Ohana Band & Hula Team - (Island music) serve the community as Saddleback ambassadors. YOU ARE HELPING PEOPLE GROW SPIRITUALLY Small Groups - The heart and soul of our church family grew to over 4,000 adult groups, meeting in almost every city in Southern California. We're testing 26 online groups. Talk It Over, our small group studies based on the weekend messages were downloaded 53,893 times for use by groups. Our groups speak over 20 languages. Our online Spiritual Growth Center - was used 44,716 times. All our Bible studies set records for growth. Married Life Pathway - 2,704 people took advantage of our programs for couples to strengthen their marriages in 2009. Our Children's, Jr. High, Senior High & College Ministries - We are shaping thousands of young lives and exploding with record growth. High school ministry doubled in the last year after we opened the Refinery. YOU ARE MAKING A HUGE INTERNATIONAL IMPACT! PEACE Plan & Purpose Driven Leadership Training Worldwide - It would require a book to tell you all your church is doing to Promote reconciliation, Equip leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick, and Educate the next generation. No other local church on earth has the international reach that Saddleback does. Over 8,000 Saddleback members have served in 139 countries. PEACE Teams are already planned to serve in the remaining 58 nations of the world in 2010. READING JUST THIS SHORT LIST It's obvious that your giving through your church family is providing more "bang for the buck" than anything else you could support. It is no wonder that our ministry was named the top religious newsmaker of 2009 as reported by Associated Press. YOU CAN HELP SAVE THE DAY 3 WAYS BEFORE JAN 1 Click HERE right now to and give as large an end-of-the-year gift as you can to help avert this crisis. If we all do what God leads us to do, we'll all be a part of a miracle. Mail in your gift today. Gifts must be postmarked in 2009 to be posted as 2009 gifts for tax purposes. Mail to: 1 Saddleback Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Drop your gift in the box at the front door of the Ministry Center at 1 Saddleback Parkway so you know for certain we get it TODAY or Thursday. Saddleback is the most generous church family I know. You have always come through when asked. Now, you can make a difference, and help us continue serving so many. If we all do our part, we'll end this year in the black and start the new decade with high hopes! I love you so much. It is a deep privilege to be your pastor. I will be teaching again this weekend and writing to you about the lessons I've learned in 2009. If you missed Radical Hope this last weekend, I urge you to watch it on line. I'll see you this weekend! Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 12/18/09

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family, I can't wait to share all three messages I've prepared for you this Christmas! BRING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY TO ALL 3 THIS WEEKEND: A CHRISTMAS CHAT I'm speaking on RADICAL JOY! (Celebrating the season) Don't miss this intimate Christmas service with Doyle Dykes, world renowned acoustical guitarist, as my special musical guest. Dec 22-24: CHRISTMAS @ SADDLEBACK. I'm speaking on RADICAL LOVE! (God's Christmas gift to you) Dec. 26-27: NEW YEAR'S SERVICE I'm speaking on RADICAL HOPE! Don't begin the new decade without this important message. LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEA This weekend, I've invited all our Saddleback authors to autograph their books after each service on the patio at our book pavilion. Give the gift of inspiration! No church has as many Gold Medallion & Award Winning authors as Saddleback. END OF THE YEAR GIVING With the proposed changes in federal tax laws, giving this year may save you more than ever. The higher your tax rate, the more your gifts will save you. But remember, only gifts made by Dec. 31 can reduce the taxes you pay next April. There are many other ways, in addition to cash, that you can make your end-of-the-year charitable gift to your church family and our global outreach through the PEACE plan. SECURITIES - Giving stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares that are worth more than they cost will save you taxes. These are generally deductable from your income tax at full current value if owned for more than a year. If your investments are worth less than they cost - then sell them and give the proceeds for a deductable loss. The combined deduction for your gift AND the loss may actually total more than the current value. If you'd like advice on giving from a RETIREMENT PLAN, a LIFE INSURANCE POLICY, an ANNUITY, or through your WILL or ESTATE, we can help you. Ask for Dave Arnold at our church office (949) 293-3695 or email davea@saddleback.com. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

News & Views 11/25/09

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family, This Thanksgiving I'm so thankful for YOU. It's been a tough year, but we made it through together! Three Ways To Really Experience Thanksgiving Write a "Thank you note to God." Writing your thoughts down helps you be specific. Then share it with me at rw@saddleback.com. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!" 1 Chron. 16:34 Don't miss my weekend message: "Radical Gratitude!" I'm not exaggerating when I tell you this will be the most significant Thanksgiving message I've shared in 30 years. I can't wait to share it with you because I know it will be as life-changing for everyone who hears it as it was for me. Research shows that the attitude of gratitude actually improves your health. Bring all your family and relatives. "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." 1 Tim. 4:4 Give your Thanksgiving offering to God. Each year, we show our gratitude to God for his blessing through our Thanksgiving Offering. God tells us to do this: "Celebrate the Harvest Festival by bringing a thanksgiving offering in proportion to the blessing God has given you." Deut. 16:10-11 You can give your Thanksgiving Offering ONLINE on Thanksgiving, or bring it this weekend. "Your giving proves the reality of your faith..." 2 Cor. 9:13 (Ph) "Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns to overflow..." Prov. 3:9 (LB) Happy Thanksgiving!

News & Views 10/30/09

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 GMT

October 30, 2009 Dear Saddleback Family, THIS WEEKEND! • TIME CHANGES! Set your clock one hour backward & get an extra hour of sleep! • I WILL BE TEACHING the final message of "Life's Healing Choices." • FALL MINISTRY FAIR on the patio after each service! Explore all the opportunities you can take advantage of! COMING NEXT WEEK! • November 5th: SPECIAL CLASS 401 Thursday night 6:00-9:30PM God never wastes a hurt. He wants to use your experiences to help others I developed CLASS 401 to help you fulfill your life mission! To register CLICK HERE or email deniseb@saddleback.com. "This Class was Life Changing!" "A whole new life journey awaits me!" "I'm ready to get started." "This class opened a door in my life." "WOW!" • November 8th: Civil Forum on The Persecuted Church Sunday night 5:00PM This event will rock your world! You'll learn how millions of Christian brothers and sisters are being martyred, tortured, and persecuted for the faith and freedom we take for granted. God commands us to pray for suffering believers. CLICK HERE for information. RECENT USA TODAY INTERVIEW Warren on hope, compassion, megachurches, politics, and criticism When mega-pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren goes into "the writing cave" to write a book, he goes "dark." No interviews. No disruptions. No public political forums or TV appearances or hot-issue quotes to rile the blogosphere. But Warren came out of hibernation for an interview Friday to talk about real hope when things are "really bad," and to respond to questions on a number hot topics Warren will have his first major book, The Hope You Need, (in stores next year) since the seven-year-old stunner The Purpose-Driven Life. The idea for the new book, dissecting the Lord's Prayer, came when he gave the invocation at Obama's inauguration. As he ended with the Lord's Prayer, he heard the murmur of the crowd praying aloud with him. "In that moment, people laid aside all their differences and were unified by a simple prayer. An atheist on the street told me he prayed it! I write when I feel a message is needed by others , not out of my own need to write, so I've waited 7 years, (which is a good biblical number!), to write again. I wasn't in any hurry. But I felt this is the time for this message." ON HOPE & THE LORD'S PRAYER: "In my research, I discovered that the Lord's Prayer had never been prayed at an inauguration. Well, I deeply believe that the Lord's Prayer contains all the answers to every one of our basic needs and problems. It deals with loneliness. insecurity, confusion, purpose, worry, guilt, resentment, fear, and much more. It's a prayer filled with hope. "If we needed something, I'm confident Jesus would have added it into the prayer. It's got everything we need in it.". ON THE RECESSION "I see more people in more pain today than at any time in the 30 years I've been a pastor. I've taught this prayer many times but never have people needed it more. You're looking at 10% to 12% of California out of work. In Michigan it's 15%. I see white collar folks coming to our Food Pantry. People are in real need of encouragement." ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPTIMISM & HOPE: "Cornell West got be thinking about the difference between hope and optimism. I' believe they are not the same. Optimism can be pretending that things are better than they really are. Hope never deny reality. Hope says, 'Yes It's bad, it's really bad, but there is a better future coming.' I believe hope is theological while optimism is psychological. Optimism can pretend. Hope is real" Warren has trained nearly half a million pastors in 162 countries so he had a lot to say in response to my story last week on the nation's largest churches. Outreach magazine currently lists Saddleback Community Church at No. 6 on the top 100 churches, based on weekend worship totals. But Warren believes attendance is not the total picture of the health of a church and offers several other measurements as more important. To him, Saddleback's 22,418 weekend worship attendance is just the tip of the iceberg. ON LARGE CHURCHES: "The problem I've always had with these annual lists is that they only pay attention to weekend attendance, which is one of the least important factors in judging church vitality. A crowd is not a church! Attendance is just the tip of the iceberg The church must be evaluated on so much more than just filling seats for attendance." "Our network of churches focuses on 5 other measurements of health instead. We're not satisfied with spectators. Our goal is to turn them into participators. We turn consumers into contributors, and members into ministers with an intentional and measurable process (which we teach to other churches.) 1. Evangelism outreach: How many unbelievers have come to Christ and been baptized? In our case, over 27,000 adult converts have been baptized at Saddleback, likely more than any other church in America. 2. Small Group Bible Study & Fellowship:. How many small groups do you have and how many people are participating in weekly group Bible study and fellowship? Without this, you have a crowd but not real community. In our case, Saddleback has over 4,500 small group Bible studies meeting everywhere This is our real strength: Bible study. If I were to drop dead right now, Saddleback would keep growing because it is decentralized around these groups instead of centralized around a weekend preacher 3. Service/Lay Ministry; How many people are using their gifts and talents in serving the needs of the community? At Saddleback our Life Development Course (Classes 101-401) help our members identify their "S.H.A.P.E." for service and prepare them to serve in our community. We currently have around 20,000 members serving in over 300 church and community ministries. 4. Global Mission: How many people have been commissioned and sent out to represent Jesus in the world? The Great Commission says "Go to EVERY NATION and make disciples...." so at Saddleback, we take that literally! By the end of 2010 we will be the first local church in history to have sent our members as missionaries to literally every nation. There are 195 recognized nations in the world-(193 are a part of the UN. North Korea and Bosnia are excluded). Since we began the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, Saddleback has sent out 8, 742 members to 137 countries. We have 58 nations left to go to and will easily reach our goal by the end of next year, which is the 30th anniversary of our church 5. Generosity to others. Is our giving per person rising every year? We believe generosity is the evidence of love and spiritual maturity. Kay and I try to model this by giving away 90% and living on 10% of book income. I don't take salary and I don't accept honoraria personally for speaking, Saddleback members gave $1.6 million to help Tsunami victims, $1.7 million to help Katrina victims, and we fed 42,000 homeless people 3 meals a day for 40 days during 40 days of Community. It is a very unselfish church. We could have built a huge auditorium but we have other priorities." Warren has no plans to burst back into politically-fired headlines, however. When politicians call him, he says, he never get involved in policy. Instead he talks with leaders about their personal stress, leadership style, family and other non-political areas where he might be able to encourage them. ON POLITICS: "Most people don't realize, I really have no faith in politics. I'm not a politician. If I thought you could change human hearts by laws, I would but I don't believe that at all politics is always downstream from culture. By the time you make a law about something, you're reacting, not acting. It's already in the water. I'd rather shape the culture." This has always been Warren's stance, however it hasn't kept him out of hot water. Friday, he took a moment to clarify some of last winter's headline moments. ON HEALTH CARE: "The role of the church and the government are fundamentally different. The church must always show compassion, always. In Psalm 72, Solomon prays for power and fame then says the purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence - and of the groups he mentions is the immigrant. He doesn't delineate between legal and illegal. As a Christian, on a personal level, I'm supposed to help everyone in need. A good Samaritan doesn't ask the injured person first, 'Are you legal or illegal?' You just help them. But the government's role is different. They have to maintain order and enforce the law." ON GAY MARRIAGE: In December'; interview with Steven Waldman did he really mean to equate gay marriage with pedophilia and incest? "No," he says, "I just blew the question, and the follow up, too. I wasn't listening and I answered to a question he wasn't asking. I do not believe that sex between consenting gay adults is the same as pedophilia or incest, which are criminal activities. I apologized for my mistake but I did not apologize for my opposition to redefining marriage. I believe the word "marriage" should be reserved for a one-man-one-woman covenant before God." Did he campaign against gay marriage during the lead up to the Proposition 8 vote that overturned it's legalization in California? That would depend on how you define "campaigning." "The only time I even mentioned it was response to questions by my members a couple days before the election. In my weekly video or newsletter to my own congregation, I said, that obviously we oppose the redefinition of "marriage.' That was only time I mentioned it. I never was involved in the campaign itself. but after the vote, both sides tried to make me the leader of the campaign" In Warren's opinion, he doesn't consider speaking to his own congregation the same as campaigning. He was just a pastor sharing Scripture with his flock, even if his comments went worldwide on line. I asked about today's hot topic, health care reform and whether illegal immigrants could or should get government subsidized insurance coverage. Warren says, as a Christian and a pastor, his role is simply to care about people who need care on a personal level. He is skeptical that the government would do a better job than private groups. ON CRITICISM: "I get hit a lot from both sides because my views don't fit into the classic right/left continuum. I'm neither. My primary allegiance is to a Kingdom not of this world. I agree with the liberal emphasis on compassion, justice and equality but I disagree with liberals that government is the solution to every problem. Typically government run programs are overreaching and inefficient."

News & Views 10/17/09

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 GMT

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mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.25in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} October 17-18, 2009 THIS WEEKEND: FILL 'ER UP! 1. FILL YOUR SOUL AT WORSHIP! Kay Warren is teaching a powerful message on "The Relationship Choice." You cannot afford to miss this life-changing and encouraging message on forgiveness, mercy, reconciliation, and peace in your relationships. 2. FILL SOME GROCERY BAGS! Don't forget to bring grocery bags filled with food to restock our Saddleback Food Bank. YOU are feeding hundreds of hungry families in our community. 36 million Americans (11% of all households) don't have enough money for food. Many of these homes are headed by single women struggling to feed their children. Last year, more than 5 MILLION free meals were provided to hungry families in America by Southern Baptist churches, and over 36,000 people directly accepted Christ through this community service. 3. FILL YOUR TUMMY at our Refinery! Have you tried the delicious food at our Refinery Restaurants? Incredible atmosphere & free WI-FI too! Refinery Cafe - Light Breakfast 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with fresh coffee and pastries, Mon - Friday Refinery Deli - LUNCH 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon - Friday Refinery Grill House Lunch inside or out on the patio, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon - Friday. DINNER 5-7 pm. Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday. Bring your friends, neighbors, or small group. Taco Tuesdays: Chicken or beef tacos for $1 every Tue night. Food Bar Wed: Load up a salad or potato for $5 every Wed night. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 10/10/09

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:55:00 GMT

THIS PAST WEEK: It was a very poignant week for our family. It was the first anniversary discovering Jaime's massive brain tumor, and also the sixth anniversary of Kay's breast cancer surgery. I am so thankful to God that these two very strong women persisted and never gave up hope in God's promises. When they felt like giving up in the face of great pain and fear, they kept on believing. And yesterday, I watched a video of baby Cole taking his first steps to his healthy, happy mother. I don't know what problem seems hopeless to you right now, but I do know that giving up, instead of looking up, is a serious mistake. Don't run from God. Run to him. Because the human brain is not big enough to understand all the ways of God, we have to trust that God sees what cannot see, and that he loves us. One lesson illustrated from Jaime's difficulties in the birth of Cole is that pain in our life is actually a protection from something that would destroy us. After turning to God in his despair, Isaiah admitted, "Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from being destroyed in the pit of destruction". Isaiah 38:17 THIS WEEKEND I'M TEACHING: The Transformation Choice: The 5 step process God can use in your life to CHANGE IN YOU what you THINK is impossible to change. THIS SUNDAY IS WORLD HUNGER DAY: Because so many people are out of work from the recession, our church's food bank has been feeding hundreds of families each week. REPORT ON OUR FOOD BANK: In May this year, you donated over 10,000 grocery bags of food. Since then, you've helped feed over 4,000 families and people! Over 123,000 pounds of food given freely to families in need! This weekend, I want you to bring food, and also pick up bags to fill with more food to restock our Food Bank shelves. You are making a difference! Here's what is NEEDED: Canned meat, instant potatoes, rice, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, spaghetti sauce, pancake/Bisques mix, syrup, hot cereal, granola bars, muffin/cake mix, canned vegetables, soup, hamburger and tuna helper, crackers, fruit juice, baby wipes, toiletries. You can drop these off at the church office during the week or put them in the BLUE BARRELS on the weekends. COMING UP: Oct 17-18 Weekend: Kay will teach the Relationship Choice: How we repair relationships. Sunday, Nov. 8: Will be the Saddleback Civil Forum on the Persecuted Church Thank you for your prayers as I write The Hope You Need. We have moved the release date to January 2010. It is a privilege to be your pastor. I love you much. Get my daily inspiration on Twitter. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 9/21/2009

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:35:00 GMT

SEPT 21, 2009 Dear Saddleback Family, As you know from watching our years of kidding and teasing each other from the pulpit, Doug Fields is one of my best friends and I love him like a brother. We have so much fun together! He really is as funny and sharp and brilliant as he is when he's on stage preaching a sermon that I've written for him. (Just kidding about that last part!) For several months now, Pastor Doug has been feeling the tug of the Holy Spirit in his heart to do something new in the next season of his ministry. I want you to know what's happening with him. In today's media culture, we sometimes feel the suspicion that we may not be getting the whole story" behind the news. Because of that, I asked Doug to write this week's News & Views to hear directly from him and I'll add my comments at the end his letter! Love Letter To Our Church Family- Pastor Doug Fields For the last several months I have sensed God leading me to something new and different. After a lot of prayer with Cathy, my family, Pastor Rick, and others, I have decided to resign from my role as a Saddleback pastor in order to follow God's lead. This step of faith has been difficult and I'm already feeling the painful loss. But, as difficult as it is, both Cathy and I are confident and excited in God's leading. As you might expect, Pastor Rick has been wonderful to me during the decision making process. He has been a pastor to me and I'm grateful for him. He gave me two months to continue to pray and be certain of this decision and even told me I could write my own job description to keep me on staff-that was so gracious. And once I was confident of God's will, Rick gave me his unconditional support. Neither Rick nor any of the other pastors wanted me to leave staff, but they obviously understand how God can prompt us toward something new. What am I going to do? Well, there's not another specific job" that I'm departing to, but I am leaving staff to pursue some incredible opportunities to express my writing and teaching gifts. What I'm really doing is what I've taught you to do-listen for God's whisper and obey it! Several people have said, You're crazy to leave a secure Saddleback Church job during this unstable market." Humanly speaking, they're right... following God doesn't always make sense, but I know I need to do the right thing: listen and obey. I can't even begin to put into words how grateful I am for my 18 years serving at our church. I came here as a 28 year old youth pastor with a desire to love God, love others and help build Saddleback Church. I have so many great memories and friendships and wonderful feelings confirming God used me here. These have been incredible years for me! From working with teenagers to teaching adults to building the Refinery to starting Fuel to becoming closer to Jesus to hiding all of Rick's disgusting Hawaiian shirts. It has been quite a ride! I am a better person and deeper thinker and a more committed follower of Jesus because of my job and my interactions with the wonderful people at Saddleback Church. When I think of our church I know I am richly blessed indeed. If you didn't get to read my dedication to you in my book Refuel, here's what I said". DEDICATION: I would like to dedicate this book to the people who call Saddleback Church their home. I love being one of your pastors! I love teaching you the Bible. I love your passion for learning. I love your concern for your neighbors. I love your commitment to pursuing God in all areas of your lives. I love your dedication to giving-and giving generously. I love talking to you and hearing about what God is doing in your lives. I love you! As a family, Saddleback Church will continue to be our church home. Our best friends are here... our small group... and our ministry is here. I'm not resigning from church, just my staff position. My kids will be involved in the high school ministry, Cathy is leading a small group of teenage girls, and I will occasionally fill-in and preach for Pastor Rick and teach in the high school ministry. Well, there it is--that's the whole story in a nutshell. Rick and I and the other church Elders wanted you to hear this news directly from me. Unfortunately, many times when a pastor leaves a staff position there are crazy rumors that start flying around. That shouldn't happen here, because there's nothing wrong and I'm not upset about anything...actually, I'm thrilled to be able to leave with integrity and strong leadership support. So, now you can say you heard it straight from the horse's mouth (or the donkey's...whichever you prefer). This weekend, I'll have the privilege of teaching part 3 in our Life's Healing Choices series. Then, after our current series, Rick has asked me to preach a 3 week series in November. So we'll still be seeing one another... the biggest difference is that I won't have to attend meetings anymore...yeah! I can't wait to see your smiling face this weekend as we open up God's Word and celebrate together! So blessed! Pastor Doug My words of praise - from Pastor Rick I love Doug Fields with all my heart! In my opinion he has been the greatest Student Pastor in history. He and Cathy are dear friends and we've been through so much together while building Saddleback Church. Let's review: (1) Doug & family are NOT moving away. They'll continue serving in ministry here. (2) Doug is resigning his staff role as one of our pastors and will no longer have to carry the responsibilities and meetings of being a pastor. He's going to write and speak and serve the Lord. (3) Doug will continue to help me with preaching. He's actually speaking 4 of the next 9 weeks. Beyond that, there's no other back story!" When the beautiful Refinery was finished, I knew that Doug felt this was the capstone of the most successful youth ministry in America. Doug has raised up and mentored a generation of Student Pastors who are now taking leadership of our next generation of student ministry to the next level, and God is leading Doug to another challenge. Over the past 30 years, I've had literally hundreds of people join our church staff, become dear friends while serving with us, and then, after a while, leave our staff for a variety of reasons. As a young pastor in the '80s, I felt only grief when staff left. But now my understanding of how God works in peoples' lives is bigger. I've learned this important truth: God calls people through Saddleback, not to Saddleback. What that means is that God calls just the right person, at just the right time, to both serve our church and to learn from our church. Then he sends them out to other places as missionaries. We now have former Saddleback staff serving as missionaries in other churches and ministries all around the world. I call them our purpose driven agents!" This weekend, as Doug preaches, I am proclaiming it Doug & Cathy Fields' Day! To honor him for 18 years of ministry with us, I want us to pack out every service in his honor, and give him a sustained standing ovation before he preaches! Will you help me do this? It will be an historic week to thank Doug for his dedication to our church. For daily inspiration on your phone or computer, follow me (free) on TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 9/5/09

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Sept 5, 2009 ANSWERS TO YOUR DEEP QUESTIONS THIS WEEKEND: For years I've wanted to create an annual lecture series that answers the most common questions about our faith (apologetics). Now, thanks to the generosity of my dear friends Howard and Roberta Ahmanson, this weekend we are inaugurating the Ahmanson Lectures on Faith & Science! SIX of the brightest minds and most respected authorities are speaking at Saddleback this weekend. In each service you'll get to hear a world-class authority speak to issues you've always wondered about. Here's the schedule at our Lake Forest campus: TODAY (Saturday) What Do the Gospels Really Say about Jesus? Dr. Darrell Bock 4:30 pm service Darrell Bock is corresponding editor at large for Christianity Today and is the Research Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. Has Science Made Belief in God Obsolete? Dr. J.P. Moreland 6:30pm service With degrees in philosophy, theology, and chemistry, J.P. Moreland has taught theology and philosophy at several schools throughout the U.S, but is currently Professor of Philosophy at Biola University Sunday If God exists, Why is there evil? Dr. Norman Geisler 9:00 am service Norm Geisler has authored or co-authored over 60 books on theology, philosophy, and Christian Apologetics. He is professor of Theology and Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary. How Did the Universe Begin? Dr. William Lane Craig 11:15 am service William Lane Craig has authored or edited over thirty books, including Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom; Theism, Atheism and Big Bang Cosmology; and God, Time and Eternity. He Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, How Do I Know God Exist? Dr. Dinesh D'Souza 4:30pm service Dinesh D'Souza is a former White House domestic policy analyst and is the author of five New York Times best sellers, including Illiberal Education and What's So Great about America. How Can I Defend My Faith without Sounding Defensive? Dr. Greg Koukl 6:30 pm Greg Koukl is founder of Stand to Reason, which trains Christians to think more clearly about their faith and to make an even-handed, incisive, yet gracious defense for classical Christianity and classical Christian values in the public square. FUEL Services How Can I Defend My Faith Without Sounding Defensive? Greg Koukl 4:30 pm Has Science Made Belief in God Obsolete? J.P. Moreland 6:30pm & 8:30pm DON'T MISS ANY OF THESE INCREDIBLE SESSIONS! Pastor Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition Follow on Twitter

News & Views 8/28/09

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:32:00 GMT

I am so excited to see you TONIGHT & THIS WEEKEND! As you know, I've been writing a new book for the past 2 months and I have really missed being with you! Most folks know they never want to miss my first message back when I return from a break! TONIGHT: I'm speaking to our LIFE'S HEALING CHOICES Kickoff Rally I'll be speaking along with Pastor John Baker to all of our small group leaders and members about the fall campaign, Life's Healing Choices. Bring your entire group to the Worship Center this Friday, August 28 at 7pm. I'll be sharing my vision for the future of the church and giving you an inside look at what to expect as we go through this transformational, church-wide experience together as a church family. As we start, it's important everyone is connected in a small group. So, if you're not in a group, join one or sign up to host a new group today. I can't wait to share this exciting evening with you! THIS WEEKEND: I'm speaking on "HOW JESUS HEALS" We all need healing -from those who've hurt us, those we've hurt, and the hurt we've caused ourselves. I know there are people in our own church community who are hurting. But the good news is Jesus gave us a way to recover from every problem we might face. The principles from the Beatitudes are more than just casual suggestions. They are the keys to growing in Christ-likeness in our daily lives. They are guides to making godly choices, and they provide a process to develop a balanced life that leads us to true happiness. God has used these principles through the centuries to change and heal lives. I have personally seen Him use them to change thousands of lives here at Saddleback Church. I'm confident in the transformation that will happen in your life and the lives in our community as we learn to make the decisions that move us past life's pain toward God's purpose. PRAYING FOR OUR OUT-OF-WORK FRIENDS You've read the bad news: California, at 12% unemployed, is the 4th hardest hit state in the current recession. Millions of jobs have been lost. Businesses are filing bankruptcy; stores are struggling and closing; Capo and Saddleback Districts laid off 652 teachers and staff this week! Even churches, including ours, are having to make cutbacks. I ask you to pray for so many of our friends who have had their positions eliminated at no fault of their own. Yesterday I gave this advice to a member who had lost his job. I think it is worth passing on to others who are fearful. 1. In the life of faith God usually closes a door BEFORE opening a new door. What you do between those doors reveals your faith and maturity. Don't worry between doors: WAIT, WORSHIP & WATCH. This is a test! 2. With any shock or disappointment, never allow your first reaction to limit your future potential. Our first reactions are often wrong - hurt, anger, fear, and embarrassment. We don't naturally look at things from God's point of view. Sometimes we react and say things in the moment that burn bridges, limit our future, and cause long term bitterness. 3. Remember, God is in control. Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28-29 4. The Bible commands, "IN everything give thanks." It doesn't say "FOR everything give thanks." How can I be thankful when I've lost my job? Look at what you have left, not what you have lost. And trust that God has a good plan for your life. Jeremiah 33:3 5. Play it down & pray it up. You have the choice: worry or worship. Worry solves nothing. Worship brings peace & the solution APOLOGETICS WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 5-6 Have you wanted to understand how to defend your faith without sounding defensive? During apologetics weekend, six of the greatest minds in Christian apologetics will tackle some of the biggest questions of the faith, such as; how the universe began; if God exists, why does evil also exist; and how is Jesus unique. Scripture commands us to be ready to give an account of our faith, but first you have to know why you believe what you believe. Come learn how to "Believe your beliefs and doubt and doubts." SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM, SEPTEMBER 25 On Friday, September 25, 2009 we will host a Saddleback Civil Forum to honor President Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda. President Kagame was sworn into office in September of 2003 after being elected in the first democratically contested multi-party elections held in Rwanda. His leadership enabled the reconciliation and uniting of Rwandans after years of conflict. He has also promoted peaceful resolutions to conflict in the East African region. Under his leadership we have been able to begin a major work of PEACE in Rwanda. I am proud to count him as a friend of Saddleback and the mission of PEACE. Pastor Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 8/6/09

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:00:00 GMT

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News & Views 7/23/09

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMT

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News & Views 6/26/2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT

June 26, 2009 Dear Saddleback Family, There is always so much to share with you! Let me start with the "Views" before I share the "News"! VIEWPOINT: BUILDING A CHRIST-LIKE MINISTRY We often receive letters asking, "Why is Pastor Rick speaking to this or that group?" It's a great question that I want you to know the answer to. You may have noticed that outside of Saddleback Church, and our 30 year Purpose Driven Ministry to pastors, I do very little speaking to Christian groups of believers. Instead, I invest my time speaking to groups of unbelievers that most pastors never get the opportunity to share with. These are folks that Jesus died for, but would never enter a church to hear the Good News. Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Luke 5:31 (NIV) If you want to have a Christ-like ministry, you have to associate with the people Jesus did - unbelievers! Of course, this strategy upset the religious legalists and self-righteous pundits in Jesus' day, and it does today too. Every time I speak to any non-Christian group, I get criticized by well-meaning believers who don't really understand how much Jesus loves lost people. They are more concerned with their own perceived purity than the salvation of those Jesus died for. Both Jesus and Paul were very strategic in who they spoke to, what they said, and how they said it. Jesus used a style of speaking unlike any of the religious professionals. "The common people heard him gladly. (Mark 12:37 KJV) The NIV translation of this verse says, "The large crowd listened to him with DELIGHT." If Jesus preached today, a lot professors and preachers would criticize his communication style, but he said, "The Father who sent me commanded me what to say AND HOW TO SAY IT." John 12:49 (NIV) I've been studying Jesus' sermon style for 35 years and the more I learn HOW he said things amazes me at his insight into human behavior and receptivity. No one is ever converted by labeling, condemnation, or anger. James 1:20 (KJV) says, "For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." We must LOVE people into God's family and overcome evil with good. Again, Jesus is our model. He said, "If anyone hears me and doesn't obey me, I am not his judge-for I have come to save the world and not to judge it." John 12:47 (NLT) Judgment will come later. If we want to have a Christ-like ministry, we must not waste any time judging unbelievers (Jesus didn't), but instead, do everything we can to build relationships of love and respect and trust with unbelievers. For many unbelievers, the barrier to salvation is not the credibility of Jesus but our own lack of credibility and love for them. Paul's strategy was the same as Jesus' approach: "I happily become a servant of any and all so that I can win them to Christ. When I am with Jews I become like one of them so that they will listen to the Gospel and I can win them to Christ. When I am with Gentiles I don't argue, even though I don't agree, because I want to help them. When with the heathen, I agree with them as much as I can, except of course, that I must always do what is right as a Christian. When I am with those whose consciences bother them easily, I don't act as though I know it all and don't say they are foolish; the result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ." 1 Cor. 9:19-23 (LiB) Of course, this is the foundation text of our purpose-driven evangelism, and as a result, we have baptized over 20,000 adult believers in the past ten years. After telling a parable that praised a shrewd manager, Jesus said, "Yes, worldly people are smarter with their own kind than spiritual people are!" Luke 16:8 (NCV) Jesus was pointing out that believers need to be more strategic in their thinking and approaches. One reason so many churches are stagnant is that their evangelism strategy is either unbiblical, unworkable or both. They believe Jesus' message but they ignore the Jesus model of ministry and mission! Jesus told his disciples, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." John 13:15 (NLT) Saddleback's unprecedented growth is due to the fact that we've chosen for 30 years to use the Jesus Model of evangelism, and discipleship. (From "Come and see", to "Come and die", to "Go and tell"- and all the steps in-between.) In our secular culture, there are about a dozen different groups of influencers that we seek to serve and reach out to with the Good News including academics, business, military, sports, health care, media, prisoners, entertainment, other faiths, and government. If we are to experience a spiritual revival in our culture and if we want to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission in the world, we must build bridges to all of these, and more. Just know the goal of every speaking engagement is always the same: The global glory of God. We build bridges of love - from our hearts to hearts of even those who hate us - so that Jesus can walk across! You cannot win your enemies to Christ. You can only win your friends. "God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, "Be reconciled to God!" 2 Cor. 5:18-20 (NLT) NEWS: WHAT'S HAPPENING? National HIV Testing SATURDAY - YOU can help end AIDS! By simply getting yourself tested, you help REMOVE THE STIGMA FOR OTHERS and make our church a welcoming place for people living with HIV and AIDS. That's why I've been publicly tested twice - in front of all the national network TV channels. The test is free, fast, and painless! They just swab your mouth with a Q tip! No blood! The results are confidential to you only, so bring a friend and join us this Saturday, 10 AM - 3 PM. at Ministry Center 2. "FAMILIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!" We'll cover Part 4 this weekend. Kay and I were amazed and moved by the overwhelming response to last week's Father's Day Message called: "Everyone Needs A Family." Once again, Saddleback showed its heart of love. If you missed that message, or the small group video on "God's Heart for Orphans", you can hear both on our website. God wants to work in your family and through your family. ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE INFORMATION SEMINAR If you've wanted to find out how adoption or foster care works, I'm providing this seminar for you! Learn the facts and get your questions answered: Tomorrow (Saturday), from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Tent 1 OR Sunday, June 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Tent 2. Thanks again to all of you who prayed for me when I spoke at the inauguration of the new Anglican Church of North America last Tuesday or showed up on Wednesday afternoon to be a part of the National Simulcast of "How Jesus Changes Us." Two upcoming speaking engagements you can pray for: 1) National Convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Washington, DC. (This is the largest gathering of Muslim leaders each year in America.) 2) International Triennial Convention of the Assemblies of God in Orlando, Florida. Today is Chaundel Holladay's birthday! (Pastor Tom's wife and my precious sister!) I think she turned 29. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 6/23/2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT

June 23, 2009 Dear Saddleback Family, I need your immediate help! Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 24), I will be teaching a message on HOW JESUS CHANGES US. Most people are baffled by habits they can't change and circumstances they can't control. Part of the problem is that we don't understand the process Jesus uses to transform our lives so we find it hard to cooperate. I will be speaking on HOW JESUS CHANGES US in the Worship Center at 4:00PM, Wednesday, and it will be broadcast live to hundreds of churches nationally. I want to ask you to come hear this message. If you can get off work and spare 90 minutes, I'd appreciate your support! It is far easier for me to speak to a "live" audience of people I love instead of just a cold video camera. If you can show up, thank you in advance! A million thanks! Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 6/5/2009

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT

June 5, 2009 Could the revival happening at Saddleback spread nationally? "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3 (NIV) Dear Saddleback Family, In January, during my "Recession or Revival?" weekend series, I pointed out that history often demonstrates the fact that difficult times are fertile ground for spiritual awakenings. Whether in biblical days or in the past 400 years, when people feel like giving up, some look up to God. I announced that we needed to prepare ourselves for the possibility that God would send revival in our midst during this recession. We now see it happening at Saddleback! In the past 60 days, our church family has experienced the greatest period of revival in our 30 year history. Revival is an often misused and misunderstood word. Many so-called "revivals" are just emotional spectacles fueled by promotion with little biblical basis or result. So let me explain and illustrate some (not all) of the marks of true revival: TRUE REVIVAL BRINGS SALVATION & TRANSFORMED LIVES! In April, we averaged over 40 people EVERY DAYcoming to Christ for salvation! Like the first church in Jerusalem, "the Lord added DAILY those who were being saved." Over 1,200 new adult believers were baptized in April alone! Saddleback members witness to their unsaved friends like no other congregation in America. Recently I baptized over 800 adults on a single afternoon, spending nearly five hours in our baptism pool! I wish you could have heard the testimony of each transformed life. TRUE REVIVAL BRINGS REPENTANCE & HOLY LIVING The stories of confession, reconciliation, and commitment to the biblical disciplines of prayer, daily Bible reading, and humble acts of service have thrilled our hearts. Who will ever forget watching thousands of people nailing their lists of sins to a cross at our weekend service? TRUE REVIVAL BRINGS SPECTACULAR GROWTH OF THE CHURCH! Recently, over 2,600 people joined our church on aSINGLE DAY, committing to our membership covenant, and attending our four-hour Membership Class 101. We've offered Class 101 every month for 30 years and usually about 100 to 200 people attend and commit to our membership requirements. Imagine a membership class with 2,600 joining on one day! 50,334 people worshiped at one of our 46 Easter services. 45% of these people (not including the children in AllStars) were under 39 years of age. Pundits erroneously speculated why I cancelled two TV interviews with George Stephanopoulos and Mike Huckabee on Easter weekend, but I was simply overwhelmed with our 46 services and needed to conserve energy! TRUE REVIVAL LEADS TO MINISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY During these days of revival, 20,000 grocery bags were given out and you returned over 40 TONS OF GROCERIES to feed the poor, the widows, and orphans around us. During this recession, you've once again been a beacon of hope to our community. I wish you could read the thank-you letters from people who have never previously attended a church. Over 30,000 of you are now ministering to your neighbors through our 4,000 plus small groups across 146 cities of Southern California. Our weekend series on "The Jesus Model" and our small group curriculum series, Wide Angle: A Christian Worldview, that Chuck Colson and I taped for you are reaping more changed lives in our communities. TRUE REVIVAL LEADS TO GREATER MISSION AROUND THE GLOBE No church in history has ever sent more members on mission around the world. On our recent 5th anniversary of the PEACE Plan we celebrated the 8,292 Saddleback members who've served overseas in the past five years. Saddleback mission teams have now served in 134 nations! Then last weekend, 2,908 more families signed PEACE Commitment cards to GO and GIVE in the next 18 months. This will enable us to complete our 10 by 10 goals, including being the first local church in Christian history to literally obey Christ's command to "go to EVERY NATION" by the end of next year! Why does God continue to bless Saddleback in unprecedented ways, and what would it take for this local revival to spread nationally? Many factors contribute to God's continued blessing of Saddleback. Some are unexplainable, like God's sovereign grace, and others are the result of choices God's Spirit has led us to make. Obedience brings blessing. I could list a dozen factors but I'll only mention a couple: WE REFUSE TO BE DISTRACTED FROM JESUS' PURPOSES FOR HIS CHURCH For 30 years, we have kept a laser focus on the five biblical purposes of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. We refuse to be distracted by secondary issues, legalistic bickering, misinformed accusations, or envious critics. "Avoid foolish arguments, stupid controversies, spiritual quarreling, quibbles, and conflicts. These are pointless and worthless" (Titus 3:9). "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). While others debate the church, we just DO it! We have a BIBLICAL plan & PROCESS TO CARE FOR AND DEVELOP DISCIPLES TO full MATURITY, AND TO MOBILIZE THEM FOR MINISTRY & MISSION. When God wants to bring a bumper crop of new baby believers into the world, he looks for the warmest incubator he can find. Most churches are unprepared to care for large numbers of new believers. Saddleback has a proven discipleship process that has brought tens of thousands to maturity. Most churches believe in discipleship but their only plan is to preach it. Since people forget 90-95% of what they hear within 72 hours, it takes far more than listening to exposition to develop a mature disciple. A national study by Lifeway revealed that churches using the Jesus Model discipleship process we learned from Jesus (from "come and see" to "come and die") are healthier, produce far more mature members, lead in generosity, and send more out on mission than just teaching churches. WE DEEPLY LOVE LOST PEOPLE THE WAY JESUS DOES. We are not afraid to associate with unbelievers or people we disagree with. You cannot win your enemies to Christ; you can only win your friends. So we purposefully build bridges of love to people so Jesus can walk across that bridge and save them. We don't view unbelievers as "the enemy" in a "culture war" rather we see them as the mission field and as people Jesus shed his blood for. We do not compromise our biblical convictions, but we do apologize if we act or saying anything in unloving ways. We also do not expect unbelievers to act like believers until they have the power of Christ inside them. Laws and politics cannot transform hearts, which is why we refuse to be political activists. Jesus said "I did not come to condemn the world, but to save it." We want to have a Christlike ministry, which means we will be called "the friend of sinners" and will be attacked by modern day Pharisees and those who view everything in political terms. But the results are worth it: Over 22,000 new believers have been baptized in the past 10 years and we will spend eternity rejoicing with them! Today I read again these words from my friend and mentor, John Stott: "The mistake the Pharisees made was worse than being a mistake about the meaning of holiness. It was actually a mistake about the very nature of God. They thought he avoided sinners, whereas God doesn't avoid sinners at all. God loves sinners. He comes after them! He went after them to the desolate agony of the Cross. He has come after them in the Holy Spirit, and he is pursuing them himself today!" WE TAKE RISKS IN FAITH While others splash around safely in the shallows of their comfortable church culture, you Saddleback members have always been willing to launch out into the deep where the big fish are. Our 30-year history has been one of attempting in faith what others fear to do. But where God guides, he provides. This year, we launched a risky new distribution channel to provide Bible study curriculum to church small groups nationwide. This "curriculum by subscription" (the 21st century version of the Sunday school quarterly) is The Purpose Driven Connection magazine. In a year when every other magazine is cutting back staff, we launched one - in a never-done-before format. The result? Churches worldwide are receiving solid small group materials and our second issue WON A PULITZER PRIZE for an article! Friends, genuine revival is our only hope. Nothing else can heal our hearts, our families, our land, our world. That's why we're making an enormous effort to serve other churches this fall through a National Life's Healing Choices Campaign beginning in September. The eight principles of the Beatitudes of Jesus are the true path to recovery - whether personal or national recovery. Pray that other churches will join us in humbly following the path our Master has laid out in the Beatitudes. And pray that our efforts to serve other churches and small groups with this quarterly curriculum will result in transformed lives for the global glory of God! It is a privilege to be your pastor. I love you with all my heart. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition