All too frequently we hear about the horrible and unfortunate fall of church leaders. It happens in all denominations and at all levels of leadership. The fall of church leaders seems to be sensational news. There is an old adage in the news industry: “If it bleeds, it leads”. Good news does not seem to sell copies or get ratings. So, let me share with you some Great News you may never hear anywhere else.
I have for years considered Rick Warren and Saddleback Church to be mentors to my own life and ministry. Let me share some of the reasons why. Pastor Rick Warren’s dad was a pastor, a bi-vocational pastor. Rick’s first book, The Purpose Drive Church was the best selling book on church growth in history. Warren gave all the profits to help bi-vocational pastors because he was raised by one. Warren was the founding pastor of Saddleback 38 years ago. It is the only church he has pastored and he started with just him and his wife, Kaye. This past Sunday Saddleback Church, to the glory of God, baptized their 50,000th member. That is not a typo…50,000. Over the 38 years of the church, that averages out to 3.6 people becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus every day for 38 years. I am sorry you did not read about that in the news. That may be the first church in history to hit such a milestone. Did you know that Saddleback Church was the first church in history to have 10,000 members and to not have a building to meet in yet! The met in 79 different locations their first year until God provided the land and buildings! During their 40 Days of Community, their church fed every homeless person in their county, 41,000 of them, 3 meals a day for 40 days! They prepared and delivered over 126,000 meals. To God be the glory. Saddleback was the first church in history to fulfill the Great Commission literally…to go to EVERY NATION and make disciples. Saddleback has sent out 25, 869 missionaries from their church to ALL 197 official nations. They are now working with every major mission sending organization, including our International Mission Board, to take the Gospel to all 3,000 tribes with no Gospel in their heart language.
Rick Warren was raised by Southern Baptist parents in a pastor’s home. He earned his college and seminary degrees from Southern Baptist schools. He has been offered leadership positions at our largest seminary and our Mission Board. He is the most doctrinally sound pastor in America. He authored the world’s best selling non-fiction book The Purpose Driven Life. He drives a 20 year old pickup truck. Unfortunately you will not hear about those things in the news. And for some unknown reason, I even have Christian friends who love to put Warren down. Gotta tell ya…I am grateful to God for raising up and protecting such a humble man of God. A lesser person would have fallen. To God be the Glory.
Pastor Tom
