|
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
|
Monday
February
08
2010
8:25 PM
|
|
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.
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
|
Saturday
January
09
2010
12:00 AM
|
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 |
Friday
January
01
2010
9:39 PM
|
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 |
Thursday
December
31
2009
8:46 AM
|
|
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
|
Wednesday
December
30
2009
12:00 AM
|
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.
|
Friday
December
18
2009
12:00 AM
|
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!
 |
Wednesday
November
25
2009
12:00 AM
|
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."
Friday
October
30
2009
12:00 AM
|
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
|
Saturday
October
17
2009
12:00 AM
|
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
Saturday
October
10
2009
9:55 PM
|
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
Monday
September
21
2009
5:35 PM
|
|
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
| |