Rick Warren

== Controversies ==
=== Strategy for church growth ===
In 2006, ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' writer Suzanne Sataline cited examples of congregations that have split over the growth strategies and congregations that have expelled members who fought changes. She wrote, "Warren acknowledges that splits occur in congregations that adopt his ideas, though he says he opposes efforts to expel church members."<ref name="sataline">{{cite news | last = Sataline| first = Suzanne | title = Strategy for church growth splits congregants | work = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date = September 5, 2006 | url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06248/719178-84.stm | access-date = 2008-10-24}}</ref> 

=== Traditional view of marriage ===
In December 2008, when Warren was announced to lead a prayer at President Barack Obama's inauguration in January, media outlets criticized the choice, accusing Warren of hate speech because he had written in a letter to his church in October that he believed the biblical definition of marriage between one man and one woman should not be changed. <ref> Alexander Mooney, [https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/17/obama.warren/ Obama's inaugural choice sparks outrage], cnn.com, USA, December 17, 2008 </ref> A few months earlier, in June 2008, he said that he had developed good relationships with several gay people because of the church's ministry for people living with [[HIV/AIDS]], without having to compromise his biblical beliefs and agree on all subjects. <ref>Alejandra Molina, [https://www.ocregister.com/2008/06/13/gays-seek-dialogue-with-saddleback-church/ Gays seek dialogue with Saddleback Church], ocregister.com, USA, June 13, 2008</ref> President Obama defended Warren, recalling that he had been invited to speak at Saddleback, despite his differing views on gay people, and that it was this kind of peaceful dialogue that he wanted to implement in inviting Warren.<ref> Linton Weeks, [https://www.npr.org/2008/12/18/98453190/what-obamas-choice-of-rick-warren-really-means What Obama's Choice Of Rick Warren Really Means], npr.org, USA, December 18, 2008 </ref> On another side, some evangelical pastors have criticized Warren for not being militant enough against same-sex marriage and abortion.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Zoll|url=https://www.chron.com/life/houston-belief/article/Rick-Warren-s-biggest-critics-other-1584578.php|title=Rick Warren's biggest critics: other evangelicals|website=chron.com|date=December 26, 2008|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref> To these critics, he replied that they put too much attention on the fight against gay marriage and abortion.

=== Social work with Muslims ===
In 2009 and 2012, evangelical pastors also criticized him for attending Islamic conferences and wanting to work with Muslims to solve global problems.<ref> Associated Press, [https://www.nbcnews.com/id /wbna31741969 Evangelist Warren to Muslims: Let's partner], nbcnews.com, USA, July 5, 2009 </ref> To these criticisms, he responded that he sought to be a friend to all such as [[Jesus Christ]]. <ref> Alex Murashko, [https://www.christianpost.com/news/exclusive-rick-warren-flat-out-wrong-that-muslims-christians-view-god-the-same.html EXCLUSIVE Rick Warren: 'Flat Out Wrong' That Muslims, Christians View God the Same], christianpost.com, USA, March 02, 2012</ref>