Rick Warren

{{Short description|Christian religious leader}}
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{{Infobox Christian leader
| honorific_prefix = [[The Reverend]]
| name = Rick Warren
| image = Rick Warren (2016).jpg
| caption = Rick Warren at Saddleback Church [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) in 2016
| birth_name = Richard Duane Warren
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1954|01|28|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[San Jose, California]], U.S.
| occupation = Founding pastor, author
| ordination = 
| religion = [[Baptist]]
| church = [[Saddleback Church]]
| spouse = [[Kay Warren (author)|Kay Warren]] (m. 1975)
| children = 3
| networth = 
| education = {{Plainlist|
*[[California Baptist University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts]])
*[[Baptist Theological Seminary]] ([[Master of Divinity]])
*[[Fuller Theological Seminary]] ([[Doctor of Ministry]])}}
}}

'''Richard Duane Warren''' (born January 28, 1954) is an American [[Baptist]] [[evangelical Christian]] [[pastor]] and author.<ref>Date of birth found on the ''[[California Birth Index]] 1905-1995'', under Warren, Richard Duane, on 28 January 1954 in Santa Clara County.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/2005/time100/scientists/100warren.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111043016/http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/2005/time100/scientists/100warren.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 11, 2007 | magazine=Time | title=TIME 100: Rick Warren | date=April 18, 2005 | access-date=May 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101050207/photoessay/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050203184805/http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101050207/photoessay/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 3, 2005 | magazine=Time | title=25 Most Influential Evangelicals Photo Essay | date=July 2, 2005 | access-date=May 22, 2010}}</ref> He is the founder of [[Saddleback Church]], an evangelical [[Baptists|Baptist]] [[megachurch]] in [[Lake Forest, California]]. Since 2022, he is director of the Finishing the Task mission coalition.

==Early life and education==
Warren was born in [[San Jose, California]], the son of Jimmy and Dot Warren.<ref>Encyclopaedia Britannica,
[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rick-Warren Rick Warren], britannica.com, USA, retrieved June 27, 2020</ref> His father was a Baptist minister, his mother a high-school librarian. He was raised in [[Ukiah, California]], and graduated from Ukiah High School in 1972, where he founded the first Christian club on the school's campus.<ref>Mair (2005), pp. 34.</ref>

He studied at [[California Baptist University]] in Riverside, California and earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]], then he studied at [[Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary]] in Fort Worth, Texas and earned a [[Master of Divinity]] in 1979. He also studied at [[Fuller Theological Seminary]] in Pasadena, California and earned a [[Doctor of Ministry]].<ref name=Top25Leaders />

==Ministry==
Warren says he was called to full-time ministry when he was a 19-year-old student at [[California Baptist University]]. In November 1973, he and a friend skipped classes and drove 350 miles to hear [[W. A. Criswell]] preach at the Jack Tar Hotel in San Francisco.<ref name="wmu">{{cite web
 |title       = Interview with a Missions Leader
 |publisher   = Woman's Missionary Union Website
 |url         = http://www.wmu.com/rickwarren/
 |access-date  = 2007-12-18
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20071214010511/http://www.wmu.com/rickwarren/
 |archive-date = 2007-12-14
 |url-status     = dead
}}</ref> Warren waited afterwards to shake hands with Criswell, who focused on Warren, stating, "I feel led to [[Laying on of hands|lay hands on you]] and pray for you!"<ref name=wmu/>

During his time at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Warren worked at the Texas Ranch for Christ, a ministry facility of Billie Hanks Jr., where he began writing books. He co-wrote two books, ''The Victory Scripture Memory Series'' and ''Twelve Dynamic Bible Study Methods for Laity'', with Hanks and Wayne Watts.<ref>Mair (2005), pp. 59-60.</ref>

In January 1980, Warren began a Bible study group with seven people and his wife at their [[Saddleback Valley]] condo in [[Orange County, California]].<ref>Robert D. Putnam, Lewis Feldstein, ''Better Together: Restoring the American Community'', Simon and Schuster, ''USA'', 2009, p. 119.</ref> In April 1980, Warren held Saddleback Church's first public service on [[Easter Sunday]] at the [[Laguna Hills, California|Laguna Hills]] High School Theater with 200 people in attendance.<ref>Justin G. Wilford, ''Sacred Subdivisions: The Postsuburban Transformation of American Evangelicalism'', NYU Press, USA, 2012, p. 9</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Erika I.|last=Ritchie|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/03/21/megachurch-megaplanners-rick-and-kay-warren-set-out-with-a-road-map-and-a-dream-35-years-ago/|title=Megachurch megaplanners: Rick and Kay Warren set out with a road map and a dream 35 years ago|work=The Orange County Register|date=March 21, 2015|access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> Warren's church growth methods led to rapid expansion, with the church using nearly 80 different facilities in its 35-year history. The church averages nearly 20,000 people in attendance each week.<ref>[http://www.sermoncentral.com/articleb.asp?article=Top-100-Largest-Churches "The Outreach Magazine Top 100 Largest Churches"]</ref>

In 2005, during the Centenary Congress of the [[Baptist World Alliance]], he affirmed that the withdrawal of the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] from the Alliance, was a mistake since theological differences should not prevent fellowship with other churches. <ref> Associated Baptist Press, [https://baptistnews.com/article/sbcswithdrawalfrombwaasillymistakesayswarren/ SBC’s withdrawal from BWA a ‘silly’ mistake, says Warren], baptistnews.com, USA, August 8, 2005 </ref>

Warren has been invited to speak at national and international forums, including the United Nations, the [[World Economic Forum]] in [[Davos]], the [[African Union]], the [[Council on Foreign Relations]], [[Harvard Kennedy School]], TED, and [[Time Magazine|Time]]'s Global Health Summit. He has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) since 2005.<ref name="stnau">{{cite web|url=http://www.stopthenorthamericanunion.com/CFRMembers.html|title=CFR Members|work=stopthenorthamericanunion.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413112531/http://www.stopthenorthamericanunion.com/CFRMembers.html|archive-date=2010-04-13}}</ref>

In August 2008, Warren drew greater national attention by hosting the [[Civil Forum on the Presidency]], featuring senators [[John McCain]] and [[Barack Obama]] at Saddleback Church.<ref>{{cite news|title=Contrasting styles, views in sharp focus|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/17/nation/na-saddleback17|publisher=Los Angeles Timees|date=17 August 2008|access-date=15 February 2014|first1=Maeve|last1=Reston|first2=Seema|last2=Mehta}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Chan | first = Kenneth | title = Church-Hosted Forum Reveals Hearts, Minds of White House Hopefuls | publisher = The Christian Post | date = August 17, 2008 | url = http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080817/church-hosted-forum-reveals-hearts-minds-of-white-house-hopefuls.htm | access-date = 2008-10-24}}</ref> The forum marked McCain and Obama's first joint appearance as the presumptive [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] and [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] presidential nominees and was broadcast live on national television.

In December 2008, President-elect Obama chose Warren to give the invocation at his [[United States presidential inauguration|inauguration ceremony]]. The decision angered pro-choice and LGBT advocates and led to criticism of both Obama and Warren.<ref>{{cite news 
  | last = Paulson
  | first = Michael
  | title = Obama taps evangelical for inauguration
  | publisher = The Boston Globe
  | date = December 17, 2008
  | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2008/12/obama_taps_evan.html
  | access-date = 2008-12-31}}</ref> Obama defended his choice of Warren, saying that although he disagreed with the minister's positions on abortion and same-sex marriage, there should be room for dialogue on such difficult social issues.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/18/AR2008121804205_pf.html|title=Obama Defends Call on Invocation|date=December 19, 2008|first1=Jacqueline L.|last1=Salmon|first2=Peter|last2=Slevin}}</ref>  More controversy ensued when it was announced that Warren would be the keynote speaker at the [[Martin Luther King, Jr. Day|Martin Luther King, Jr.]] Annual Commemorative Service on January 19, 2009, the day prior to the inauguration.<ref>{{cite news
 |last        = Quinn
 |first       = Christopher
 |title       = King Day speaker's gay marriage stance attacked
 |publisher   = The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 |date        = December 23, 2008
 |url         = http://www.ajc.com/gwinnett/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/12/23/rick_warren_king_day.html
 |access-date  = 2009-01-01
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20081227055954/http://www.ajc.com/gwinnett/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/12/23/rick_warren_king_day.html
 |archive-date = December 27, 2008
}}</ref> He delivered the invocation at Obama's inauguration the next day, which was generally praised for its positive message.<ref>OC Register [http://www.ocregister.com/articles/warren-invocation-gay-2286573-church-first "Warren's invocation praised but some still call the choice inappropriate"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603193411/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/warren-invocation-gay-2286573-church-first |date=2009-06-03 }}</ref>

In January 2009, Warren and the Reader's Digest Association partnered in the launch of the ''Purpose Driven Connection'', a quarterly publication sold as part of a bundle of multimedia products.<ref>{{cite news
 | last = Adams
 | first = Russell
 | title = Top-Selling Pastor Goes Quarterly 
 | work= The Wall Street Journal
 | date = January 27, 2009
 | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123301423089217559
 | access-date = 2008-01-22}}</ref> In November 2009, the partners announced that the magazine had not drawn enough paying members and would cease after publication of the fourth issue that month.<ref>{{cite news
 | last = Pérez-Peña
 | first = Richard
 | title = Reader's Digest Closes Rick Warren Magazine
 | work = [[The New York Times]]
 | date = November 4, 2009
 | url = http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/readers-digest-closes-rick-warren-magazine/
 | access-date = 2009-11-07}}</ref>

In 2010, Warren was chosen to lead a prayer at the inauguration ceremony of the President of Rwanda, [[Paul Kagame]].<ref> Pierre Boisselet, 
[https://www.jeuneafrique.com/165939/politique/rwanda-l-glise-vang-lique-attire-toujours-plus-de-fid-les/ Rwanda : l’Église évangélique attire toujours plus de fidèles], jeuneafrique.com, France, January 28, 2014</ref> Since that date, he has been part of the latter's Presidential Advisory Council.<ref> Theogene Rudasingwa, 
[https://rwandinfo.com/eng/who-are-kagames-friends-abroad/ Who are Kagame’s Friends abroad?], rwandinfo.com, Rwanda, May 26, 2011</ref><ref> Dan Gilgoff, 
[https://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/29/short-takes-gauging-the-impact-of-purpose-driven-life-10-years-on/ Short Takes: Gauging the impact of 'Purpose Driven Life,' 10 years on], cnn.com, USA, November 29, 2012</ref>

In June 2021, Warren announced he would be retiring from the senior pastor position at Saddleback, but that he would stay on until his successor is appointed.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireStory/rick-warren-retire-lead-pastor-california-church-78140663 | title=Rick Warren retiring as lead pastor at California megachurch | website=[[ABC News]] }}</ref> In January 2022, he became director of Finishing the Task, a mission coalition. <ref> Gabriel Ong, [https://thirst.sg/rick-warren-wants-you-to-join-hack2022-the-largest-christian-hackathon-yet/ Rick Warren wants you to join #HACK2022, the largest Christian hackathon yet], thirst.sg, Singapore, 11 October 2022 </ref> In August 2022, Warren stepped down as lead pastor while maintaining a founding pastor role.<ref>Salvador Hernandez, [https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-29/pastor-rick-warren-retires-final-saddleback-church-sermon Pastor Rick Warren’s final Saddleback Church sermon is a lot like his first one in 1980], latimes.com, USA, August 29, 2022</ref>

In May 2023, Warren was installed as the first honorary chancellor of [[Spurgeon's College]].<ref>Leah MarieAnn Klett, [https://www.christianpost.com/news/rick-warren-appointed-first-ever-chancellor-of-spurgeons-college.html Rick Warren appointed first-ever chancellor of Spurgeon's College in London: 'Deep, personal connection'], christianpost.com, USA, May 15, 2023</ref> The following month, during the annual [[Southern Baptist Convention]], after [[Saddleback Church]] was excommunicated from the Convention for hiring a female pastor, he championed the [[Ordination of women in Christianity|ordination of women]]. <ref> Kate Shellnutt, [https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/june/saddleback-sbc-women-pastors-appeal-rick-warren-southern-ba.html Southern Baptists Reject Rick Warren’s Saddleback Appeal], christianitytoday.com, USA, June 14, 2023 </ref>

===Purpose Driven===
Warren taught the material that would one day become the Purpose Driven philosophy of ministry to individual pastors who called or wrote him in Saddleback's early days.

Warren gained experience teaching the material through his participation in the Institute for Evangelism and Church Growth, affiliated with Fuller Theological Seminary.

In 1995 [[Zondervan]] published Warren's best-selling book, ''[[The Purpose Driven Church]]'', which distilled many of the lessons he had learned while starting Saddleback Church and honed during years of training other pastors.<ref>Dr Alan Rathe, ''Evangelicals, Worship and Participation: Taking a Twenty-First Century Reading'', Ashgate Publishing, USA, 2014, p. 149</ref> After sharing the "Saddleback Story", the book makes a case for building a church around five purposes (worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism) through what Warren called a "crowd to core" method of church growth.<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 721-722</ref> He encouraged churches to reach their community, bring in a crowd, turn attendees into members, develop those members to maturity, turn them into ministers, and send them out on a mission.

In 2004, more than 10,000 churches of various denominations attended a seminar or a conference led by Warren.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Sonja|last=Steptoe|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,603246,00.html|title=The Man With The Purpose|magazine=Time|date=March 21, 2004|access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref>

===P.E.A.C.E. Plan===
In 2003, [[Saddleback Church]], Kay and Rick Warren founded the [[P.E.A.C.E. Plan]], a [[Christian humanitarian aid|humanitarian]] development program for churches.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nicola|last=Menzie|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/saddleback-pastor-rick-warren-visits-rwanda-to-advance-peace-plan.html|title=Saddleback Pastor Rick Warren Visits Rwanda to Advance PEACE Plan|work=The Christian Post|date=August 29, 2013|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>Justin G. Wilford, ''Sacred Subdivisions: The Postsuburban Transformation of American Evangelicalism'', NYU Press, USA, 2012, p. 115</ref>

==Recognition==
In 2004, Warren was named one of the "leaders who mattered most in 2004" by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''.<ref>TIME Staff, [http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1998486_1998437_1998424,00.html Person of the Year 2004  - Rick Warren], time.com, USA, December 19, 2004</ref> In April 2005, Warren was named by ''Time'' as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World".<ref>Sonja Steptoe, [http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1972656_1972712_1973828,00.html The 2005 TIME 100 - Rick Warren], time.com, USA, April 18, 2005</ref> Warren was named one of "America's Top 25 Leaders" in October 2005, by ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]''.<ref name=Top25Leaders>Jeffery L. Sheler, [http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110224095620/https://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/051031/31warren.htm Preacher With A Purpose], usnews.com, USA, October 31, 2005</ref> In 2006, Warren was named by ''[[Newsweek]]'' one of "15 People Who Make America Great".<ref>{{cite web|first=Daren|last=Briscoe|url=https://www.newsweek.com/giving-back-awards-15-people-who-make-america-great-112719|title=The giving Back Awards: 15 People Who Make America Great|work=Newsweek|date=July 2, 2006|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref>

In 2006, ''[[The Purpose Driven Life]]'' sold more than 30 million copies, making Warren a [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''New York Times'' bestselling author]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/print?id=2914953|title=Rick Warren: Purpose-Driven Strife|work=go.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/12/08/top-earning-authors-tech-media_cz_lg_books06_1208authors.html |work=Forbes.com |title=By The Numbers: Top-Earning Authors |access-date=January 10, 2009 |date=December 8, 2006 |first=Lea |last=Goldman}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Warren has been married to [[Kay Warren (author)|Kay Warren]] since June 21, 1975. They have three adult children and four grandchildren. He considers [[Billy Graham]], [[Peter Drucker]], and his own father to be among his mentors.

In 2006, after the success of his book ''[[The Purpose Driven Life]]'', he claimed to have made the decision to "reverse the tithe", donating 90% of his income to three foundations and no longer receive a salary from the church.<ref>Joseph Liu, 
[https://www.pewforum.org/2009/11/13/the-future-of-evangelicals-a-conversation-with-pastor-rick-warren/ The Future of Evangelicals: A Conversation with Pastor Rick Warren], pewforum.org, USA, November 13, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Nussbaum | first = Paul | title = A Global Ministry of 'Muscular Christianity': 'Purpose Driven Life' Author Taking On Poverty, Disease | publisher= Knight Ridder Newspapers| date = January 26, 2006 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/21/AR2006012100284_pf.html | access-date = February 19, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

Warren's youngest son, Matthew, committed suicide on April 6, 2013, after 10 years of struggling with mental illness since childhood. He says that, after the event, more than 10,000 people wrote to him about their own struggles within the church. In March 2014, Warren launched a ministry to educate Saddleback on its role to help people struggling with mental illness at ''The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/rick-warren-mental-health_n_4855909.html|title=Rick Warren To Host The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church A Year After Son's Suicide|work=The Huffington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302061436/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/rick-warren-mental-health_n_4855909.html|archive-date=March 2, 2014|date=February 25, 2014|first=Gillian|last=Flaccus}}</ref>

==Political and social views==
[[File:President George and Laura Bush with Rick and Kay Warren.jpg|thumb|Kay and Rick Warren ''(left of picture)'', President [[George W. Bush]], with Laura Bush at his side, with the International Medal of Peace at the Saddleback [[Civil Forum on the Presidency|Civil Forum]] on Global Health in Washington, D.C.]]
The combination of Warren's tone on political issues central to U.S. evangelicals and his concern for social issues has resulted in the characterization of Warren as one of a "new breed of evangelical leaders."<ref>{{cite web|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/21/us/21evangelical.html|title=Emphasis Shifts for New Breed of Evangelicals|first1=Michael|last1=Luo|first2=Laurie|last2=Goodstein|date=May 21, 2007|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref> Warren strongly denies this has been an indication of a shift in position on traditional evangelical issues, as some in the media have reported.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121944811327665223|work=The Wall Street Journal|title=What Saddleback's Pastor Really Thinks About Politics|first=Naomi|last=Schaefer Riley|date=August 23, 2008|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref>

In a conversation with [[atheist]] author [[Sam Harris (author)|Sam Harris]] in ''[[Newsweek]]'' magazine, Warren spoke out against [[evolution]] and in favor of [[creationism]]. He also said, when questioned on whether religion is beneficial to society, that brutal dictators such as [[Mao Zedong]], [[Joseph Stalin]], and [[Pol Pot]] were all [[atheists]].<ref name="creationist">{{cite news |title=The God Debate |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/35784 |work=Newsweek |access-date=January 10, 2009}}</ref>

In a 2005 [[Larry King Live]] interview, during the [[Terri Schiavo case|Terri Schiavo controversy]], Warren stated that withholding feeding to Schiavo, a woman in a [[persistent vegetative state]], was "not a right-to-die issue." He elaborated on his concerns over the decision to remove her feeding tube: "I fear the day, that if we start saying, well, you don't have a right to live if you are mentally handicapped or you're physically handicapped or emotionally handicapped...we're just not going to feed you anymore. To me, that is an atrocity worthy of [[Nazism]]."<ref>{{cite news |title=Larry King Live: Interview With Rick Warren (transcript) |date=March 22, 2005 |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0503/22/lkl.01.html |work=CNN |access-date=January 10, 2009}}</ref>

On [[Hardball with Chris Matthews]], after repeated questioning over why Michael Schiavo would want his wife's feeding tube removed, Warren responded, "I have no idea. Well, I don't know. There's a thousand reasons you could speculate. What if she came back out of the—out of this state and had something to say that he didn't want said?"<ref>{{cite news |title=Hardball with Chris Matthews (transcript) |date=March 23, 2005 |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/7286474 |work=NBC News |access-date=January 10, 2009}}</ref>

Two weeks before the [[United States elections, 2008|2008 U.S. general election]], Warren issued a statement to his congregation endorsing [[California Proposition 8 (2008)|California Proposition 8]], which would amend the [[California Constitution]] to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry,<ref name="Video Message">Warren's [https://web.archive.org/web/20081027085038/http://saddlebackfamily.com/blogs/newsandviews/index.html?contentid=1502 Video Message] to Saddleback Church on October 23, 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vigarchive.sos.ca.gov/2008/general/title-sum/prop8-title-sum.htm|title=Official Title and Summary, Prop 8|work=Official Voter Information Guide, California General Election, November 4, 2008}}</ref> a position consistent with the official position of his church's denomination, the [[Southern Baptist Convention]].<ref name="Video Message"/><ref>SBC [http://www.sbc.net/aboutus/pssexuality.asp Position Statement on sexuality] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003031920/http://www.sbc.net/aboutus/pssexuality.asp |date=2013-10-03 }}</ref> After the measure passed, Warren's church and others were targeted by protesters.<ref>{{cite web|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/us/10protest.html|title=In California, Protests Over Gay Marriage Vote|date=November 9, 2008|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref>

In an interview with [[Beliefnet]] in early December 2008, Warren again sparked controversy by appearing to equate same-sex marriages with marriages between siblings, marriages between multiple partners, and marriages between adults and minors.<ref>Beliefnet, [http://www.beliefnet.com/Video/Beliefnet-Interviews/Rick-Warren/Rick-Warren-Interview-On-Gay-Marriage-And-Divorce.aspx "Rick Warren Interview: On Gay Marriage and Divorce"]</ref><ref>Fox News [http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Dec21/0,4670,WarrenSpeech,00.html "Pastor Rick Warren defends invite to inauguration"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901060727/http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Dec21/0,4670,WarrenSpeech,00.html |date=2009-09-01 }}</ref><ref>Beliefnet, [http://www.beliefnet.com/News/2008/12/Rick-Warren-Transcript.aspx?p=7 "Steven Waldman Interviews Rick Warren"]</ref> He later released a video message explaining that he does not equate gay relationships with [[incest]] or [[pedophilia]], but that he opposes the redefinition of marriage.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rick-warren-insists-hes-not-anti-gay/ Rick Warren Insists He's Not Anti-Gay] CBS News; December 24, 2008</ref> When Chelsea Clinton asked him about his views on same-sex marriage in December 2012, he said he recognized that it might become legal throughout the United States but added that, based on his belief in the Bible, he did not "approve" of it nor believe it was "right." He said that using the word "marriage" to describe same-sex partnerships amounted to a "redefinition" of the word, suggested that the word belonged to the dominant culture (to religious people or to straight people) because the word has been used for "a long time".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clinton|first=Chelsea|date=20 December 2012|title=Rick Warren on the same-sex marriage debate|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/watch/rock-center/rick-warren-on-the-same-sex-marriage-debate-12934723708|access-date=2021-03-14|website=NBC News|language=en}}</ref>

In a December 2012 interview, Warren publicly said that religious freedom will be the civil-rights issue of the next decade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765616925/Rick-Warren-Religious-liberty-the-civil-rights-issue-of-the-next-decade.html?pg=all|title=Rick Warren: Religious liberty the civil rights issue of the next decade|author=David Ward|date=2 December 2012|work=DeseretNews.com}}</ref> He publicly denounced President Obama's record on religious freedom, saying that Obama was "absolutely unfriendly" to religion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/rick-warren-obama-religious-liberty_n_2206064.html|title=Rick Warren, Saddleback Pastor: Obama Has 'Infringed' Upon Religious Liberties|work=The Huffington Post|first=Jaweed|last=Kaleem|date=November 28, 2012|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref>

In a May 2014 article in ''The Washington Post'', Warren expressed his support for David and Barbara Green, the owners of [[Hobby Lobby]], in the ''[[Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.]]'' case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The case centered on the company's request for a religious exemption to certain portions of the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] mandate that companies provide employee health insurance. Warren wrote, "The [A]dministration wants everyone to render unto Caesar not only what is Caesar's but also what is God's. If it wins, the first purpose on which the United States was founded would be severely damaged."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/religious-liberty-is-americas-first-freedom/2014/03/21/498c0048-b128-11e3-a49e-76adc9210f19_story.html|title=Religious liberty is America's First Freedom|author=Rick Warren|date=21 March 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref>

== 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>

==Works==
*''[[The Daniel Plan|The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life]]'' ({{ISBN|978-0310344292}})
*''[[The Purpose Driven Church|The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message And Mission]]'' ({{ISBN|978-0310201069}})
*''[[The Purpose Driven Life|The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?]]'' ({{ISBN|978-0310337508}})
*''Answers to Life's Difficult Questions'' ({{ISBN|0966089529}})
*''The Power to Change Your Life'' ({{ISBN|0966089510}})
*''What on Earth Am I Here For?'' Booklet ({{ISBN|0310264839}})
*''Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods <sup>(Previously, "Personal Bible Study Methods")</sup>'' ({{ISBN|0966089502}})
*''The Purpose of Christmas'' ({{ISBN|978-1416559009}})
*''Words To Love By'' ({{ISBN|978-0310752820}})
*''God's Great Love for You'' ({{ISBN|978-0310752479}})
*''God's Big Plans for Me'' ({{ISBN|978-0310750390}})
*''The Lord's Prayer'' ({{ISBN|978-0310758501}})
*''The Purpose Driven Life: 100 Illustrated Devotions for Children'' ({{ISBN|978-0310766742}})

== See also ==
{{Portal|Evangelical Christianity|}}
* [[List of Southern Baptist Convention affiliated people]]
* [[Celebrate Recovery]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|30em}}

==References==
* {{cite book |last=Mair |first=George |year=2005 |title=A Life With Purpose |location=New York |publisher=[[Berkley Books]] |isbn=0-425-20174-0 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/lifewithpurposer00mair }}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130308084629/http://www.rickwarren.com/ Rick Warren's website]
* [http://saddleback.com/ Saddleback Church website]
* [http://www.purposedriven.com Purpose Driven] – book, campaign, resources
* [http://rickwarren.org/ Daily Hope with Rick Warren] – radio program
* {{C-SPAN|1028480}}
* {{Charlie Rose view|337}}
* {{TED speaker}}
* {{IMDb name|1844141}}
* {{NYT topic|people/w/rick_warren}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100123195428/http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/2010/01/603-interview-about-rick-warren-with-biographer-and-journalist-jeffrey-sheler.html Interview about Rick Warren with Biographer Jeffrey Sheler] on ReadTheSpirit.com, January 19, 2010
* [https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2005/09/12/the-cellular-church "Letter from Saddleback: The Cellular Church: How Rick Warren's congregation grew"] by [[Malcolm Gladwell]] in ''[[The New Yorker]]'', 12 September 2005

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