Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay began Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. in 1980.
The church kept outgrowing its space and moved numerous times before settling at its present campuses. His books, “The Purpose Driven Church” and “The Purpose Driven Life,” are best sellers that influenced and given hope to many.
I was encouraged by his statement that for every success Saddleback had, they tried a thousands things that failed. I remember this every time another great ministry idea of mine dies.
Saddleback is now the largest Southern Baptist Church in America. Many know it as the church that started Celebrate Recovery, a Christ Center, 12-step program for those struggling with pain and addiction. They have helped thousands recover and get their lives on the right path. We are blessed in our community that one is hosted by Sweetgum Baptist Church.
Warren has tackled a number of social issues. In 2005 – during World AIDS Day, at a press conference – he was tested for the HIV virus, to bring attention to the need for people to be tested. He wanted to help remove the fear and stigma of getting tested and this work carried over to the mission work in other countries.
In 2013, his son Matthew, committed suicide after struggling with mental illness and depression for many years. Warren worked to raise awareness of mental illness and to educate churches on how to support people struggling with mental illness. =
Warren reached across the aisle and communicated with leaders of different faiths and opinions. While being public about his conservative beliefs, he does not let that stop him from befriending those who do not share the same beliefs.
Saddleback is in the national spotlight once again. Recently, three longtime staff members – children’s minister Cynthia Petty; youth minister, Katie Edwards; and pastoral care minister Liz Puffer – were the first women to be ordained at Saddleback. In being ordained, the women fulfill their calling and will be able to serve the sacraments, officiate at weddings, funerals and preach the Gospel. This could spell trouble for Saddleback, as some churches that have ordained women have been expelled from the Southern Baptist Convention.
The past decades has seen an increase in women in America fulfilling their calling to becoming ministers. Depending on the denomination, some women serve as pastors in a third to half of the churches. I am reminded of the words of Acts 2:17, Simon Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.”
It remains to be seen if there will be any fallout from Saddleback’s decision to ordained women. The women are faithful servants of the Lord.
Hopefully, this will help Saddleback Church continue to do what it does best: share the Good News.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church. Email him at ereece@wnccumc.net.