Rick Warren Book Review

Warren Book Review
Liberty University

Introduction
Pastor Rick Warren founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA in 1980.   Today, Saddleback is one of the most influential churches in America with approximately 20,000 people in attendance at weekend services.   In addition, Warren has influenced tens of thousands of pastors and church leaders during the last decade through his church growth seminars at Saddleback and as director of "Building a Purpose Driven Church" workshops.   Warren's book, The Purpose-Driven Church (PCD), has sold over one-million copies in 20 different languages, and was selected as one of the “100 Christian Books that Changed the 20th Century.”   Its supporters include men like W. A. Criswell, Bill Bright, Jerry Falwell and Robert Schuller.
Personally, I have not quite decided if I am a supporter or not, as I am not quite sure
if I totally agree with Warren and everything in the book.   Maybe it is because I grew up in a   small traditional Lutheran church; maybe it is because I have always been somewhat suspicious of the big money, extravagant mega-churches; or maybe it is because I am ignorant to the beliefs and preachings of those such as Rick Warren, Robert Schuller and Joel Osteen.   I will admit upfront however, that I do not claim to be an extremely “Godly” person; I do not know the Scripture well; and I surely have no idea of how to run a church or help one grow.   I did start and run a business for a few years, and as I was reading this book, I found there to be many ideas and suggestions that I thought would work quite well for a business. In fact, more appropriate for a business than a church.
In this paper, I will attempt to explain the author's intent in writing the book, and I will give my thoughts on whether he accomplished his goal. I will describe what I think to be the books strengths, weaknesses and special features. And I will give my opinion on who would profit from reading this book.

Author's Purpose in Writing... [continues]

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