Edwin & Bianca McClure Rick Warren Rick Warren, the son of a Baptist minister, founded Saddleback Church

in 1980 in Lake Forest, California. This church currently has eight campuses in California with Lake Forest being the main campus. Saddleback church has approximately 22,000 members with over 300 community ministries and support groups. Pastor Rick Warren has a Bachelor of Arts degree from California Baptist University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Rick Warren is married to Elizabeth K. Warren (Kay) and they have 3 adult children. He is the author of several popular Christian books, but is most notably known for authoring The Purpose Driven Life, which is one of the top selling hardcover books of all time. According to rickwarren.veracitycolab.com/about/, Dr. Rick Warren is passionate about attacking what he calls the five Global Goliaths spiritual emptiness, egocentric leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic disease, and illiteracy/poor education. His goal is a second Reformation by restoring responsibility in people, credibility in churches, and civility in culture. He is a pastor, global strategist, theologian, and philanthropist. Hes been often named Americas most influential spiritual leader and Americas Pastor. The Saddleback Churchs official website is extremely informative and details Rick Warrens beliefs and practices pertaining to the Bible, the Trinity, baptism, communion, offering, and musical instruments. According to saddleback.com, The Bible is Gods word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. Wow! This is exactly correct. As Christians, we know that the Bible is the truth and

does not require any addition or subtraction, and based on this assertion, Rick Warren agrees. Additionally, Christians can also agree that Rick Warrens beliefs on the Trinity are also correct: God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God (saddleback.com). Rick Warren also believes in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heavens glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (saddleback.com). So far, Rick Warren is rightly dividing the Word of God. Unfortunately, not all of Rick Warrens beliefs and practices coincide with the Bible. As Christians, we know that baptism is essential to salvation. The Bible says, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16), but according to saddleback.com, Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ. This is not correct. It is important that we do not take this lightly. Rick Warren has approximately 22,000 people that attend his church campuses on Sunday and are taught that baptism is not essential to salvation. Instead, the church has scheduled dates on the calendar when baptisms are held. What I find to be extremely strange is the Saddleback Churchs website includes quotes from other so-called religious leaders, and calls them founders of denominations and uses the beliefs of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Wesley to support their stance on baptism. As

Christians, we know that there is one true Church and the world created these denominations. Yet, Rick Warren is leaning on the founders of denominations instead of the Word of God. According to saddleback.com, Rick Warren believes that Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. As Christians we know that, even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:17). Therefore, this is another statement on Saddlebacks website that is incorrect implying that a Christian does not have to work in order to get to Heaven. I called the number on the website (949-609-8002) and had a brief conversation with Romell. He said Saddleback Church does not use the titles Elders and Deacons and only uses the title Pastor. I asked him how often they take communion/The Lords Supper and he said, It varies. He said is just depends on what they have going on during Sunday morning service. He did say that if someone decided to attend the 6pm restoration service in the Lake Forest Refinery, they offer communion every Sunday night. He said that service is focused on community and restoration. Their website only gives background information on Pastor Rick Warren. I am sure there has to be additional leaders at any of the 8 campuses, even if they dont use the titles Elders and Deacons. There is a section on Saddlebacks website entitled Why Do We Tithe? but no New Testament verses are used to support this notion. As New Testament Christians, we have several scriptures that support the collection/offering, such as 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 and justify why we give and not tithe. Lastly, it is absolutely apparent that Saddleback Church endorses the use of mechanical instruments in worship service. There is a section on their website entitled, Band and Orchestra Instrumental Music Introduction Page that explains the theatrical concerts they give during worship service at their many campuses:

We strive to create a contemporary cinematic sound and style with the Saddleback Orchestra much like the music heard in recordings of pop artists and film soundtracks today. Each venue on campus has a basic rock band rhythm section as its basis. Each band consists of a drummer, bass player, one or two guitars, and one to three keyboard players. Latin percussion is sometimes included. These bands provide the nucleus of instrumental support for each venue. They accompany vocalists and sometimes expand with orchestral instruments or a small horn section. As New Testament Christians, we are commanded to sing and make melody in our hearts, according to Ephesians 5:19. The New Testament does not support the use of mechanical instruments in worship service. Inasmuch, according to 2 Timothy 2:15, we have to study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. This scripture applies to everyone, including Rick Warren. His popular book, A Purpose Driven Life has been read by many and he is leader of a huge mega church he has influence. It is important that people do not get caught up in his popularity, his feel good messages, his entertainment at church, and his self-help books, especially if the totality of his message does not align with the Word of God. We will all be held accountable.

References:

The Bible (KJV)

http://christianity.about.com/od/christiancelebrities/p/rickwarrenbio.htm

http://saddleback.com/lakeforest/aboutus/whatwebelieve/baptism/

http://rickwarren.veracitycolab.com/about/

http://saddleback.com/

http://saddleback.com/lakeforest/adults/worshiparts/bandsandorchestra/