THE SECRET DIARY OF RICK WARREN

Fake Rick Interview With Fake Rick.

2007-10-31T23:57:00.001-07:00

Fake Rick: What have you learned in the process of doing this blog since July 23rd? If anyone really cares...

Fake Rick: I've learned 5 things

1. For the most part, people like humor more than real dialogue, and people like gossip more than they like humor but they might like funny photoshop-ed images more than they like humor or dialogue or gossip.

2. Anti-FR readers have expressed a belief that Christians should not question or discuss Christian leaders in public, and that they should not be the focus of satire. Satire does have reputable history in church culture with Christianity Today's "Eutychus and His Kin" written anonymously by Edmund Clowney and Denny Ryberg. Also a HT to the Wittenburg Door and Lark News.

3. Kooky. Being anonymous and taking on a persona is quite easy to do on the web. Truth is very hard to verify and people will say and do things they would never do in a face to face conversation. I didn't publish many comments because they got too personal.

4. Email is viral and word of mouth really does work on the web. This blog was started with just 5 fake emails to people suggesting they check it out. Lets just say the visitors sky-rocketed from there. I didn't think anyone actually read blogs.

5. Right now, anyone can be an "insider" - I have never been on staff at Saddleback (or my spouse), I have never personally met Rick Warren. I don't physically attend the church services (only on the web). By subscribing to Google alerts, Saddleback & Pastor.com newsletters and Podcasts, Google & Flickr images - you become an insider. Yes, I do know people who have work/ed there, but there's no great revelations coming from them. Church culture is the same everywhere. My name is not Josh, Forest, Tommy, Rick, Chris, Steve, Jennifer, Paris, Cathi, Brian, John, Sally, Mike, Dowa, Larry, Bill, Joel, Victoria, Sam or Chuck.

Fake Rick: Why end the blog now?

Fake Rick: Good question thank you for asking that. Since Kay's book is about to come out (pre-order it here) and the conference on AIDS and several other important events - I'm not gonna be the guy who steals attention away from orphans in Africa! Plus, when the Dallas Morning News names you website of the week, you know you've jumped the shark. YOU GUYS NEED TO STOP READING AND GET BACK TO WORK!

Fake Rick: Why did you pick Rick Warren?

Fake Rick: Rick has a great sense of humor and is an international public figure not just a local pastor. I imagine that there are many days where Rick wishes he could speak his mind. So I set out to create a blog that does just that and also comments on some of the ridiculous antics that happen in our church culture.

Fake Rick: What do you think the real Rick would say to you?

Fake Rick: Looking at you is like looking in the mirror! No, not really. I think he might put his arm around my neck (half pastorly hug and half headlock) and say "It was kinda entertaining but unless people know who you are and who you aren't some of this comes across as malicious. If you don't like what we are doing, that's ok, go somewhere else, I don't need you to speak for me, thank you- but where can I get one of those t-shirts"

Fake Rick: what would you say to Real Rick?

Fake Rick: I'm sorry if I crossed the line. I love your passion for Jesus & ministry, your focus on the poor, and your commitment to innovate. As a member of the skeptical generation I still question some of the process. Grandpa you had to think some of it was funny.

Fake Rick: What are you going to do next?

Fake Rick: I asked that same question to Douglas Coupland (name dropper) once and he said "I'm going to get a sandwich"

Stay thirsty my friends.

(Fake) Rick

Got G.A.M.E.?

2007-10-31T23:15:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have this "friend" and no he isn't anyone you know at SBCC - but his church has grown to a pretty good size. With that growth, he has decided that his real calling is not preaching just to his church but instead he is feeling called to be a Gospel Athletic Mime Event (G.A.M.E.) producer.

While he is a good preacher, he believes in the philosophy of "only when necessary use words." So he has launched a ministry as part of the church that will travel to professional sports events where the pastor will perform at half time with his mime troupe. They have already invested in a website, training materials, 48 sets of season tickets and sparkly uniforms. Their mission is to reach 25 million people through live events and televised half time shows with an interpretive Gospel dance. They have also created a campaign to teach other churches how to do sports miming with a robust direct mail marketing strategy and conference.

My friend has asked me to endorse the ministry and sent me floor seats for a performance at a Ducks game. While I believe there are many creative ways to share the gospel. I'm wondering if the Gospel is really best shared culturally in O.C. as an ice capades puppet ministry.

I went to the hockey game, and in between Wild Wing with Power Player Girls and the Zamboni was a black light version of "Genesis on Ice". I gotta say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, infact it was worse. There is just something about Cane and Abel doing a traverse axis that doesn't sit right.

Where do people get the money to start these ministries? Do the tithers at this guys church know that is what their giving is being used for? If this is where my friend is truly being called, should he still also be the shepherding pastor of his church? Who approves these things before they launch?

Who Should I Be?

2007-10-31T10:09:00.001-07:00

This year I'm trying to decide who I should go as for Halloween.
What do you think... Barack, King, Arnold or Jimi?

Rethinking Rethink.

2007-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you put a former Nixon script writer and host of VH1's Smartest Model, Jewish TV journalist, a global media tycoon- who owns one of the largest Christian publishers and one of the largest pay-per-view pornography networks, an 81-year-old tv pastor, the 41st President and former Director of the Central Intelligence, and two-time a World Heavyweight Boxing Champion?

The Crystal Cathedral's Rethink Conference. It bills itself as a "new" kind of conference with 30 Aha! Moments from 30 Leading Influencers. Be part of an unprecedented convergence of influential Christian and global leaders this January. Get inside the minds of some of today's top thinkers and innovators. What have they been thinking about in the last year? What keeps them up at night? What are they Rethinking?"

Obviously Rupert Murdoch is rethinking that owning media companies that produces un-holy content is justified.

Obviously Ben Stein is rethinking that it's okay to host a sexualized game/reality show on the MTV networks.

Obviously Larry King is rethinking that it is okay to have psychics like Paul Kurtz on his show and invite them to prove their ability to contact spirits while on the air.

Will they let anyone speak in a church these days? I know there has been a movement started by JoMax to bring the world's best and brightest to our conferences so that the church can learn from them. I'm just not sure how we decide who should speak at these things. If it was a secular conference - then no problem I wouldn't even mention it. I have said in the past "that if you can only work with people you agree with 100% then you won't get anything done, my wife doesn't even agree with me all the time" - when discussing coming together to work on the problem of AIDS. But... I'm not sure I want just anyone to share the pulpit to speak on direction for your ministry and your life. (and my wife is speaking at this conference)

Is it that we have already heard Erwin McManus speak at the last 14 different conferences this year? or is it that we don't have the same high regard(i.e. spend money on another conference) for Christian Leaders as we do for secular global leaders? Are we trying to copy the TED experience? Maybe it's like the President of Iran speaking at Columbia, maybe Schuller will stand-up and preface the introduction of the speakers with something like "take these guys and grapple with their ideas because they don't share our beliefs."

Should we live in a Christin ghetto and only read Christian books by Christian authors? No way. Should host Christian conferences at a church and promote those who promote an ungodly worldview?

eHarmony Soul Groups™.

2007-10-30T08:07:00.001-07:00

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- The Rat - you signed up but you have never showed up or called to say you aren't coming
- The Owl - you think you are an old testament scholar even though you've never been to seminary, you love to wow people with your historical insight - but the truth is nobody cares
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A New Name.

2007-10-29T09:26:00.001-07:00

I'm worried that a percentage of our congregation and some staff are addicted to celebrityism. I have reasoned that my own un-solicited fame is going to be used for influencing good, but it concerns me that some people are more interested that their pastor has met Bono and recently appeared on Larry King. The reason these people attend the church is not for the right reasons, but they think somehow through association they are connected to fame.

So I've come up with a solution! I'm going to legally change my name. No longer will people be able to say "I go to Rick Warren's church." or "My pastor just met with the President, and is the best selling non-fiction author of all time."

Here were some of the possible names:

That Dude - this would work for the surfer group, but I'm not sure I would be invited to speak at the United Nations.

George Bush - there's already 2 of them, why not add another?

The greek symbol for teacher - although this didn't really work for Prince

Pastor Pastor - so nice, I'll name it twice

John 3:16 - people would think I'm the crazy guy in rainbow wig at football games

Dr. Purpose - sounds like a soda pop

Then it hit me - I'll change my name to Saddleback Church. That way when people drop my name they will be dropping the church's name. So the conversation would go something like this.

Joe: Where do you go to church?

Mike: I go to Saddleback

Joe: Oh yeah, that's with that pastor who wrote that best selling book, what's his name?

Mike: Saddleback Church

Joe: Right, but it says here that Saddleback Church will be on CNN. Who will?

Mike: Saddleback Church

Betty: Saddleback Church is great.

Mike: Saddleback Church is a reverse tither.

Betty: Who is? How does that work?

Sally: and...Saddleback Church got a lot of flack for having Obama speak.

Betty: Saddleback Church got flack for Osama speaking?

Mike: No, not Osama, Saddleback Church.

Sally: I heard Saddleback Church just got back from Uganda and London meeting with dignitaries.

Betty: Did the whole congregation go?

Mike: No, Just Saddleback Church

Joe: You mean, the purpose driven network didn't all go?

Mike: Yes

Betty: Where does Saddleback Church meet?

Sally: In Lake Forest when Saddleback Church is in town.

Betty: You mean there are other Saddleback Churches?

Mike: Yes

I'm sure the IRS is going to have fun with this one.

Fletch-errr Jonesin'

2007-10-28T00:34:00.001-07:00

The folks in our church over at Toyota Rancho Santa Margarita have proposed a local ad campaign against the money grubbing folks over at Fletcher Jones Motorsports. They have asked if I would be their spokesperson to demonstrate that living in the O.C. doesn't mean having to drive a luxury car.

They said, Bill Walton is the spokesperson for Lexus and hardly anyone can remember what sport he even played. Don't worry - I won't have to appear in the Saturday TV commercials on Univision. It's a nice idea. Let me think about it boys.

Jitterbug Deal.

2007-10-28T00:14:00.001-07:00

I'd like to thank my friend Dowa for his trip diary. While it was sometimes long and hard to translate, that's nothing new to us.

Anyway...

I'm glad to announce that we have just struck a deal with Arlene Harris at Jitterbug - "the cell phones for old people" company to use their brand for a new Saddleback Venue. It will be called Jitterbug for Saddleback. We realize that keeping our aging members will become increasing important over the next 20 years. This venue will target people in our community 65 or older.

Here's the details:

Keep it simple with Jitterbug for Saddleback.

At Jitterbug for Saddleback, we not only created a simpler
church services for old people, but a whole new experience that
puts our old people first.

Designed with old people in mind.

Easy to use. Soft plush cushions on all the chairs and powerful loud speaker make the sound loud and clear. Bigger, powerpoint slides and brighter text are easy to see.
Helpful. Live, in-person Jitterbug greeters will greet you by name, remember where you parked your car, provide assistance, and even fill your prescriptions during the service.
Friendly. This service starts at 3pm saturday night so that you won't miss the early bird dinners, or fall asleep during the service. The bulletin is printed on large 18x24 sheets of paper with 72 point type.

At Jitterbug for Saddleback, we make it simple to continue to go to church even when you get old.

Rock Star Karaoke. Day VIII.

2007-10-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

(A new friend of mine is a guest blogger for a few days. His name is Dowa Manda and he is from the country of Malawi. I hope you enjoy his trip diary.)

Moni.

Today was my full last day in fruit county. Mr. John joked that I could find a wife today and stay in America. I am 18 now and I should get married soon. Most men in Malawi only live to the age of 37. He brought me to the big church's Singles event. I was a little bit hesitant to go but Mr. John took me to South Coast Plaza Mall today and bought me a pair of pants and shirt from a dark store called Hollister. He said I look like a surf munthu.

I have never seen so many things to buy. I was embare-assed walking by a store called Victorian Secret, Mr. John said that I was not by myself.

Tonight at the big big church tent there was the Singles meeting called "Rock Star Karaoke" It was very very loud with lots of kuyimba and kuvina (singing and dancing). It was like a night club back home in dziko, but I have never been to one. I did not understand if this was for Jesus people or people who did not know Jesus. Some Chiphadzuwa--ngenge (beautiful girls, ladies) brought me up on stage to sing with them a song by... Bond Jovi???

The lyrics went like this...

Whooah, were half way there Livin on a prayer
Take my hand and well make it -
I swear Livin on a prayer

Tommys got his six string in hock
Now hes holding in what he used To make it talk -
so tough, its tough Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night Tommy whispers baby its okay, someday

Weve got to hold on to what weve got
cause it doesn't make a difference If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot For love -
well give it a shot

I did feel like a rockstar on stage in front of that many people. That's not like anything I've experienced in church. After the event, Mr. John treated to us to a special American restaurant called McDonalds. We stayed in our car and drove up to a sign where Mr. John just called out numbers like songs in a hymnal. They asked if he wanted regular, large or super-sized - very strange customs. We drove around and they had our food already wrapped in paper inside a box inside a bag. Even the straws here have paper around them.

I asked Mr. John if he had ever slaughtered his nyama (meat) or watched as one was being killed. He said he never did, but understood that in America the process is very clean and merciful to the animals. I think it is Konsekonse mpeni wansengwa.

This has been an eye broadening trip for me. I will return to my little church with lots of stories and ideas. Rock Star Karoke Included! The day after tomorrow I will be back to my work at the fodya (tobacco) farm. Someday you might smoke one of the leaves I harvested.

I will continue to pray for you that you will not become distracted by the world around you and continue to focus on Jesus our Lord. I hope as well you will pray for the people who are ndikdwala (sick) and need chakuda (food) in Malawi.
Your graciousness has overfilled my hat.

Zikomo, Zikomo! - Dowa

The Fire. Day VII.

2007-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

(A new friend of mine is a guest blogger for a few days. His name is Dowa Manda and he is from the country of Malawi. I hope you enjoy his trip diary.)

Moni

Today is my seventh day in fruit county. What a week this has been. Please pardon me as I have been unable to update my trip diary. On tuesday my gracious hosts Mr. John and Mrs. Jennifer had to leave their big beautiful home because of fire. At first we stood in their backyard with buckets from their swimming pools and strung together several njoka (garden hoses) and sprayed water over the back wall of their house, several neighbors pitched in and helped. I told them them that by passing buckes of water this is how we put out fires in Malawi. There was something special about this activity of coming together to pass this symbol of life. This was the first time I had actually seen neighbors, usually they drove their cars right into their garages.

A local military man with a black and white car eventually told us we had to leave. This was very very hard for Mrs. Jennifer because she had so many belongings she called "precious things" that she cried trying to decide what things to put in her car and what to leave behind. Mr. John only took a couple days of clothes and said that after seeing that I could live with only a couple pairs of clothes maybe he could too. The flames were about 4 times higher than the house and the skies were becoming a dark gray. Today is day six of 40 days of Purpose. Today I read about how life is a temporary assignment.

Mrs. Jennifer was very upset when we finally drove out of the neighborhood. We didn't know where we were going to go and I felt like I was an extra responsibility to them. Mr. John called several hotels first, but they were all full. He tired to make a joke and said maybe we could sleep in a stable tonight. So then he called several people from his smaller group, and one couple said we could stay with them. Mrs. Jennifer kept calling her house. I didn't understand why until she said that as long as the machine that answers the phone turned on then the house would not have burned down.

Back home we also have seen many disasters like this where whole towns have had to pick up and walk somewhere else carrying only what they could. Today, while our people aren't losing their homes in Malawi, we are losing many love ones.

I have never seen so many emergency vehicles, and television trucks as here in fruit county. We watched as huge planes flew over dropping large amounts of natugoko. The smoke is getting thicker and my lungs feel like a panther is standing on them. I am very ndatopa (tired). For the last several days I have been a guest in the big big home of Mr. Larry and Mrs. Michelle, they live about 20 minutes from where the fire is. All week we have been watching the fires on tv. I was happy when I heard that Mr. John and Mrs. Jennifer had not lost their home.

But, I was also sad that the fire had been started by someone with a purpose. One of the neighbors said they think they saw the guy in a red truck. Mrs. Jennifer said that the big church had received so many full vehicles of donations of food and clothing that they have had to turn people away. This is amazing to me that America has so much that even in need they can't use it all.

Goldfish. Day III.

2007-10-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

(A new friend of mine is a guest blogger for a few days. His name is Dowa Manda and he is from the country of Malawi. I hope you enjoy his trip diary.)

Moni. Moni!

Today is my second day in fruit county. Mr. John & Mrs. Jennifer and I went to the first of many services at the big church today. When we drove up the street I saw a huge square building with nice flowers out front. Mr. John said that wasn't the church but where the pastors had their desks. I had never seen so many automobiles of people who go to church. We parked so far away, a train with wheels picked us up to bring us to the big church. I sat next to a woman and I think she was ignoring me with her cool phewa (shoulder).

Mr. John said that they don't have big enough parking lots because people have to be hurried back to their cars between services, so the next group of automobiles will have room for the next service. The train stopped in front of a large building. I again thought it was the sanctuary, but it was called the all-star building. I think it has something to do with baseball. I saw smiling people were wearing uniforms. There were lots of happy mwana and mtsikana (girls and boys) and pictures of Jesus. There was even large fish tank walls and I heard someone say they feed the kids goldfish during church.

We got inside a metal box and pushed a button to go the sanctuary. The doors slide shut and then slid open and we were there!. Back home nobody is going to believe this!!! There were lots and lots of people and very vibrant music. The ceiling was covered in big bright upside down drums and there were 2 huge television screens as big as a njobvu. A friendly woman handed me a folded paper, it was like a free newspaper for the church. Mrs. Jennifer said we could have gone to other venues and experienced different kinds of church. I said that I wanted the one that was about Jesus. She laughed and said that they were all about Jesus, just different styles.

There was lots of standing then sitting, back home we stand throughout most of the service unless you are old and tired. Everyone was nice and people shook my hand others didn't and I told them my name but nobody told me their name. Some people did a half hug we call a kukayika. Also, most people closed their eyes during prayer but some kept them open. The pastor talked very fast and was very passionate about Jesus. I liked closing one eye and watching the big video version of the pastor and then closing the other eye and watching the small real version.

After the sermon, we were still singing and people started getting up and leaving. I was very upset and confused. Did they need to move their car? or did I not realize the pastor had dismissed everyone? Was there someplace else that was more important to them they had to be? We usually spend 3 to 4 nthano (hours) at church.

Mr. John said we could go to the restaurant at church to get some food. This church even has Christian food! Mr. John and Mrs. Jennifer said they were going to introduce me to some nice people, but said that they could not find them after the service. I don't know how anyone finds anyone else, especially if they wear different clothes each Sunday.

I asked Mrs. Jennifer how many people lived in these big buildings. She said nobody lived there it was just for church. I wondered how these beautiful places were used the rest of the time, our whole village could sleep here at night, and go to school here during the day and eat here the rest of the time. We would never need to leave, that would solve the parking space problem.

Kupita!

Small Group. Day II.

2007-10-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

(A new friend of mine is a guest blogger for a few days. His name is Dowa Manda and he is from the country of Malawi. I hope you enjoy his trip diary.)

Moni

Mr. John woke me up early this morning. He said we were going on a bargain hunting expedition to garbage sales. It was very different than I thought it was going to be. We drove around streets with homes where people sold their belongings like an open air market. I asked if this was how people supported their familes. Mrs. Jennifer said it was because people don't have enough room in their houses for the new things they buy, so they sell their old things for cheap. Mr. John found a chair that gives you a backrub!!! and a little green creature that cracks open nuts for you.

I was wearing the same chobvala (shirt and pants) as I wore yesterday, but Mrs. Jennifer says that it is fine and nobody here would even notice. Then she said that most people wear different clothes everyday, and probably don't wear the same thing for at least a month. That seems to me like a lot of clothes to carry in a suitcase.

People in fruit county must really like to kudya (eat) because there is a restaurant on every corner. We went to one restaurant that only sold coffee and a little chakudya (some food). It was really busy and I thought maybe this was a community gathering place, but everyone got their coffee and got back into their cars without talking to anyone. The coffee person seemed to know some of the customers names but the customers didn't know the coffee persons name.

Tonight we went to the home of Mr. Steve and Mrs. Julie for a church meeting. They were very gracious and gave me yum yum nkumba (pig) slices on bread. There were 5 couples and everyone brought their Bible and a book. We watched a pastor on what I thought was broadcast television, which later I found out was being played on a video disc player. It was good, lots of kuseka. This was a new experience sitting with strangers and watching tv together, but then we talked about God. Then people prayed for needs - like one person said they needed a bigger house, another said they wanted more fulfillment in their place of work, and another asked for healing for her kids who had a cold that was going around. I asked that people pray for the many people in Malawi who are also sick.

Tomorrow we will go to the big church, zikomo!

The Journey. Part I.

2007-10-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

I have asked a new friend of mine to be a guest blogger for a few days. His name is Dowa Manda and he is from the country of Malawi. I hope you enjoy his trip diary.

I send my love and greetings to you, Please pardon me as I am aware that this is not a conventional way of relaying such an important life story to you. Thank you gracious hosts for giving me the opportunity to travel and spend some time in your fruit county. Since leaving Chileka Airport things have seemed very new world to me.

I was warmly welcomed at the Mr. Cowboy John Wayne Aeroport with a hug and smiles from representatives (John & Jennifer) from your wonderful church. I climbed into a large vehicle as big as one of our jeep-jeeps. It had dark windows and four doors like Bingu wa Mutharika would drive. The fabric was thick animal skin and I did not understand that we left with 3 empty seats in our vehicle - while people still stood outside the aeroport waiting for a ride with their suitcases?

In Malawi things are very different, each jeep-jeep is filled with people in every seat and standing where they can. The jeep-jeep takes you to a spot then you walk miles from there. It was a great surprise to drive right to my hosts home after my long journey from Blantyre.

We arrived at Mr. John's house at dark. It had many, many rooms. Even a room for the vehicle with a door that opens by itself! I was expecting a large sleeping room where everyone would stay. I have never slept in a room of my own, it was very nervous. The bed is very large and too soft. I will probably sleep on the floor with 2!!! very soft pillows. So many books in this house.

Mrs. Jennifer asked what I was hungry for. I said yes. She said she could fix many different things to eat and wanted to know what I would like. I said I would eat what was on the plate. Then we ate more food after we ate the meal, this must be a special food just for celebrations called dessert. Ice cream - my first new fruit county favorite. I was going to clean the dishes but Mr. John said that he had a machine to do that.

Tomorrow, we will go to a small church meeting with other people that meets in a house.

- Dowa

MEMO from Zondervan.

2007-10-18T08:44:00.001-07:00

Rick - we understand your schedule is very busy. We thank you for all the time and effort in partnering with us on the Purpose Driven Life.

You must understand however though that we need that next book, like yesterday.

I get a call everyday from Brian Murray from HC HQ - asking when the release date is. I can only have Connie tell him that my door is closed and I'm meeting with God - so many times. Then my iPhone starts going, first its email, then it's text messages, then it's phone calls. I even made him a special ringtone on itunes from the Neil Diamond song - "Hello Again"

Is it us? Do you not like us anymore? Do you want more money? Ok, we promise not to write anymore books on how we were the wonder stuff on the marketing of PDL.

Here's the deal - just send us notes on napkins, digital voice recorders, old sermons, diaries - whatever you got. We will make something out of it - and if you like it - we will run with it. Otherwise we will head back to the drawing board.

I've got some ghost writers lined up. Let me know if any of these are acceptable:

Chuck Colson - He never writes any of his own stuff, so he's available to write yours
John Stott - Don't worry we will Americanize it after he's done
Eugene Peterson - It will sound a little bit slang - but it works!
Tim LaHaye - He wanted to make the movie first, but he's agreed, not sure about Jenkins
George Barna - He said he would put a muzzle on that house church stuff
Joyce Meyer - She's practically got a knock-off version in the can already
Mel Gibson - We would just need to edit out a few cuss words

I thank you for your consideration. The sooner we hear back from you - the sooner Nancy in HR can determine whether or not to start planning a Zondervan company Christmas party.

Bruce

I Am Totally Stumped.

2007-10-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Mitt Romney in a speech said:

Now what is it about America's culture that's made us the most powerful nation on the Earth? You can think about some of those things. One is we believe in hard work as Americans. We believe in education. We love freedom. We seek opportunities. We'll take risks in order to bring a better future for ourselves and our families. We sacrifice for the future and for our families. We are, in the words of the Bible, a God-fearing people. And even those among us who don't believe in God, as part of what Rick Warren might call a purpose-driven life, we live for something greater than ourselves. Americans respect the value and the sanctity of human life. And American society is built on the foundation of the family unit.

Hey, Hey, Hey - wait a minute Mitt. What do you mean "don't believe in God but believe in a Purpose-Driven Life?" Did you read the book? Are you just name dropping? Do you have a clue?

Don't Tell. No Hell.

2007-10-17T23:14:00.001-07:00

Just flip on the news and you realize that Evangelicals are getting better at forgiving each other for different kinds of moral failures - but we are still having problem admitting the "I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up" part of it. We are human and there will always be Christian leaders who make stupid decisions.

So what should you do after you realize you've made a stupid decision? ADMIT IT AND DON'T CONTINUE TO MAKE MORE STUPID DECISIONS! Don't tell people including the media that you didn't make that stupid decision, even though you did. Don't try to downplay it. Infact, don't say anything publicly - come clean privately.

Not wanting to admit you've done wrong, certainly isn't a new thing - even Adam had a hard time and tried to cover up with a fig leaf.

Why can't we admit we've done something stupid? Are we afraid we are going to lose our ministry? Are we afraid that we will lose the thing that we find our identity in? Are we afraid we will lose our influence & power? Are we afraid of becoming an outcast? Or... Do we think we are above it all and we've convinced ourselves it really isn't that bad - that someone how, we will continue to do more good - even if we've screwed up.

Every ministry needs a "Oops I've Been Caught - Emergency Crisis Plan"
Just to be able to answer the following questions:
- Who gets the first phone call?
- Who is the wise discerning group that lends council through the crisis?
- What are the HR policies and legal ramifications?
- How is the family cared for?
- What needs to happen in the first 48 hours?
- Who issues an appropriate statement?
- Does every person know how to handle calls from the media?
- How do you control the gossip?
- How do you begin to rebuild?

Some have suggested that Evangelicals should sponsor an annual National Day of Resignation. Christian leaders and pastors who are not walking the talk—and know it—can resign, no questions asked. We’ll call it “Don’t Tell. No Hell.” Seriously. Let’s set aside one day a year to encourage struggling sinners to shed their leadership roles. Evangelicals understand sin and we value grace and forgiveness. (“There but for the grace of God go I.”) National Day of Resignation would be an annual gut check for Christian leaders. If they’re ministering with integrity, stay with it. If they’re living a lie, it’s OK to resign that day—no questions asked.
Hey. Sounds like a good idea for politicians too.

Try Walking In Our Flip-Flops.

2007-10-16T21:08:00.001-07:00

Imagine what your office would be like if everyone had a job like a Pastor:

1. When your work day was over their would be a cassette tape or CD available of everything you just finished for sale in the lobby

2. If your co-workers got sick they would expect you to stop by and pray with them, then act surprised you did come by and proceed to tell you that they look terrible and their hair hasn't been washed.

3. Your wife would feel pressure from others that she should be doing things related to your job and be happy about it.

4. Your weekend would consist of something like a Tuesday and then a Thursday. Forget 'bout Holidays.

5. Instead of an expense account - every time you need to buy something more than $200 - you would be required to ask a group of people for permission, then justify why you need it.

6. You must remember what stories you've told people - so you don't use the same story over again.

7. Outside of the office your co-workers get flustered when you see them drinking alcohol or doing something they think you might not approve of.

8. Most of your meetings would happen at night in the basement.

9. You would have to stand up and gently remind your co-workers that it was part of their calling to give money to the organization - so it can continue to grow and fulfill its mission.

10. Most of your co-workers think you really only work an hour a week

BOBbleheads.

2007-10-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Bob - sorry to hear that you won't be able to join us here in person at Saddleback for Generous Giving's EXPOnential 07 Conference. GG is a great organization with really, really, really great people - and I heard good things about the last time you spoke at their conference.

I know the real reason you won't be attending in person isn't that rumor that The SoCal Pope - Chuck Smith will pull your Calvary affiliation -- if you are seen supporting the purpose-driven movement. Some people make it sound like if you mention the word "emergent" that you are coming out of the "contemplative closet."

............................................
Breaking News????

On September 16th, Lighthouse Trails issued a report titled "Bob Coy Joins Contemplative Promoters Rick Warren and John Ortberg for Conference." On October 12th in a telephone conversation, personnel at the Crown Financial Ministries office (the major sponsor for the event) said that originally Bob Coy was scheduled to be physically present at the conference, but plans had changed for undisclosed reasons and while he would still be participating in the event, he would be addressing the audience through a videotaped session instead.

Coy's church, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, has been carrying and selling books by several contemplatives and/or emergents (see examples below), including material by Rick Warren. This has resulted in people contacting Lighthouse Trails with concerns and confusion because of Calvary Chapel's statements last year (see recall notice and position paper) that denounced both Purpose Driven and the emerging church. Since then, Calvary Chapel's founding pastor, Chuck Smith has spoken on the pulpit and on the radio on several occasions against both contemplative spirituality and the emerging church.

Even still, according to many Calvary Chapel attendees in various CC churches who have contacted Lighthouse Trails, some CC pastors are continuing to promote Purpose Driven, the emerging church, and contemplative spirituality. While the individual CC churches are self-governed without major interception from Chuck Smith, Smith requested that any CC church going in the emerging church direction or promoting it change their name and not be affiliated with the movement.
........................................

Keep up the good work Bob, I know you will be wise in choosing your co-labors and I encourgage you to "contemplate" with us what the real mission is.

A Dream.

2007-10-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a dream. It was like an ambien commercial - I was out in the dessert and there was Dr. Bill Bright and Yoda. (I thought Bill was Walt Disney at first) The conversation went something like this:

FR: Dr. Bright is that you? You look 60 years younger.

BB: Yes, Rick this is my new body - I'm in heaven with the Lord right now. Call me Bill, we don't use any titles in heaven.

FR: What is heaven like?

BB: It is wonderful being in His presence and not ever wondering what your purpose is - No HR departments, no legal contracts, no phones, no email!

YODA: When 900 years you reach, look as good, you will not.

FR: We are trying to do the Lord's will on earth - are we succeeding?

YODA: Do or do not...there is no try.

BB: You and many Christians are listening when God speaks - but many are following their own ways and I think they know that. It will be more and more difficult to discern authenticity.

YODA: Impossible to see the future is.

FR: How should we prepare?

BB: Do you allow your SB army to drink alcohol?

FR: No, we've got a policy like our denominational brothers where we ask people to abstain from alcohol.

BB: Why? do you think they personally struggle with alcohol?

FR: No, most people won't personally struggle with alcohol but we don't want to be put in a position that makes other people who struggle with that addiction fall into sin.

YODA: Happens to every guy sometimes this does

BB: So how are you dealing with the addiction of fame?

FR: I never set out to be famous. When PDL hit the national spotlight - I asked myself that question. I turned to the scriptures and decided that fame could be used for good as influence. I realized that the purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence. You, Billy, Hybels, Chuck - we all have had to deal with this - it's really a matter of the heart.

YODA: Blind we are, if creation of this clone army we could not see.

BB: Good point, Yoda. I wasn't talking about you, Rick. What about all those who live to drop your name and clammer to be close to you? When your name becomes more important to people than the name of the church?

YODA: Who's your Jedi master? WHO'S your Jedi Master?

FR: I don't encourage it. But... How do you lead pastors without influence? How do you bring the spotlight to AIDS without being a voice? Are you saying I should I write anonymously? Isn't it a stabilizing force to have a leader leading in the same community for 40 years?

BB: In the old days - we would tell our staff to recruit the most popular kids on campus(the athletes & beauty queens) because their influence would attract others to come to the crusade events and hear the gospel. It was the right motivation - but had the wrong effect. You are living in a culture that creates & worships living idols - even if the idols don't want want to be idolized.

YODA: You must unlearn what you have learned.

FR: What is the answer? Stay small?

BB: Don't ask me - I'm the guy who tried to reduce the mystery of God into 4 laws so it would fit in a brochure and then named my organization after the crusades. I guess just try to share the jumbotron.

YODA: Size matters not, ... Look at me. Judge me by size, do you?

Face The Kid Nation.

2007-10-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Kid Nation? If you haven't - then watch it tonight. The kiddos are defining their own spirtuality - it will definately drive you to pray even if these kids don't. I'm thinking we need a comic book version of PDL - titled "Who your kids are when you aren't looking"

Here's the description:

40 children, 40 days, no adults — eager to prove they can build a better world for tomorrow in the new reality series KID NATION.

Settling in Bonanza City, New Mexico, once a thriving mining town but now deserted, these Kids, ages 8 to 15 and from all walks of life, will build their own new world, pioneer-style. They will confront grown-up issues while coping with the classic childhood emotions of homesickness, peer pressure and the urge to break every rule. Episodes end with a town meeting in which the kids award one child a gold star worth $20,000, all leading to the grand finale, with an unimaginable test, the biggest awards and a special surprise for every child.

Hmmm, 40 Days I wonder where they got that idea?

Honk. Honk.

2007-10-11T06:58:00.001-07:00

At Catalyst I mentioned an idea for a bumper sticker - "Tithe if you love Jesus, any fool can honk." Since then we've found a couple more that reveal the real Orange County. Now, don't you all be stickin these on my truck.

Our Brand.

2007-10-09T14:38:00.001-07:00

Is it just me? - Am I old -fashioned? - or do other people find this distracting during church?

If You Can Make It Here...

2007-10-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

Where can we make the most impact in our culture? Influence the influencers? That's right, Times Square, Crossroads to the World. CNN, MTV, Conde Nast, Disney, ABC, Reuters, NYT are there, maybe we should be there too! So what we would we need to do different to reach New Yorkers?

1. Music - New Yorkers want something a little more reserved, classical? jazz? Not sure Kenny G makes the cut in the big apple.
2. Dress code - dude - I guess we aren't gonna be wearing flip flops, unless you want to be stepping in rat poop. We will also need to trade in the Hawaiian shirts for black turtenecks.
3. Outdoor baptisms - maybe we can switch that to rooftop baptisms.
4. Bagels. Bagels. Bagels.
5. We won't really need to worry about a kids program - if anyone does have kids in manhattan - we'll send 'em next door to the Lion King.
6. As Metaxas says "treat New Yorkers antagonistically and they will love you for it"
7. Don't let anyone with the last name Soprano handle the offering.
8. Pretend nothing exists outside of the city and mention that Orange County has no culture.
9. Celebrate Recovery 24 hours a day, more bagels.
10. Say you are hosting an outdoor New Year's Eve service, pass the plate and count the attenders.

#27

2007-10-08T08:38:00.001-07:00

Wow. Outreach Magazine has named us #27 of the fastest growing churches in the U.S. for 2007. That's up from #39 last year. According to the data - apparently we supplied to them - our attendance had grown 7%. (Which includes the SC site.) That means we added 1,405 to the overall attendance since last year. The magazine also lists us as the 4th largest church in America with 22,000 regular attenders. (20,595 - #6 in ‘06)

It is just a list - and Ed Stetzer says it best "Please remember, lists are not for comparison. They are for learning and, hopefully, encouragement. Our desire is that you might learn from these churches, see how God is at work, rejoice with them, and then find God's unique vision for your church: whether it meets in a coffee shop or a cathedral."

Are you encouraged?

The Blogs Have Spoken!

2007-10-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

The blogs are in - people had nice things to say and they actually listened!

Catalyst blog said:
Sometimes when the final session of the day rolls around, the crowd begins to thin. Not today. With Rick Warren as Thursday’s final speaker, the crowd was glued to their seats. Rick did not disappoint. His passion for next generation leaders, combined with his passion to pursue God’s agenda, made a memorable session. I’ll still be digesting his presentation for days to come. Highlights are listed below, but the richness of the message is too much to summarize. Be sure to view the executive summary for the complete content of Rick’s message.

Brandon said:
While Rick was talking I was speechless. He just walked up on stage with no notes and sat down in a chair and spoke. I was so just in awe to watch a man that was truly abandoned to God. Say what you want about him...he is doing things that most people have never had the faith to even dream of. He spoke about God's agenda. The kingdom. The church. People.

Mark The Youth Guy Said:
Mainly through the words of Francis Chan and Rick Warren, I was blindsided (yes, as I was hit by a Mack Truck in the middle of an intersection), upon the realization that I've been ignoring those most important to Jesus - the poor, broken, disenfranchised, etc. I guess I just thought it was the thing most of the pastors were ripping off each other's sermons for this moment in time, that we'd all start talking about "the oppressed."

Kevin Bussey said:
Rick Warren capped off the evening. I’m sure just because I posted his name I will get traffic from those Rick Warren haters. I don’t understand why there are so many Rick Warren haters. Tonight he talked about how if we really loved God then we would help those who are helpless.

Dave Feguson said:
Rick did the closing session at Catalyst and did great job. I had heard part of this message before, but it is such great stuff that I was glad to hear it again. I needed it.

Mark Waltz said:
At any rate… Rick taught in his normal sockless fashion, this time in flipflops – and barefoot most of the time... In his session: Jesus takes it personally when we say "I love Jesus, I just don't like his body." Rick suggested that this statement is as offensive as someone saying, "I love you, I just don't like your wife. Or, I love you, I just don't like your body." We would be offended. We need to love the church – not merely as we think it should be, but as she is.

John Crane said:
This evening culminated with Purpose-driven guru, Rick Warren, sounding a similar clarion call: "The purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence." We all have varying degrees of influence. But we must candidly ask ourselves, "How well are we doing at leveraging our influence on behalf of those who have none?" Hopefully, the Church can pursue a renewed vision for authentic love for our neighbors in the tradition of Christ Himself. Do you want to be a part of what Warren calls the "Reformation Generation"? I do. And my hope is that I will be catalyzed toward that end. I pray we all will be.

Bird family took good notes and said:
It's been 500 years since we've had a reformation in the church...the first one was about Creeds, the Second one needs to be about deeds. Not what the church knows, but what the church does! The arms and legs of the church have been amputated, and all that's been left is a BIG MOUTH!

Arrived At Catalyst.

2007-10-04T07:35:00.001-07:00

We arrived yesterday at Catalyst in Atlanta. JoMax invited me to stay in his guest house last night - it's very nice - except I don't get the all the civil war oil paintings with JoMax in a gray uniform riding horses. Also, did he have that microphone surgically implanted in his ear? - I don't see any wires. There was a bookshelf full of his books next to the bed - so as a joke I signed them all with "To Rick Warren, thanks for being the inspiration for this book - John"

JoMax woke me up at 5:30am to have what he called a "Leadership Cabinet Devotional Meeting." I thought it was just going to be us - but when I showed up in my bathrobe - he had 14 of his lieutenants there. The room was an exact mock-up of the oval office. His "Minister of Conferences" had all the latest un-fudged attendance figures for all the Christian conferences during the last six months. How does he get that stuff?

There was a brief interruption when we were told that 10,000 kazoo's being flown in from China for Catalyst would be delayed for 24 hours. (Apparently last year they had 10,000 pillows and the year before 10,000 whoopie cushions for some kind of Guinness Book of World Records thing they do at Catalyst)

At the end of the meeting I was handed cue cards with "areas of interest" that I was instructed to incorporate into my keynote. Then, some freckled faced kid told me he had been assigned to me to assist with any additional speech revisions I might need - mysteriously - he already had a copy of the speech I wrote. He said he had taken the liberty to make some changes to it.

Where am I?

T.M.I.

2007-10-03T19:56:00.001-07:00

Stuart - I know you are a youth guy - and they are their own breed. (we're building a whole building to contain them) A word of friendly advice - just because you have a blog doesn't mean we need to know every thought you have.

201 things about me:
113. I love the smell of my wife
136. Richard Simmons makes me laugh
137. I’m not a fan of Rick Warren
140. I have well groomed nose hairs
174. When using the bathroom in the backcountry… I prefer to use snow instead of leaves.
191. My second toe is longer than my big toe.
197. I talk to myself way too much.
198. I hate talking about myself.

Trust me, less is more. I gotta go to Nickel Nickel just to get those images out of my head.

Batter Be Good.

2007-10-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

First, let me say that we trust our staff to make good decisions, and I'm not bringing this up because of any forthcoming scandals. Like most churches - we do have some very basic principles to help maintain the moral integrity of our staff.

We don't take it the extreme like BoJo - but we do think it's good to have some standards in place. So we have created these new signs to put around the administrative areas as reminders. So just remember what I said "If any of you even flirt with temptation, I may come after you with a baseball bat, and you can do the same with me." Kidding. :)

Toxic People Series Sponsored By Coke?

2007-09-30T18:10:00.001-07:00

My good friend and marketing genius, Greg Stiestra has outlined plans for mega-churches to partner with corporate sponsors for win-win ty-ins. I'm being told that there are huge opportunities to 'knock-it-outta-the-park' with subsidized projects, missions sponsorships and offers for free resources paid for by sponsorships.

Stiestra is quoted in this Wharton article as saying:

Megachurches do offer opportunities for secular marketers, Stielstra adds, but uncovering them may require creative thinking. He recalled a financial planner who came to him with this problem: Potential customers were likely to hire his services if they heard his presentation, but few people were willing to sit through it. The number-one reason for marital conflict is money, Stielstra told the planner, and church-going couples are likely to seek out their pastor -- rather than a financial planner -- for advice. The solution? Stielstra put the financial planner in touch with local pastors, who now provide him with a steady stream of potential clients interested enough to sit through his presentation.

Here's some of ideas I've received so far:

- Tithing Series sponsored by Bank of America Online Banking
- Building Stronger Marriages Series sponsored by Home Depot
- Mission Trips brought to you by Travelers Insurance
- Church Nursery brought to you by C.G.E.D.B.T.M.
(The Chinese Goverment Economic Development Board for Toy Manufacturing)
- Valet Parking sponsored by Geico
- The Food Pantry brought to you by Hot Pockets
- Wardrobe provided by Old Navy

Instead of making this decision myself - I would like to open this up to the members and see what you think? Is a billboard in the parking lot okay? What if we had a small ad in our bulletin? Would a "sponsored by" powerpoint screen be too much? How about a 30-second commercial before the service? Banner ads on our website? If the advertisers were Christian companies would that make a difference? What if we kept it to book publishers?

Ready to innovate? WWGS do?

Adopting The World's Worldviews.

2007-09-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

When I wrote this article - "Six Worldviews The Church is Competing Against" - I wanted the church to be aware of them - NOT to try and emulate them. I know we are looking for new ways to do outreach, involve our congregations in activities and reach the lost, but I think sometimes we've "lost" it...

1. Materialism.
Materialism says that the only thing that really matters in life is acquiring things. So, I wasn't saying that you should try to lure people to your church with a lottery or chance to win a house. (is this what some people mean by the new "house church movement?")

2. Egocentrism
I was warning of the Me Generation's "serve me first" attitude - not encouraging it! Yet, everytime I turn around someone is having a men's golf tournament for charity. Yeah, like that's a sacrafice. Maybe the women can start having a "shop-a-thon" and you can sponsor them for $.50 for every $1 dollar they spend.

3. Hedonism
The belief that the most important thing in life is how we feel. The number one goal of a hedonist is to feel good, be comfortable, and have fun. Again, we can even turn this one into a church event! "What woman doesn’t need some time to Rejuvenate, Invigorate, & Celebrate? In this weekend of refreshment, Kathi leads women to renewing their relationship with God through learning new ways to experience their friendship with Him and each other. An incredible SPA weekend only God could design !"

4. Pluralism/Relativism
I think it is fantastic that the Church is diverse and reaches people in many different ways, but then it sometimes falls off the map. Like today in Huntington Beach... "Join Us for the Interfaith Blessing of the Animals. Free to the public and their pets. Seniors, families, singles, and children are encouraged to bring their dogs, cats, birds, lizards, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, fish, tortoises, turtles and other well-behaved pets. After brief words from each of the seven faith leaders dressed in traditional garb, the menagerie of participants will line up single-file to be blessed."

At least I haven't received a postcard in the mail from another church inviting me to a "random acts of evolution" Sunday or "Join us to create your own god, bingo night," but I'm worried I might.

The Great Debate II

2007-09-27T14:30:00.001-07:00

If Columbia University can invite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of Iran to come and speak. Why not Saddleback? Of course we don't want to just give him the "pulpit" to share his ideas... but what if I asked my friend, Lee Strobel to debate him? I think we could also put Ergun Caner up there and make Lee Bollinger look like My Little Pony. CCN are you on board with us?

Alleged PDL Counterfeit Ring Busted.

2007-09-27T06:07:00.001-07:00

Columbia, South Carolina - After a 9-month sting investigation, an alleged counterfeiting ring producing illegal copies of Purpose Driven Life materials was uncovered at a flea market in Columbia. The alleged ring was first detected after several people reported heavy industry printing smells coming from the basement of Fourth Baptist Church of Columbia. Later determined to be a potluck. Pastor Wilbur Nooklesally told the District Attorney that "They believed they were doing the work of God."

Among the alleged counterfeited items were books, 40 Days of Purpose Keychains, Purpose Driven Life Journals, Round Polyurethaned PDL Wall Plaques made from sliced trees with bark.

"At first we thought these items were be shipped in from Asia, but after closer examination we found that they were being made locally and shipped to Hong Kong. Their methods were very sophisticated using the lastest scanners and digital printers." said Agent Trackbaski.

Yale Galanter has agreed to defend Pastor Nooklesally under the condition that he doesn't grant any interviews. Galanter said "He doesn't believe the alleged items are counterfeit, but instead believes they have been aquired secondhand on Ebay by churches who already completed the 40 Days campaigns." There was no comment on whether or not 40 Days of Community was included in the alleged counterfeiting.

Pastor Nooklesally is being held without bail at Shuffleboot County Federal Facility where he received a free copy of The Purpose Driven Life compliments of St. Andrews Baptist Church.

Behind Barrs.

2007-09-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Guys I was just kidding when I said "Give everyone in jail a copy of PDL" - but apparently Pastor Barr you took me seriously. Way to go! Actually we have a program at PD to sell copies for inmate programs for $1 a copy - and no - I'm not seeing a dime - and no - don't try ordering them for your church at that price. (although I had a dream last night that we accidently sent 24,000 copies of The Purpose Driven Church - and every prison became a mega-church - Muchow clones in orange jumpsuits everywhere!)

2007-09-24T15:26:00.001-07:00

Everyone's got a conference these days, who's paying for people to attend?
Does anyone ask churches what they need before they plan one of these?

I LIke Rick Warren, Too!

2007-09-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else think its strange that people are writing blogs to their congregration telling them it's ok to "like me?" (Then is it even stranger when it's Billy Graham's grandson?)

The Bible makes it clear that God’s people face three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. This means that Rick Warren is NOT our enemy. For those of you who proudly bash Rick Warren, you should be ashamed of yourselves. I used to take pride in my critique of Rick Warren. Both of his books, The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life have some glaring weaknesses. But they have some strengths too: they are not wholly devoid of truth. Let me be very clear: It is NOT Reformed (much less Christian) to glean truth, beauty, and goodness only from Christians who are Reformed. In fact, because of the Reformers (Luther, Calvin, Knox, etc) firm belief that “all truth is God’s truth” we should glory in truth wherever it is found–yes even when it is found in books written by Rick Warren!

Thanks Tullian for the vote of confidence, I'm just glad I didn't read what you wrote when you didn't like me. (I see that you don't recommend any of grandpa & grandma's books either) Next week we here from John Stott's three-year-old great-grandchild that he "mikes me moo."

Arch-aelogical Find.

2007-09-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lake Forest, CA - Today it was announced that 3 new chapters of The Purpose Driven Life were discovered at an archaelogical dig on the grounds of Saddleback Church. "We were digging a hole for the new Youth Zone volleyball court when we saw these scrolls rolled in a Big Mac wrapper" Says Marci Billaboo, Chief Digger.

The texts are of great religious and historical significance, as they include practically the only known surviving copies of the original 40 Yom notes made on a McDonald's napkin. They preserve evidence of considerable belief and practice that PDL was not just written for Southern Baptists - as some had speculated.

At the time of publishing - About 15% of the fragments remained unidentified and it was not yet known if these were inspired chapters or whether these texts would be considered Apocrypha. Saddleback Scholar - Lee Strobel has been called it to examine the antiquities. High resolution images of all discovered material are not yet available online for public examination, however you will be able to purchased inexpensive multi-volumes (on disc media or in book form at saddlebackresources.com), or possibly viewed in certain university libraries.

It is feared that violence might erupted between Wesleyans and Calvinists in what is now the Gaza Strip Mall, prompting the removal of the scrolls from the county for safekeeping. The scrolls were removed to California Baptist University in Riverside.

Bob Abernethy of Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly said "Hurray! finally something new from Warren, I was getting worried because my publisher wants me to write a Warren knock-off."

Correspondence Volunteers Needed.

2007-09-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've have started receiving thousands of letters from people all over the world. We would love to answer each letter with an "authentic, personal and Biblical response" using our time-tested form letters. If you have a little bit of "Dear Abby" and have 10 hours a week to volunteer we would love to talk to you.

Correspondence Volunteer Opportunity:
Do you like to write encouraging letters using your spiritual maturity? Are you good at evaluating needs and computer savvy? Do you have a servant's heart? The Correspondence Team may be your niche. Our team is responsible for processing mail, e-mail and other correspondence using prepared templates. If you're computer knowledgeable and like to read, write, edit, or utilize spreadsheets, this is the ministry you're looking for! Our purpose in replying to mail is to extend the goodwill of Pastor Rick and the philosophy of Saddleback Church in an authentic, personal and Biblical manner.

Here's a few examples:

1. Dear Rick, We would like you to speak at our church on Christmas Eve. - Pastor Bubba

Response: Dear Pastor, thank you for your interest in having Pastor Rick speak at your church. Unfortunately Rick's schedule is already set for this year, but we would love to extend an invitation to your congregation to hear Rick speak at our annual Global Summit on AIDS conference at Saddleback. Form Letter #3119

2. Dear Rick, I've been a good boy this year. I would like a Razor Scooter, Xbox 360 and a Darth Vader voice-changer. - Jimmy Bumple

Response: Dear Jimmy, thank you for your interest in Pastor Rick. Unfortunately Rick's schedule is already set for this year, but we would love to extend an invitation to you to hear Rick speak at our HIV/AIDS Youth Summit at Saddleback. Form Letter #3120

3. Dear Rick, I'm in jail and they took away my copy of The Purpose Driven Life. - O.J.

Response: Dear O.J., thank you for your interest in Pastor Rick. Unfortunately Rick's schedule is already set for this year, but we would love to extend an invitation to you to hear Rick speak at our annual Celebrate Recovery conference at Saddleback.com. Form Letter #3121

The most important thing is to remember is to remove the form letter sticky note from each correspondence.

Sign This Petition To Get PDL Back In Prison.

2007-09-20T09:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Jim Wallis for rallying support to get The Purpose Driven Life back into federal prison libraries. Click here to sign the petition. Viva La Purpose!

Pastor Disguise Kit

2007-09-20T08:36:00.001-07:00

We are offering a new resource for pastors. It's the pastors disguise kit. Why do pastors need a disguise? No, it isn't because they are sneaking out to sin. It's just that sometimes pastors want to be anonymous when they go out in public, like when:

- Your spouse wants you to pick up the latest chick-flick, "Pride & Prejudice" at Blockbuster video (it might just be rated-R and you don't even know why)

- You need to buy Dulcolax at the pharmacy and they call for a price check over the intercom

- It's your anniversary and want to buy some lingerie, but the girl behind the counter is in charge of the churches VBS program

- You buy a Vanity Fair magazine that has you quoted in an interview about the Bible

- You and your spouse want to attend a marriage enrichment weekend

- You need to go to traffic school

- You just want to get a cup of coffee at starbucks without saying hello to everyone in the entire store

- You need to go to a travel agency to book travel on a Christian cruise to europe that you've been asked to speak at - but don't want to be seen as being too extravagant

- You've decide to have a garage sale but don't want church members trying on all your old hawaiian shirts in your driveway

Whoever said it was easy being a well-known pastor! Whew!

For Starters

2007-09-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

What's up with our fascination with movies? There are more new multi-theater multiplexes being built than church buildings. (although we have figured out how to use those buildings on Sunday mornings) Research says that there is no difference between the movie habits of Christians and non-Christians.

So I'm reading about movies on Christianity Today's website, and they have a feature review for the PG-13 movie, "Mr. Woodcock." That's fine, I think it's good to be informed about what is happening in culture - if you can call this culture. Don't get me wrong, I'm not protesting this movie - I haven't seen it - I haven't read the script - it's a first-time director, but I don't think I would design small group curriculum around it.

So why does Christianity Today write "discussion starters" for a movie they give 1 1/2 stars?

1. Mr. Woodcock says the word "sorry" is only for "criminals and screw-ups." Do you agree or disagree? Would you apply those words the same way Mr. Woodcock applies them, or differently? In what way might we all be "criminals and screw-ups"?

2. In what ways might the hard line toed by Mr. Woodcock be a sign of strength? In what ways might it be a sign of weakness? In what ways might weakness, itself, be a sign of strength? Note how the film suggests it takes "backbone" to say "sorry."

3. John says his book has been helpful to people, and Mr. Woodcock replies, "Lot of losers out there, I guess." When have you been tempted to dismiss people as "losers"? Why do you think people tend to look at others that way? Do you (or did you) ever see yourself as a "loser"? If so, in what way? And how do you/did you deal with it?

4. Beverly is in a relationship and has not told her son; and once her son finds out, she is reluctant to accept her son's criticisms of Mr. Woodcock. How do you think single parents should approach new relationships, after their children have matured to adulthood? How would you respond if you had a mother like Beverly? A son like John? Do you "buy" the relationship between Beverly and Mr. Woodcock? What do you think it is based on?

5. How difficult do you think it is for people to relate to parents and teachers as fellow adults, after they have grown up? How has your relationship to human authority figures changed over the years? Have these changes affected the way you see your relationship with the ultimate Authority, i.e. God? If so, how?

6. At the beginning of the film, John has published a book encouraging people to "get past your past." By the end of the film, he is saying that people should "embrace" their past. If you had to choose between these options, which would you choose? Do you think you have to choose between them? What are their pros and cons?

Is this an outreach strategy? Have we run out of content that we have to look to Mr. Woodcock? At least CT didn't write discussion questions for "I now Pronounce You Churck & Larry" - or did they?

Who Would Have Guessed.

2007-09-18T08:36:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it takes extraordinary circumstances for people to sit down in a room with PDL.

10 Things I Love About Our Church

2007-09-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

10 Things I Love About Our Church That I Wish Other Churches Would Copy

10. We don't use cheesy clip art for our website people photos - and Yes, we really do have hispanics in our church and no we don't make them meet at 3pm on Sunday afternoons.

9. We don't take ourselves too seriously. How many Vision New England churches can you wear flip-flops and carry a Bible to on Sunday morning and not get called a hippie.

8. Our new student zone. Makes me want to go back to the 7th grade so I can be one of the cool kids or at least invite them to go with me to church.

7. We successfully design our church around the person who doesn't normally go to church. Imagine if the rest of the world tried that strategy... Hummer advertising to senior citizens... broccolli farmers marketing to children... Krispy Kreme selling to Olympic athletes

6. The fact that everyone loves a good A.C.R.O.S.T.I.C

Another
Creative
Reminder
Ordered
Symbols
Teaches
Individuals
Christianity

Actually
Clever
Rick's
Outreach
Sermons
Teach
Independent
Souls

5. We create things with other churches in mind. If more churches did this maybe we could eliminate flannel boards forever.

4. Baptisms matter more than attendance numbers. If we got prune fingers we know we are doing something right!

3. At Saddleback, recovery isn't a bad word. We knew it even before GWB said it. Although guys you could update this page, not that I'm being critical.

2. We aren't on TV. Infact, we were YouTube before it was invented. Someday we will laugh and laugh about our early bitrates!

1. No matter what anyone else says we know "The Church" isn't just the O.C. or even the USA. Others think we're a "megachurch" but try telling that to the Chinese in 7 years. (We don't even call ourselves a megachurch- see how many times it is used - just enter "megachurch" into our search box on saddlebackfamily.com)

"Jet Set" Franklin

2007-09-16T17:09:00.001-07:00

This just makes me laugh. Is every ministry in the country going to open an Orange County affiliate where their leader needs to spend some time each week? First it was Benny - now its Jentezen. He said this morning that after he preaches in Gainesville on Sunday mornings that he will get on a plane and fly to Irvine to preach Sunday evenings. I'm not gonna argue with God if this is what Jentezen was called to do. I'm just wondering - Why these guys aren't flying to their second satellite church in someplace like Lincoln, Nebraska?

Not that we are trying to compete - but we've decided to send our saxaphone player, Greg Vail to our new satellite church in Gainesville every saturday night.

Illuminati Edition.

2007-09-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm tired of hearing that PDL is "plainly written." So for all you bookish types who look down your noses at this book - I've created an ILLUMINATI EDITION. It says the same thing as the standard edition yet is filled with 5-dollar words and additional rhetoric. If you are afraid to be considered a NASCAR Dad - then this is for you. Leave this on your coffee table and everyone will know that you want to be in touch with the people, yet don't want to stoop to their level. Of course I know that the standard edition is the one next to your bedside table. It's fine with me because that equals two book sales.

You Better Think.

2007-09-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

I could have written this - but thanks to Marko for writing it.
(also for your church "Thinking Different" might mean coming up with an original preaching series)

Reduced To A Description.

2007-09-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

According to this Pat Regnier - CNN Money report from today - I've become a people group.

"It's not such a stretch to say that the Great Moderation is one reason your teenage son or grandson is a goth one week and a prep the next. It may also be why American politics so often seems to divide along cultural lines: Rick Warren-reading NASCAR dads vs. NPR-listening Volvo drivers."

Pat you are probably one of those "Brownstone Livin' - Brooks Brothers wearin'-Lassen & Hennings eatin'-former Waynes World rock'n - EuroNerd Dad" - am I right?

A Rose By A New Name?

2007-09-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a the video from when I was on Charlie Rose. It was very good interview - but I actually wish it had gone like this...

Fake Charlie: Rick Warren is here, he is the founding pastor of one of the best known churches today, it has 80,000 people on it's roster. I'm please to have him at this table for the first time. I gotta say you look good in the suit and tie I loaned you. I'm sorry we don't allow hawaiian shirts on the show.

Fake Rick: Thank you for having me on the show Charlie, and thanks for the wardrobe. By the way, what's a roster?

Fake Charlie: Rick, lets jump right in. Lets address that elephant in the room. If I don't believe what you believe am I going to Hell?

Fake Rick: Great question Charlie. Before I answer that, what do you believe?

Fake Charlie: I'm asking the questions here, but I will tell you. I believe there is a Higher Power. Basically the same God that all world religions acknowledge. Still, I'm not sure that this God has any interest in us as individuals.

Fake Rick: Sure, I know many people who hold that position. Let me ask you a follow-up question then I will turn the questions back over to you. Do you believe world religions are the same or that they have points of contention with each other? and... What Do you believe happens to you when you die?

Fake Charlie: Obviously all world religions don't agree otherwise we would all get along, right? I believe that when I die it will be like going to sleep or if there is a so-called heaven and hell then I'm a pretty good person and God will let me in. Is that what you believe?

Fake Rick: No.

Fake Charlie: How do your beliefs differ?

Fake Rick: Charlie what basis do you think you are a pretty good person? You've already admitted to me that you replaced the water in this glass with vodka. Do you think God grades on a curve? You just need to be a little bit better than the next guy, so he will go to Hell?

Fake Charlie: I don't really think there is a hell. Do you?

Fake Rick: Hell yes! Everybody needs to bet on something. I'm betting that the Bible is true and the Jesus is our ticket to having a personal relationship with God. Every other world religion is about man trying to attain some kind of enlightment, a level which you earn - while Christianity says there is nothing you can do to be "pretty good" - so you need to accept the gift of the sacrifice of Jesus for all that other stuff in your life that isn't good. So simple a child can do it.

Fake Charlie: John & Rene can we turn off the cameras for a moment.
This is radical stuff Rick. What doesn't anyone talk about this? I'm interviewing the top intellectuals in the world who are striving for money, fame and power and you are telling me that they are missing the big picture? How can I get this gift?

(closed set)

2007-09-12T22:27:00.001-07:00

Pick Our Super New Logo.

2007-09-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

Can you spot our new logo? Too corporate?
Breaking out of the box? Swoosh?
Why choose just an S? or is it an F? Tear drop? Cross?
Safeway? Sizzler? Sam's Club? Superman?
Actually I can see the Phantom of the Opera mask.

Well, I hope you like it - it only took 93 meetings to choose it.

I'm Talking Here... Anyone With Me?

2007-09-12T20:20:00.001-07:00

Has anyone heard anything I've said? I thought so.

Starting today - I'm asking nicely - NO MORE LAPTOPS IN MEETINGS. You guys are IM'ing each other, answering emails, looking up recipes, Solitare, YouTubin, GooglEgo-in - while acting like you are taking notes. You know who you are. What is it with this generation? Are you all A.D.D.? Don't get me wrong - I love you guys - but we need a little respect around here. Computers are great, remember I was the futurist who called them "connectors" for a while and thought about how we could get every church member a DELL.

I don't want to have to make this a policy, or kill the Wi-Fi - next meeting, backup slowly and move away from your desk - you can do it - I have faith in you.

(and I'm not even gonna mention those anti-socialites wearing the white ipod headphones - who say "they help me concentrate, its soooo noisy, blah blah blah")

Our pounds are goin down Thank God for Pastor Rick!

2007-09-10T17:51:00.001-07:00

Saddleback is on it's way to becoming the healthiest church in America!

Join us for Walk & Worship - a great way to get your heart pumping and relieve some stress with walking routines for all levels plus a time of music and prayer. And for those who are ready to kick it up a notch, we've added cross-training and break-dancing! This workout includes stretching, muscle strengthening, abdominal exercises, and cardio training all combined for a more intense fat-burning workout. Mondays-Saturdays *Only service dogs are allowed on the church campus. (That means you are welcome but your pets aren't)

Also Thanks to Ambrosia rockstar David Pack who wrote the theme song:

Click here to listen to the MP3

We rock-out at Saddleback - I've got it cranked up on my ipod right now, just dancing around my office! Maybe Pat Boone can write a theme song for our Adults 60+ Financial Planning Seminar!

Simply Janitors.

2007-09-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

There always seems to be some controversy over intellectual property rights and the role of church staff. Every church I talk to has a different policy on who owns the content created for the church.

Hybels is accountable to Willow's elders and their publishing policy. Yet, Maxwell, Lucado, Olsteen, Young, Jr. have always fought to own their IP. At Granger they don't. Some worship leaders create special music while "on the clock" of a church, yet get to own and sell the publishing rights, yet most drama script writers don't. We believe in empowering our team to have the freedom to launch personal companies and websites and sell their materials and create additional income for their families. (see the HR handbook for our specifics)

Today, I'm proud to announce that our Church Facilities Management Specialists (known as church janitors in most ministries) have created a line of training materials for other Church Facilities Management Specialists around the country called "Serving Together By Picking Up P.I.E.C.E.S. of Garbage in 40 Hours." The campaign is available at their website: www.SimplyGarbage.com.

Each kit includes:
- 120 Hours of DVD training
- 6 CD-Roms with downloadable resources like: how_to_get_gum_off_a_pew.pdf
- 3 Training Manuals on Church Bathroom Septic Survival Tips
- An old Ford pick-up truck
- Daily Devotional
- Key Chain with verses and room for 93 keys and a retractable chain
- Clean-up checklists for your Youth Directors after all youth events
- 1980's pager with a loose fitting leather belt.

Campaign Kit is also available in English.

"Simply Garbage is a groundbreaking training resource and the first CFMS curriculum built completely on the Purpose Driven pair-of-dime. It is with great joy and expectation that I introduce this resource to you" - Fake Rick

"I didn't know what we ever did before this, I'm already anticipating the next campaign." - CFMS, Radiant Church, Surprise AZ

Benny, Brian, Ed, Joel, John, John, John, Mark, Rick & Rob...

2007-09-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Who are these guys?

For Immediate Release

2007-09-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Giddy-up Gall-up Organization to Aquire Christian Research Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2,2007

Lincoln, Nebraska. The Giddy-up Gall-up organization finalized the acquisition of the Christian Research Network (ChristianResearchNetwork.com). This comes at the end of an 18-month search for a business who brings a solid "research" team, not just a collection of strong opinions. Ever since "The Passion of the Christ," the "research" industry has seen enormous value in the fundie-faith market.

CRN commented by saying "Any good coach of a sports team knows that coaching involves studying the opposing team’s strategies in order to prepare the team to win. We are Christians, we are kinda like researchers, we are a network!"

Mr. Giddy-up was quoted as saying "Never have I met a group so strong in their opposition of so many things, and have so little positive things to say. These guys have an iron-clad-sharpens-iron-clad-way-of-approaching-the-world that leaves little room for others." Giddy-up went on to say "It is refreshing to meet a purpose-less group who see a demon behind every tree and can label it research."

The new organization will be continue to publish their "research" on the GopherNet because it is the infallible version of the Internet. You will be required to use a text only binary browser using an Osborne 1.

Inquiries contact: A.Larryboy BobRoss Public Relations

That's funny I always thought that the Christian Research Network was one of those satire publications like The Onion or Lark News.

Mr. Haas, Read the Book!

2007-08-31T20:42:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it another company has created a program trying to ride the wave of PDL. Think TQ.com is trying to lure you into a seminar by saying that their materials are a "wonderful follow up to PDL." Hello? Mr. Haas did you read the book? Dude, at least read the first chapter. Here's what they say:

Joel Osteen and Oprah Winfrey both say you can...

"Live Your Best Life Now!"

The question becomes "How?" Rick Warren says you can lead a Purpose Driven Life by answering the question...

"What On Earth Am I Here For?"

Once you answer this question... once you know why you are here... there's even a BIGGER question to be answered...

"How In The World Am I Going
To Make This Happen?!"

Read Success On Purpose. You will learn precisely what you must DO to achieve a purpose driven life... your best life now... starting right now...

The good news is that YES, you CAN live a life of passion and PURPOSE. Yes, you CAN live what you VALUE most. Yes, you CAN live your MISSION.

Master the simple process of converting your dreams and wishes into crystal-clear future expectations—so you NEVER again waste a single TOMORROW.

Umm, Mr. Haas that's not exactly the "Good News"... that's another book you probably haven't read. Where did you get your material from again? Oh, you founded the American National Mobile Home Association. Nuff said.

Ps. what's up with that book cover - are you a pink floyd fan?

Meeting Minutes: San Clemente Outreach Event

2007-08-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the notes from our brainstorming meeting on Saddleback San Clemente's outreach event. (Remember there are no bad ideas when brainstorming!)

Dude with blonde hair: Ok, now what we want is an event that will appeal to non-church people, it should be fun, something your family friends and neighbors would attend.

Guy with blonde hair: Let's do a movie night around a blockbuster movie and create a DVD small group set of materials. The Bourne Again Ultimatum?

Woman with long blonde hair: Lets have a picnic at the beach and a sand carving contest for the the best Biblical scene re-creation out of sand.

Old guy with blonde-ish hair: Summer is about reading books - so lets do a free book giveaway sunday!

Guy with brown hair: how about a motivational speaker?

Young woman with mid-length blonde hair: How about a hot rod show with low-riders, loud music and dancers! People could relate to that! Free tattoos!

Other blonde woman: Yeah, and have motorcycles jumping over stuff, and like skaters, and like video games...

Blonde guy with buzz cut: Yes! Yes! and have a tanning booth, and bounce houses, and cotton candy, a website, snow cones, a giant sign on a truck that drives around!, rock bands, velcro wall, super slides, posters, radio djs, free masks from the Travolta movie Hairspray, rockstar energy drinks, wooohooooooooo party like a rock star baby!

Wait, wait I can't write that fast

PDL Poses A Security Risk!

2007-08-29T09:17:00.001-07:00

Apparently at the Otisville Federal Prision they have banner PDL because it is a security problem. "We wouldn't want inmates discovering their 'purpose' - that kind of thinking might just start a p.e.a.c.e initiative" said The Warden, Boss Hog. Hog adds "Then last week, Aunt Mable tried to sneak the What On Earth Are We Here For? pamphlet in a sponge cake. Inmates starting smiling and saying please and thank you - all Hell almost broke lose."

This kind of censorship just isn't right - we need to get every inmate in America a copy of PDL. Peb get Rove on the phone - I understannd he needs something to do these days.

— (Fake) Rick 'Warden'

David Aikman Calls Off The Dogs.

2007-08-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Aikman posted this excellent article "ATTACK DOGS OF CHRISTENDOM" this morning on CT. Way to go David!

It reads:
"Lashing out in public at fellow Christians is objectionable—especially when the Christian influence on contemporary culture today is so weakened.

No attribute of civilized life seems more under attack than civility. If Christians blast each other from here to eternity with characterizations that differ little from the coarse vulgarity of cable TV, where on earth is the witness that brings grace and savor to our crumbling civilization?

Where is the gentleness, modesty, and wisdom with which we are supposed to shame those who mock and accuse the Body of Christ from outside?

Christians should set an example. By all means criticize fellow Christians if necessary, but do so with grace."

Bu(ddissed)

2007-08-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Alright it's one thing for all of my fellow evangies to jump on the purpose bandwagon - but other religions? Nice try Takamori, Akehashi & Ito. It's like you re-wrote my book but took out all the meaning. (let me put it this way "meaning the all out took but book my re-wrote you like It's)

A haiku that represents my thoughts:

Same words on paper.
I'm really disappointed.
Stealing the tree metaphor?

Truth in many forms.
Blah, blah, blah you got it wrong.
Try Real Hope for the World.

From their website:

"At last, the English version of the runaway best-selling book on Buddhism!

You Were Born for a Reason has already sold more than half a million copies in its publication in Japanese as Naze ikiru, and is still going strong.

We lose ourselves in work, love, family, or leisure, and we come to believe that these pursuits give us a reason for living, but only as long as we forget the shadow of death.

Why is our happiness always mixed with sadness?
Where can we find true happiness that will never fade away?
What is there in life that will never betray us, that we can devote ourselves to without regret?

These age-old questions cry out for clear answers.

You Were Born for a Reason addresses these questions head-on. It shows, through the prism of Shinran's words, that human life has a definite purpose that must be accomplished, and that human life is infinitely precious and valuable. It points readers toward the way to attaining the true purpose of life.

You will not be the same after reading this book."

Yeah, you won't be the same, you'll be $16.95 poorer.

You've Been Chosen to Recieve a FREE* Gift!

2007-08-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Ok that's it. This is the last straw. I got a spam email from giveawaycafe.com offering me a FREE copy of PDL. What's the catch? I had to sign up for Video Professor, Columbia House Music Club, Lasik Eye Surgery, TriClear Acne Treatment, 3 Credit Cards and Ivory Teeth Whitening.

Congratulations! To qualify for your FREE* The Purpose-Driven Life, start by fully completing the top offers listed below on this page! It's fast and easy!

Once you fully complete the offer eligibility requirements as outlined in the terms and conditions, we will ship the The Purpose-Driven Life to you for FREE*! Prior to us shipping the The Purpose-Driven Life, you will have the opportunity to re-confirm your shipping address to ensure a speedy delivery.

What??? Did they run out of iPhones and Plasmas?

Zondervan did you unload a warehouse full of books on these guys? or Are they just such savvy marketers that then know what will motivate "aol minivan moms" to open their emails. Why don't they just send out SPAM emails that say "Click on this banner ad and Get Into Heaven." Wait... they did.

Dan Dennett. A Smart, Good Zero.

2007-08-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

If you've got 25 minutes, watch Dan Dennett, a Tufts philosophy professor and cognitive scientist - who spoke right after me at the TED conference. He calls me a "master religion designer." Buddy - you are missing the point. I don't care if you disagree with me - it's not me, it's Jesus.

Dan - place your bet:
- God doesn't exist and I don't believe (nothing gained, nothing lost)
- God doesn't exist but I believe (nothing gained, nothing lost)
- God exists and I don't believe (eternity lost)
- God exists and I do believe (safe bet!)

You end by calling us "mean" - is it really "mean" for me to care enough about you that I don't want to see you live in eternal separation from God? Is is "mean" for me to share what I believe to be the truth? Let's just say for argument that I'm right and you are wrong - and after you die - and you are standing before God in judgement. Would you rather I have kept this truth to myself?

They're Back! Bigger Than Ever!

2007-08-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Three days ago I said that "Church-Wide Campaigns" (CWC) were dead. I was wrong. Your jobs are safe. According to this list I found on the web - campaigns are as BIG AS EVER! Infact everyone is doing them or at least selling them!

Here's a short sampling:
- 50 Day Spiritual Adventures
- 30 Days of Praise
- Put Your Faith in Action
- The God Questions
- Porn Sunday
- Contagious Christian
- Narnia
- Just Walk Across The Room
- Life Together
- Why
- Sunday Solutions
- Willowcreek Resources
- Made to Count
- Rocky Balboa
- Creative Pastors
- Compassion International Sunday
- Granger Sermon Series
- Your Child - Focus on the Family
- Life Church Sermon Series
- Family Life
- Passage
- Project Constant Hope - ABS
- Zondervan church-wide campaigns
- Generous Giving
- God Is Closer Than You Thin - Ortberg
- lose it for life
- Thrive!
- United 93 (huh?)
- The Polar Express
- Understanding Your Teenage
- Maximizing Your Impact
- eWomen
- The Nativity Movie
- Facing The Giants
- Mothers of Preschoolers
- Walk Thru The Bible
- Gary Smalley
- Crown Financial
- AngelTree
- 30 Hour Famine
- Persecuted Church Sunday
- Good Sense
- The Essential 100
- City Reachers
- FCA Community
- Habitat
- Evan Almighty/Ark Almighty

Wow!!! If a local church particpated in half of those it would take them until 2012 to complete. No wonder we get so much junk mail here. Unless you got a best-selling book or a hit movie it's a minefield out there. I don't even know what to define as a campaign anymore.

That's only a partial list? What about VBS, Crusades, Walkathons and holidays?

Real Men of Genius.

2007-08-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today we salute you "Pastors who download their sermons off the internet and read them verbatim." You share those funny illustrations like they actually happened to you. O' master of the keyword, you've even opted for the pro-subscription with the matching powerpoint and video vignette.

You are bold to tell your staff that 2-days a week are devoted to sermon preparation, but you've figured out that in 5 minutes you can pull down someone else's work.

Original greek? Not for you- more like original geek - cause you've memorized all the central pastor sermon urls. Some may ask "Don't you have any original thoughts or words for our congregation?" The answer, "Of course I do, I picked a great sermon out of the list."

Now you too can wake up on Sunday morning when your congregation does, show up 5 minutes before, and feel refreshed and ready to read. Here's to you "Pastors who download their sermons off the internet and read them verbatim."

Opening Soon.

2007-08-16T10:21:00.001-07:00

We have been brainstorming about how to reach all those international tourists to Disneyland. So we are taking a page out of the TBN playbook and opening a museum/visitor center/library - sans the virtual reality rollercoaster. The Museum of Purpose will open in March '08 and feature interactive exhibits like:
- Bible Baffle Game Show
- Walk Through Bibleland Lifesize Vignettes
- The History of Purpose in America
- Facing the 5 Global Giants 3D Game
- 40 Minutes of Purpose IMAX
It is being created with the developers of the Billy Barn. I look forward to seeing you there!

Sometimes You Have To Say No.

2007-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

I'm invited to speak at many conferences. I try to say Yes whenever I can. Ahemm... Sorry not this one. Just the thought freaks me out. I'm not even attaching the web link - cause I know some you guys might just go to it.

.......................................................................
Christian Nudist Convocation
Summer, 2007 • Welcome to CNC-Midwest!
June 29 - July 1, 2007
Show Me Acres - Stover, Missouri

You might be wondering what exactly we are all about. Is there even a need for such a unique gathering targetting such an admittedly small segment of the population, that being people who are both committed Christians and also practicing nudists/naturists?

In the statement below, you will see the convictions that drive the organizers of these events. It is our prayer that you will also catch this vision and want to be a part of it.

CNC is a thoroughly Christian effort that is faithful to the original mission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to go and preach the gospel into all the world, to make disciples, and teach them to observe His commandments. Theologically, we hold to orthodox Christian teaching as represented by the Apostles Creed.

Our mission is threefold:

1. We seek to call together Christian Naturists for fellowship while challenging them to be faithful in their service to our Lord.

2. We want to equip believers with training and knowledge so that they can effectively impact the naturist community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. We are also dedicated to educating and serving the Christian Naturist community so that we can be a voice of truth regarding biblical purity and chaste nudity within the greater Christian community.
.......................................................................

I'm forwarding the email invitation over to the Crystal Catherdral, good luck with all that.

It's Official.

2007-08-15T10:14:00.001-07:00

First Merv, now this. Sorry to break the news to all the copycats out there.

Don't Have A Cow, Dude.

2007-08-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

I post this picture for all those people who criticized me for the posed picture on the cover of CT. Doh. Do I think it represents the American evangelicals colonialization of Africa? No Way Dude. (If I was T.D. Jakes you wouldn't have said anything.)

Another Saddleback Survey.

2007-08-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

What About Bob?

2007-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Bob Lauth - Chairman of Lauth Property Group (one of Americas biggest property developers) thinks it's important to buy copies of PDL for his employees. Of course he goes a little overboard with the other perks - but he buys them books! What a wonderful idea - everyone should do this.

"The executives say Lauth’s biggest challenge is to attract and retain the highestcaliber talent. They’ve made it their top priority over the last several years. Perks include an in-house gym, drycleaning service and top-of-the-line pay and benefits. Top employees are awarded with free lunches on Fridays, upscale dinners and all-expenses-paid vacations. All the efforts are paying off: Lauth’s turnover is about 14 percent, compared with an industry average of 36 percent. New employees are welcomed with an actual red carpet and a personal note from Lauth, who also writes to each employee on their anniversaries. They decided to close the office at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, with no exceptions. When the early closing time began, tow trucks circled the lot and hooked up cars still on the premises at 4:35 p.m. They didn’t actually tow the cars away, just circled the lot with them attached to make a point. Some days, Bob Lauth pushes an ice cream cart around the office. He even shares his favorite motivational books with employees. He buys them in bulk, leaving several copies in conference rooms.

Recent selections include “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, “It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy” by Capt. D. Michael Abrashoff, and “Father to Daughter: Life Lessons on Raising a Girl” by Harry H. Harrison Jr."

Bob - call me next week. I've got an idea for you. We are launching 10 new Saddleback campuses in the next 40 months. I think "developing" a campus in Indianapolis would be perfect! We can pipe in the video - I'll even speak there once a year on the 500 weekend. Call me - lets do launch!

How We Are All Connected.

2007-08-10T22:16:00.001-07:00

I wasn't aware of this - but Peb knows Moses & The President.

Not Yet Rated.

2007-08-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

You've been asking for it. So here's the latest on the film from my friend Ralph.

From a Christianity Today interview with Ralph Winter-- the Christian producer of films like X-Men, Planet of the Apes, etc:

CT: Since The Passion of The Christ, there's been so much press about how Hollywood "learned a lesson" about how inviting 800 pastors to a Saddleback screening fills theaters. Do you think we really will see things change?

W: I think studios will try to unleash every cheesy little thing they can do. That's why this Purpose-Driven Life project is so interesting.

CT: What is The Purpose-Driven Life project? Are you making it into a movie?

W: Rup comes to us and says, "Let's make it. I'll fund it."

CT: How are you going to turn this non-fiction, inspirational volume of life principles into a sci-fi movie?

W: You've got to create a story. Think Planet of the Apes—that's probably a good place to start. Find disparate stories that converge and illustrate [one or two of the] principles, find good characters in monkey costumes. If this works, well, you've got 39 films to make, or 12 more principles, or 40 Days of Apes.

There are some who are worried about getting away from POTA. But let's write the script first, and let's see what that tells us about how big or how small it will be.

Stay tuned! We are going into production this winter.(no pun intended) I will make a short cameo as Cornelius. The action figures are gonna be hot!

It's still everywhere!

2007-08-09T22:14:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it - everywhere I go I still see people reading PDL. It's like every airport, laundromat, bowling alley, and greasy burger joint there is someone with the book. Kinda like when you used to see people reading the Bible. (I would tend to avoid some of those freaky people) Now - I'm beginning to wonder if they are all "plants" - you know - like when Hollywood buys billboards across the street from the favorite restaurants of their A-list celebrities. It's weird - it's not just women - it's men - it's old ladies - it's toddlers. Ok, I made that one up.

I'll tell you this - I wish I had a nickel for each person I saw with a copy.

What on Earth?

2007-08-08T16:36:00.001-07:00

Someone get the hippies off the front lawn. They've been blocking our sign all day.

Plastic communion cups? Are you kidding me? Yeah, 8 million is probably about the right number over the years. But... we recycle them don't we? D.C. - check on that for me. If we switch to paper we would probably close down a plastic factory in China and make a whole town homeless. Freakonomic hippies can't you find something better to protest like the number of ozone destroy'n hairspray cans used over at TBN.

The Missing Baldwin Brother.

2007-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Chuckie B. first let me say that I'm sorry you didn't get into Fuller - but don't take it out on me bro. Your stuff cracks me up - whenever I'm feeling a little low - I just go read your 10 ground rules for becoming a Black Regiment preacher. (do I get a SA80 rifle with that?) Then I call a couple guys into my office and we watch your videos. By the end we are all just rolling on the floor. Man, that's good stuff.

Will you help me locate the Black Regiment? If you know of any Bible-believing, Gospel-preaching pastor who would qualify as being a Black Regiment preacher, would you please let me know who they are?

Before sending me your list of names, let's set some ground rules. In order to qualify as a Black Regiment pastor, the following criteria must be met:

1. He is a Bible believer: he believes the Bible is God's holy and authoritative Word.

2. He is the head of his own home, having his wife and children in subjection to his authority. No henpecked men here.

3. He is the spiritual leader and shepherd of his local congregation, not a committee-controlled man.

4. He is a strong proponent of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

5. He understands the necessity and integrity of sovereign national borders. And, to the degree that he understands it, has publicly spoken out against amnesty for illegal aliens and the burgeoning North American Union.

6. He understands freedom of speech and believes that a preacher is a spokesman for God (not the State) and has publicly decried so-called "hate crimes" legislation that would prohibit preachers from preaching Biblical truth regarding homosexuality.

7. He has publicly promoted the sanctity of life by preaching and protesting against abortion.

8. He has publicly repudiated the unconstitutional policies of President Bush in his promotion of the USA Patriot Act, warrantless wiretaps and eavesdropping, and the deceptive manner in which he led America into an undeclared, unprovoked, and preemptive war against Iraq.

9. He has publicly resisted "Seeker-Friendly," and "Purpose-Driven," and "Emerging Church" church growth movements.

10. He believes the church has a responsibility to be the salt and light of the world. That is, that we are to win souls to Christ, and resist Satan in whatever form (spiritual, social, political, cultural, etc.) he reveals himself.

Will you help me find such men? Please email me with as much contact information as possible, including the name of the pastor and church, his address, phone number, and email address.

- Chuck Baldwin Live

Not sure if you are looking for pastors or minutemen. In heaven - it will be fun to introduce you to people who met Jesus for the first time because of dedicated men & WOMEN in the emerging-seeker-purpose movement (E.S.P.). How come protecting our borders #5 comes before winning souls #10?

Lifestyles of the Rick & Famous

2007-08-07T16:07:00.001-07:00

I just finalized a deal with FOX for a new reality TV show called 40 Days in the Saddle. Finally the rest of the world will see that we aren't all about Housewives or The O.C.

Each episode will have 4 portions:
1. A make-over portion where we adopt a beach dwelling homeless person and outfit them with surfer bling and teach them how to fish
2. A hidden camera portion where church attenders will be followed and secretly filmed to see if they are good samaritans
3. A physical & psychological challenge where PD staff will compete to gain market share of U.S. churches or get voted off the island.
4. A musical part of the show where musicians will be rated on their ability to sound like Christian rock.

Look for it this fall on FOX! Tapings begin August 14th - waivers will be distributed in the bulletin.

Viva La Purpose!

2007-08-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hey, Funny Guy - Nice Glasses.

2007-08-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

Today my friend The Fake Steve Jobs got outed by the NYT. Sorry Dan. Then I come across this guy. Yeah, like that's funny, FFRW.

Go Make 2 Mistakes A Month.

2007-08-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

I encourage all of our staff members to make 2 mistakes a month. If you aren't making mistakes then you aren't trying hard enough or being innovative. At Saddleback we have the benefit of sharing what we do with thousands of churches around the country. In seminars we get to share all of our success and brilliant observations. In the spirit of truth telling - here's our top 10 failures we don't talk about too much around here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. My Bugatti Veyron with the license plate "PURDLIFE"
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9. Beer guys at the 25th Anniversary service at Angel Stadium
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8. The 40 Days of Intimacy Campaign - I won't tell you where that idea came from
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7. The line dancing country western worship venue
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6. Tithing points for bonus and reward miles - Save up for the Holy Land or mission trip
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5. Encouraging the congregation to do the Rick Muchow dance
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4. Randy Alcorn telling people that they will go to hell if they didn't tithe. (well, not exactly like that)
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3. Moving Purpose Driven to Orlando, Florida. Nevermind that was the Jesus Film Project.
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2. The effort we took to move PDL up the Amazon.com charts
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1. Letting Switchfoot take their levels up to 11 - then smashing the control board with their guitars.
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Old old old aged philosophy.

2007-08-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

I came across a blog written by "victoria secret"

This is the first chapter from the book by Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life. Well, I never exactly finish the book, but I kinda agree with what is written there, not totally though. Not that I think it is wrong, but I just think noone has the perfect wisdom...

Unfortunately, most churches are strongly adhering to the old old old aged philosophy of homosexuality. I think the church needs to see this issue more objectively. The number is increasing. I think it is not because there are more and more becoming gay, it is just the increase tolerance that cause many to come out, be it celebrities or even pastors....

The relationships between God and man is illustrated with the relationship of husband and wife. As Christ the groom and we/ the church as his bride. The fact that we no longer have desire for the opposite sex shows contempt to this very nature of relationship betwen God and man...

Many of us could claim that there are many sins in the world, poverty, evil deeds and many things that are much worse than homosexuality- please… our bed is our biz, mind yours! Heheh.. true.. perversions occur in many forms. It would not be appropriate to put judgment on homosexuals. Yeah… this is where discernment comes in.

This is what scares me about writing books. Today, people read what they want to read, and choose to believe only what fits with their made-up worldview. Victoria, PDL has like 1200 scripture references in it - so it's really not my wisdom. I'm glad you are reading and thinking about these things, but why is that the church is not objective and needs discernment? To say what is done in "our bed is our biz" - just shows you are compartmentalizing your faith to only the issues you agree with God on.

The idea that we should not be judged is a fallacy. When you become a member of a church you enter into a relationship with that church where they provide spiritual oversight. This means - if your actions are contrary to the Biblical values you agreed to - then the church has the responsibilty to bring it to your attention. Imagine if it wasn't like that - then everyone could pick and choose what they thought was right and wrong and no one would have any basis/authority to say otherwise. If you are saying that God/the Bible say it's ok to live a homosexual lifestyle then we need to have a different discussion.

Victoria, you will always be welcome to join us at Saddleback. We won't treat you as an outcast - we are all sinners in different ways - but we also won't allow you to be in a position of leadership - if you choose to practice an active gay lifestyle.

Ok, I said it. Now all you liberal media types can just take that last sentence and misquote me.

Our Unlikely Evangelist Wins Gold.

2007-08-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

The days of "phonebooth squeeze" outreach events are long gone. These days - Saddleback Church member - Kyle Loza takes outreach to the extreme. Literally! Congratulations go out to Kyle - as he won gold at the X-Games. Let me tell you - we have a whole prayer team dedicated just to this dare "angel." Kyle's organization Riders4Christ does events to share the Good News while getting a little closer to heaven. Unlike the rest of the country, our own Orange County Register isn't afraid to share that kind of news. Amen.

Kyle keep up the good works - and I'm glad you have eternal security doing what you are doing!

Conversation with Larry

2007-08-02T13:17:00.001-07:00

King: Rick, what is your plan for appointing a successor for your role as pastor at Saddleback Church?

Warren: As you know Larry, Kay and I first planted the church back in 1979 with everything we owned in the back of a U-haul truck. Fresh out of seminary, we dreamed of planting a church that would be “a place where the hurting, the depressed, the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness and encouragement. Today I'm 53, so I am a long way from retiring, Lord willing.

King: So in 2009 you will be celebrating 30 years at the church. How long will you be able to lead the congregation?

Warren: My hope is that I will be able to continue my ministry there for another 17 years until I am 70, the age the Bible mentions.

King: So have you thought about who will replace you in 17 years?
Warren: Yes, we would ideally like someone who is around age 25 - the same age I was when I started the church. So we have begun a search of 8-year-olds. We would like to start grooming this person early.

King: Does it need to be a man? Do they need to be American?

Warren: Looking at world population growth, we think it will probably end up being a Cantonese Girl from mainland China. We have created a full ride scholarship at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. Applicants can apply at Saddleback.com

Who changed the sign?

2007-08-02T11:09:00.001-07:00

To coincide with our new main entrance and our new 5-week series on Marriage & Intimacy - we've renamed "Purpose Drive." If you have kids please use the side entrance - Transformed Blvd.

Old Me vs. New Me

2007-08-01T23:18:00.001-07:00

Does money and success change you?
I don't think so, maybe a little.

OLD ME | NEW ME
-----------------------------------------------------------
Tommy Bahamas | Nordstroms Suit Dept.
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A Truck | A Truck
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Mystic Tan | African Tan
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Accomplished Author | Pressure to Repeat Best Seller
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NRB | Catalyst
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Employee Turn-over | Employee Leadership Turn-over
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No Global Guilt for Living in O.C. | Guilt
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40 Days Campaigns | Church Launching
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From The Church Office | From The Office of Rick Warren
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Spending More Than Giving | Giving More Than Spending
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Charlie Gibson | Mel Gibson
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Ministry Start-ups | Ministry Slowed-Downs
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Michael W. Smith | Ashley Smith
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Portola | Purpose Drive
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Murdoch from the A Team | Murdoch from the Fox Team
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Neighbors from Iowa | Neighbors from Syria
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Hearing About Humanitarian Efforts | Seeing Humanitarian Efforts
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Vlogging | Slogging
-----------------------------------------------------------

Venues. Take II

2007-07-31T22:31:00.001-07:00

Just like Microsoft™ - sometimes it takes us until the second release to get it right. After reviewing our strategy to pipe in the same video sermon to our different musical venues - we need to change course. Our assumption was that people would identify themselves by the style of music they listen to and want to attend that worship service.

Style shouldn't be our criteria - spiritual maturity should be. Who cares if a new believer likes the 11 minutes of praise music if the 45 minute message is over their head. Or... Is a former Bible student going sit through 45 minutes of the most basic sermon on spiritual gifts even if they like to sing 2 traditional hymns. I don't think so.

Here's the new venues:
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Sermons for Dummies: Foundations of Christianity without the flannel board
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Saddleback Lite: Not ready for G.K. Chesterton? This is for you.
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Meat & Potatoes: It'll make you think. The car ride home might be more engaging.
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Apologia: You might just get college credit for sitting through this
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Just one question where we gonna put the Hulas?

Shook Up

2007-07-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

Kerry Shook was a guest speaker at a WillowCreek service several years ago. He learned from area shelters that shoes and underwear were the two biggest needs of homeless people. After preaching a sermon about the poor, Shook challenged attendees to leave their shoes on the platform if they felt led to do so. By the time the weekend services were finished, the church had collected more than 4,000 pairs of shoes.

So here's the idea - we can pull this off. Only I think instead of shoes we will have a sunday where we ask our congregation to give away their car. Wow! That would be amazing. If people "felt led" they could come up and drop their car keys on the stage. We would learn something about hardship that our brothers and sisters face around the world. 95% of people in the world can't afford a card - and most of us have 2 or more.

Just picture people streaming out onto Portola walking home! Those people would never forget that day for the rest of their lives. That's purpose, that's Hope for the world!

Tale of Two Churches

2007-07-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

I came across an interesting article about how people sometimes have 2 churches they call home. One of our members, Kerry Esparza commented: "I belong to 2 "mega-churches" in California: Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside and Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. ... Both churches are very well organized, and provide quality sermons and programs on a weekly basis. I actually live in Riverside, but Saddleback is my home church mainly because they have so many programs and opportunitiy for growth. Having both Greg Laurie of Harvest and Rick Warren as my pastors is really awesome. They both hit the nail on the head."

Kerry - Thank You! I think that's great. I think Greg is a terrific pastor and we are helping promote his Harvest Crusades. More power to the Kingdom! We will always consider you a member here. Just to clarify - Saddleback is the church where you give your tithe. Correct?

Purpose Driven Socks?

2007-07-30T19:23:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I said that I found it embarrassing to go into a Christian bookstore because of all of the cheesy crap. Well, as my close friend R.M. reminded me - I'm part of the problem. After PDL became a best sellers - the masterminds of marketing at Zondervan came up with a series of "high quality" gifts. It's exactly the kind of crap you garage sale six months after you bought it. If traveling to impoverished nations has taught me anything - it's that we don't need leather bookmarks and cheap Bible covers. I'm afraid to ask what sweatshop this stuff was made in.

I've been thinking that we should find a way to distribute PDL for free! After all if it is going to bring "just one more" into the Kingdom isn't it worth it? So here's what I'm proposing - when my Zondervan contract is up - I post up online a free pdf version of The Purpose Driven Life 2.0 and an audiobook. (as long as 30% of the book is new content - it will be considered a new work.) Maybe we can make it standard on all the Negroponte OX laptops starting to ship.

Ortberg.

2007-07-29T23:25:00.001-07:00

This isn't a posting, more like a note to myself. Don't have Ortberg speak at Saddleback again. He killed! He was funny, relevant and delivered a punch. I don't care how many times Zondervan asks me to help promote his new book (he must have signed 2000 books!) - it's not worth it.

Thanks for knocking it outta the park John, now I gotta go spend more time crafting my next message.

Mitt Romney, George Bush & Rick Warren in a Boat.

2007-07-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

POTUS called me this week to ask my opinion of whether or not Evangelical Christians would vote for Mitt Romney. Mitt who? Don't worry, I gave him the right answer.

I guess POTUS doesn't trust the Colorado contingent anymore - you know after the whole TH thing. I asked him whether he really wanted my opinion of whether he was really just calling so that I would continue to be an "Eagle." (No, we aren't going to share the Saddleback/p.com/pd database with the RNC either)

Starbucks cups on ebay.

2007-07-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

If you can find one of the very rare PDL starbucks cups - put it up on ebay! I wasn't sure Starbucks actually produced any of these - but now it's confirmed! If you happend to be one of the lucky PDL cup "winners" go straight to ebay for aftermarket sales where they are selling for $347 each. The high bids are coming from an auction house in Tokyo.

Stealing The Brand.

2007-07-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 years I can't walk into a Christian bookstore (kinda embarrasing anyway with all the footprints in the sand junk) without seeing another "purpose-driven" rip off. Flattery was the first two books - everything after that is pathetic. I never expected PDL to be as successful as it is - so here me when I say that I'm not any kind of a book guru.

I put the rip-offs into two camps:

A) Friends/Co-workers who have seen an opportunity to cash in on the name - but have asked permission first. i.e. Doug Fields, Katie Brazelton, Brett Eastman, Erik Rees, etc.

B) Authors/Resources Providers who think they will sell more books but incorporating the words "purpose, driven or life" - here are the top 10 worst abuses: (actually there is enough to do a top 100 - tragic)

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10. Purpose Driven Parenting - By Philip Stack - Tate Publishing
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9. Daily Devotions for a Life of Purpose: 365 Readings - Humble Creek
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8. People of Purpose: 40 Life Lessons from the New Testament - Robert Driver-Bishop - Augsburg Fortress
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7. Purpose-Directed Theology - Darrell L. Bock - Intervarsity (nice try Darrell)
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6. Perfecting Your Purpose: 40 Days to a More Meaningful Life - David Ireland - Hachette
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5. The Purpose of God - R.C. Sproul - Christian Focus Public
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4. A Purpose Filled Life Bracelet - Abbey Press
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3. Significance - Understand God's Purpose For Your Life - Hybels (Why Bill?)
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2. Purpose-Driven Biker T-shirt - Fiala & Smith Corp
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1. Purpose Driven Menonnonites - Craig Pelkey-Landes
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Source: ChristianBook.com

Guys, time to have an original thought. Do some prayerful meditation, I'm sure there is something unique that the Lord wants you to say - otherwise find a different profession. At least get it right - put a hyphen between purose and driven. Note to Christian publishers: you don't need to follow the world's methods!!!

My next book is titled "The P.E.A.C.E. Principle" - so I'm asking nicely that you don't steal it.

Feel the Love People, Feel the Love!

2007-07-26T22:31:00.001-07:00

We are announcing a new intiative at Saddleback called the 10x10 club. The 10 x 10 club will be fueled by 40 months of reaching out in love. During these months, beginning in September 2007 and concluding in December of 2010.

This is BIG! That's like 3 1/2 years of vision stuff.

Our goal is to baptize 10,000 in those 40 months - that's 57 people each and every week for 3 1/2 years. At 4 minutes a baptism we will keep our staff busy for 666 hours - yikes!

Also we are going to launch 10 new Saddleback locations - that's one every 4 months. So if you are a church meeting in a high school in O.C. - you might want to move. That will require recruiting and training 3,000 new ushers, sunday school teachers, AV teams, web guys, bulletin editors, chair folders, parking lot attendants and greeters.

We also want to create 10,000 new small groups - that's like 100,000 new people joining small groups! So that's 25oo people each month - which will set a new world record.

I know people say that "I solve problems by creating more vision" - so look for the 10x10 vision implementation plan coming in late 2008.

T.R.H.O.C.

2007-07-26T17:36:00.001-07:00

Some pastors are chaplains for professional sport teams... and others get the more unusual. I'm in the second group.

I've got to admit that watching the Housewives (with Kay) has been my guilty pleasure. If these gals do attend the church, I'm a failure, a complete failure. They obviously haven't heard anything I've said. Each episode - I just prayed that their won't be a copy of PDL on their coffee table.

I'm planning a 5 week sermon series that focuses on each of the housewives.
...................................................
Week 1: Vicki - "The self-centered double life"
...................................................
Week 2: Jeana - "The self-centered materialistic life"
...................................................
Week 3: Jo - "The self-centered party life"
...................................................
Week 4: Lauri - "The self-centered no purpose life"
...................................................
Week 5: Tammy - "The self-centered victim life"
...................................................

Please don't judge our county by these five women - but as you can see - we still have a lot of work to do. The only thing that comforts me is that the Strobel is their neighbor - so he's got to carry some of the guilt.

Compliment? or Not?

2007-07-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tony Jones said
Much love for megachurch pastors: [Doug Pagitt and I] talk affectionately about guys like Bill Hybels and Rick Warren because we’re now going through a lot of the criticism that they went through in the ‘80s when they were doing church in a high school gymnasium and taking the word ‘Baptist’ off their name. Had there been no ‘seeker movement,’ I think there would be no ‘emergent movement.’”

I guess that's cool, or is he saying we are already irrelevant? Maybe the emergent movement is just a venue. It's time for the "Old Pastor Guys Rule" movement.

Term Limits for Televangelists

2007-07-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

I've got a solution. MegaPastors like myself are constantly being criticized for having BIG EGO's and no accountability. Which in some cases is true. So here's the deal - once your church or ministry hits 10,000 people or 10 Million - your term limit clock starts ticking.

You've got a 4-year window to continue to serve. After those 4-years are up - you go for a vote before your constituency and you might be honored to serve another 4-years. THEN THAT'S IT! Get your transition plan in place because you are retired to go live in North Carolina, sit in a rocking chair and write prayer diaries or go work in a third world country. This means no appearances on The Surreal Life. If the next leader tanks the ministry...well maybe it wasn't suppose to be in the first place. (H.T. Rey)

Religion Reporter Tired of "Freak Show"

2007-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bill Lobdell in last week's L.A. Times tells of his story to faith in O.C. and his departure from it.

I get you Bill. I understand. You've probably seen it all- so have I. So lets cut to the chase. Christians are sinners and do lots of awfull stuff - otherwise you would have been writing the heaven beat. Obviously, you saw things that you determined where "wrong" with faith leaders and institutions. So where does your criteria to measure right & wrong come from? I don't want to discount that fact that if many followers of religious faith live opposite to what they believe - it makes it hard to believe that it is real. But... Did the Bible advocate any of the corruption you came across? Did the Bible encourage any of those actions? No just the opposite.

Was your faith built on only the actions of people and your experiences with organized religious institutions? Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going after we die? Who was Jesus? Is what makes Christianity different that fact that God reached down to save us - rather than us trying to guess/earn what makes us good enough?

If you lived on a desert island and only had access to a Bible would that make your faith experience different?

I invite you to read & look at Christianity through the eyes of apologetics. Engage the intellectual & historical side of faith. I would invite you to come hear me preach at Saddleback but I'm afraid if someone cut you off in the parking lot - you might never make it inside. Hey, I would even let you park in my reserved spot.

People who laugh live longer! Ha!

2007-07-24T21:54:00.001-07:00

CT asked me to write a pithy little article - Read it here. Laughing has become my new workout regiment - I feel the burn. Sorry Coach.

PS. Chris Rosebrough from San Clemente, California - I'm laughing with you not at you.

Be my image consultant

2007-07-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

I know "looks" aren't the most important thing, and frankly I don't worry all that much about how I look. Unfortunately, We do live in Orange County where everyone is image conscious. Like Doug Fields said in a sermon "I won't make fun of plastic surgery because I don't want to offend half the women in the room."

Anyway, my image consultants want me to look younger and hipper so that we can attract a younger audience to Saddleback. So give me your advice - which look should I go with next? Can I still wear my hawaiian shirts?

One Commerical

2007-07-24T12:26:00.001-07:00

I know I look bored in ONE.org's new TV Spot that asks you to help fight global AIDS and extreme poverty. They are a good organization - go ahead and add your support at http://www.ONE.org

The PSA brings together Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Don Cheadle, New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady, singer songwriter Toby Keith, Alfre Woodard, journalist Nick Clooney, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Democratic and Republican Strategists Mike McCurry and Jack Oliver and Shayne Moore, a stay-at-home Mom and ONE supporter from Wheaton, Illinois, and myself.

Good commercial, I just wish it hadn't been a "low flow shower" day. (I'm gonna avoid the Perez Hilton type comments about JR & GC.)

Endorsements made easy.

2007-07-23T22:53:00.001-07:00

Were gonna make this simple. If you want me to endorse your
book or write the foreword then please use my new e-commerce
store. If you would like me to appear at your conference, church or
political fundraiser, then simply go to the shopping cart and select
event. Warning: no guarantee that my participation will make your
project a success. No refunds will be given.

(Sorry I can't join your board, but advisory board positions are $50k)