Church Growth

(1) The Fad-Driven Church by Todd Wilken, The Plumbline, Volume 10, No. 1, February/March 2005

The dictionary defines a fad as "a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal." This could just as well be a description of congregational life of many Christian churches today. There is a new book, a new program or a new emphasis every year or so. It’s all anyone can talk about; it's all the preacher preaches about - for a while. Then, as quickly as it came, it's gone. As eagerly as it was received, it's abandoned and forgotten.

(2) Mysticism by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things, (January 2005 - Volume 11, Issue 1)
Mysticism, a way of the past, the wave of the future. Read Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3.

(3) Consumer Christianity by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 2/1/05
What do I mean by consumer Christianity? Generally, it is any attempt to build the kingdom of God or build up the individual Christian (or attract the potential convert to Christianity) b means and methods that appeal to the flesh, i.e., the deceitful and self-serving heart of man. It had its beginning in the Garden of Eden when Satan manipulated Eve into disobeying God while believing she was enriching herself (Gn 3:1-6). Read Part 1 & Part 2.

(4) Evangelical Leaders Promote New Age and Eastern Spiritual Practices Press Release, Lighthouse Trails, 3/25/05
In what appears to be a sweeping phenomenon, Christian leaders are embracing practices and a new spirituality that borrows from Eastern mysticism and New Age philosophy. The changes are taking place worldwide and involve many of the most popular evangelical leaders including Rick Warren, Brian McLaren, Richard Foster, Tony Campolo, and Eugene Peterson.

(5) The Emerging Church by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 3/05
It is important to keep scripture in mind when we are looking for a method or a means to promote church growth. A Christianity that is not based on the Scriptures is a false Christianity. It may be ecumenical and it may be successful in attracting numbers, but it is not biblical. It could even lead people to believe they believe, but instead they follow false teachers and false doctrine and are deceived.

(6) A Southern Baptist Pastor Shares Concern Over Seeker-Sensitive Churches by Rev. Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 2005
The absolute truth is, that the actual message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ must once again become our priority–no matter what the cost! We who preach simply cannot change this message, and we cannot dumb it down to the culture in which we live. For as MacArthur has said: We can’t change the message; that message isn’t ours–it belongs to God.

(7) “Church Inc. ” – The Marketing of America’s Churches by Michael C. Gaudiosi - The Berean Radio Network, THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Three, July-September 2005
GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT Have you ever heard the phrase “If you build it they will come?” This is a saying that has been around a while. Sadly, it has now found its way into the Church. What is going on in the post-modern church today? It appears that the Church in America has taken the “you can draw more flies with honey than with vinegar” approach to doing church. In this case, the vinegar would be sound preaching of the Gospel and careful exposition and study of the Scriptures. So, what would be the honey that attracts the flies? What is being touted out there as a means to draw more sinners, or should I say, the un-churched, into the Church? Is it the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or a new twenty-first century way of thinking with fresh ideas and new trends to attract the masses? Whatever the modern methodology is, the question must still be asked, “what does the Scripture say?” Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

(8) The Issue of other Religious Practices as Worship in the Church by Mike Oppenheimer, 8/16/05
A New Age spirituality emerges as a church.

(9) The Myths Of The Man-Pleasers by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 9/05
The Evangelical church in America continues to wander almost aimlessly through this nation which was founded by God, but now has become as foreign a mission field as the deepest depths of the rain forests in Africa. An alleged Body of Christ searching for a Purpose as it morphes into an Emergent Church with so many today calling themselves Christians-who should be filled with His Spirit-and are instead considering many other paths of spiritual experience to fill a nagging emptiness. The sad fact is that the Evangelical community, once a vibrant section of the Church of our Lord, long ago turned from the Bible to the myths of the man-pleasers.

(10) Schuller Planted, Hybels Watered,
Warren (Peter Drucker) Gives The Increase
By Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 10, No. 3, November/December 2005
When the Church follows the advice of liberals - Bible-believing or otherwise - the Gospel message suffers. When liberals - bible-believing or otherwise - have their way, the cross ends up obscured. When the cross is obscured sinners go unsaved.

(11) Becoming "Transformed Transforming Transformers" by Discernment Research Group, 3/16/2006
The church growth movement has its own ambiguous language and terms; so as to protect those who would deceive us with familiar words and phrases so they can quickly jump from one definition to another, if need be, to cover their embarrassing indiscretions, quiet their critics, advance their agenda and shield their marketable image, . .("Rick Warren - Fundamentalist or Finagler?" Paul Proctor, 3/15/06. (In this article) is a classic example of what Paul Proctor was talking about.

(12) Ken Blanchard and the Hoffman Quadrinity Process by Lighthouse Trails
On April 20th, Lighthouse Trails Publishing sent out a press release concerning Ken Blanchard who "signed on" with Rick Warren to help implement Warren's global PEACE Plan and to help Rick Warren train leaders around the globe (see sermon). In the press release, we listed several books in which Ken Blanchard has either written the foreword or placed his endorsement on the front or back cover. These include: Mind Like Water by Jim Ballard, What Would Buddha Do At Work by Frank Metcalf, The Corporate Mystic by Gay Hendricks, The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by New Age leader Deepak Chopra, and Death and Letting Go by clairvoyant Ellen Tadd.

(13) Ignoring Eschatology by Discernment Research Group, 8/30/2006
For the past 150 years there has been an ongoing emphasis -- first among liberal church leaders, and now among the evangelicals -- to shift the emphasis away from biblical eschatology to the doctrine of building the kingdom of God on earth. One of the most effective ways to do this has been to focus the church's attention on "service" and the pressing needs of here and now, while at the same time ignoring the many comforting Scriptures about Jesus' imminent return and our heavenly home.

(14) Market Driven Church vs. The Apostle Paul by Jim Bublitz, Old Truth, 9/13/06
The two epistles from Paul to Timothy outline a ministry philosophy that challenges the prevailing wisdom of today. Nothing in these pastoral instructions hints at a market-driven philosophy. In fact, most of Paul's pastoral instructions are impossible to harmonize with the theories that are so popular today. Shouldn't 1st and 2nd Timothy still be a guide to pastors even in today's culture?

(15) It's All About Marketing by Discernment Research Group, 11/08/2006
If you're in one of those churches undergoing transformation and restructuring, this article cited above is a must-read. "5 Keys to Explosive Growth" is all about numbers and it is all about marketing. The authors claim that it is biblical and promise you will have success if you try their methods. This article reads like a sales training manual for church growth.

(16) Church Growth Hormone - a Biblically Banned Substance by Assemblies of God Pastor Ray Baumann, 12/06
I used to be a Church Growth Hormone addict. For my first eight years in the ministry, I was on a daily diet of books and videos centered around the latest church fads and trends that focused on church growth. I was on the cutting edge of ministry thinking, learning more and more about marketing and the psychology of connecting people. I believed that numbers equaled success, even if that meant changing the name of the church, offering self-help programs, or implementing any other sort of method I thought would help to boost the numbers.

(17) The Church Growth, Emerging Church - Daiprax Agenda - The Diabolical Practices of 'Ministers' Across America Today by Dean Gotcher, Authority Research, 12/12/06
We are not to be an offense to others, but in sharing God's word with others, when it becomes an offense, it is not up to us to water it down, candy coat it, or to change it?humanize it, to make it acceptable. To behave in such a way is not only a praxis of deceiving ourselves but also a praxis of taking pleasure in deceiving others. The definition of the word offense is "(skan-dal-id'-zo) to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall, to entice to sin, to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey, to cause to fall away, to be offended in one." Source: The Bible Collection 10.1.629 (c) 2006

(18) BIBLE BUTCHERY - How To Make God’s Word Say Whatever You Like And Ignore What God Said It Actually Says - The Cut & Paste Hermeneutics Of Rick Warren and The Gnostic Interpretation Of The Parables By Brian Maclaren & Peter Tsukahira by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 12/14/06
“Let Not Many Of You Be Teachers, For We Teachers Shall Be Judged More Strictly Than the Rest” (James 3:1) This warning The Holy Spirit gives through The Apostle James is daunting. While we shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ, those of us posing to teach God’s Word to others will be held more accountable than others, because teachers can most easily mislead others. Being misled is one thing, but misleading others – either being cognizant of the error, or teaching error out of out own ignorance doesn’t matter. In the secular world if a non lawyer gives false legal advice he can mislead another with serious consequences, or if a non-medic mutilates a sick or injured person , it is unimportant if he or she were sincerely trying to do good or not. If they really cared about the ones they tried to help they would not have attempted to illegally practice medicine or law, misrepresenting themselves as qualified in a field they are not. Their acts are ones of criminal fraud, and the law does not care about their professed ‘good intentions’.

(19) The Church Growth Movement & Purpose Driven Church VERSUS The Bible by James Sundquist, 2006
Comprison of PDL Churches and biblical ones.

(20) How To Find A Good Church by Todd Friel, 1/30/07
Looking for a good church? Join the club. Church-shopping can be a long and painful process. To shorten your search, call the pastor of the church before you visit and ask the following questions. This might save you a lot of Sundays.

(21) Seeker Sensitive Synagogue by Watcher's Lamp, 3/20/07
It was only a matter of time before the Synagogue went Seeker Sensitive the Saddleback Way. Another proof of the omni-denominational appeal of consumer-driven man-centered marketing of anthropological religion.

(22) The Church Growth Movement by Anton Bosch, Discernment Newsletter, March/April 2007
The Church Growth Movement, on one extreme of the ecclesiastical spectrum, finds a champion in author and theologian C. Peter Wagner who has written copiously in praise of this movement. Although not an organized movement, it does represent a philosophy very prevalent among mega-churches. In The New Apostolic Churches[1] Wagner publishes papers by 18 leaders of some of the biggest and most “successful” churches throughout the world. In the introduction to the book he summarizes their commonalities as well as their reasons for success. He has since published a more detailed analysis titled Churchquake![2]

(23) A Line Has Been Crossed ... No Turning Back? by Lighthouse Trails Research, 3/30/07
Right before our very eyes mainstream Christendom is converging with the New Age movement. In 2007, two events are scheduled, and if they actually occur without a public outcry by Christian leaders then we will have entered into a full-fledged paradigm shift, and a line will have been crossed that will very likely mean no turning back.

(24) Programs, Programs, Get Your Programs - Exposing the Flaws of a Fad-Driven Church Excerpted and abridged from an article by Phil Johnson, Plumbline Ministries, The Plumbline, Vol. 12, No. 1, January/February 2007
We ought to make better use of the Word of God in ministry, and ignore all the evangelical fads that come and go. After all, only the Word of God has the powerful, penetrating precision that is necessary to reach and revitalize hearts that are cold and dead because of sin. And this is also our clear biblical mandate: "Preach the word... in season and out of season" - no matter which way the winds of doctrine are blowing and no matter how many fads and fashions come and go. Obey that mandate, and God will bless your ministry. Chase every bandwagon that comes down the road, and you will regret it on that day when you give account for your ministry.

(25) Book On Seeker-Friendly Church Claims They Have Done It All Wrong by Bob Burney, Distributed by www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com, 10/07
This story is not an outright admission by Bill Hybels that he is going to change the course of his church. It is a study by other leaderhip of that church that shows they have been headed in the wrong direction. We will have to wait and see if Hybel's disassociates himself with Robert Schuller, Rick Warren and other church growth gurus and starts teaching the Bible exegetically. Should this be encouraging? Please note that “rooted in Scripture” still follows “rethink,” “new insights” and “informed research.” Someone still doesn’t get it. Unless there is a return to simple biblical (and relevant) principles, a new faulty scheme will replace the existing one and another generation will follow along as the latest piper plays. What we should find encouraging, at least, in this “confession” coming from the highest ranks of the Willow Creek Association is that they are coming to realize that their existing “model” does not help people grow into mature followers of Jesus Christ. Given the massive influence this organization has on the American church today, let us pray that God would be pleased to put structures in place at Willow Creek that foster not mere numeric growth, but growth in grace.

(26) Christians Leaders Betray Christ For World Peace by Paul Proctor, News With Views, 11/28/07
Once again, leaders from the so-called "church growth movement" are demonstrating for us the Hegelian Dialectic - that transformational Marxist process of compromise and consensus made famous by Georg William Friedreich Hegel which seeks to rid the world of its divisive absolutes in the interest of global peace and unity.

(27) In Search of Truth by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things, April 2008 - Volume 14, Issue 4
A few years ago I wrote a book entitled This Little Church Went to Market: Is the Modern Church Reaching Out or Selling Out. There I explored in detail areas in which I believe the “seeker-sensitive” church model is missing the mark biblically, especially in regard to its gospel and doctrinal messages. That book was followed by This Little Church Stayed Home, a Faithful Church in Deceptive Times. The original intent was to identify the marks of a truly biblical church standing firm in the face of wide scale assaults by the forces of deception. While a portion of that volume was in fact dedicated to this intent, I also felt compelled to specifically address the areas of deception surrounding the rapidly growing emergent church movement. I am in the process of writing a third book in the “Little Church” series. This will be a book in which I will talk about “a church in search of truth.” My contention is that the great need of the moment is for Christ’s church to rediscover the truth that it has either lost or minimized, understand the inestimable value of the truth in lives of God’s people, and to recognize its role as the supporter and dispenser of truth (1 Tim 3:15).

(28) And The Pulpits Are Silent by Coach Dave Daubenmire, March 6, 2008
Despite what the political parties would like you to believe, the problem in America is not the politicians, it is the pulpits. I hate to break the news to you, but most of America’s pulpits are filled with cowardly men. They are a shame to the Christ they claim to serve.

Bill Hybels

(1) Willow Creek Church & Bill Hybels' Theology - Biblical Christianity Or Church Of Laodecia? by James Sundquist, Rock Salt Publishing
There is an epidemic movement which has infected even the most conservative denominations and seminaries, which began in the United States more than a decade ago, and is now being manifested throughout the Church globally. One of the founders of this "seeker-friendly" movement is Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willowcreek Church in the Chicago area.

(2) The Church Growth Movement & Purpose Driven Church VERSUS The Bible
A chart that compares the teachings of the Church Growth Movement with those of the Bible. You will be shocked to see just how unbiblical the CGM is, which was conceived by people like C. Peter Wagner and carried out by people like Bill Hybels at Willow Creek.

(3) Niche Marketing, Audience-Driven, Full Service Churches: How We Got Here? by Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 8, No. 1, January/February 2003
Proponents of Willow-Creek Seeker Sensitive evangelism and the wider public have little knowledge of the historical genealogy of this movement. Most simply assume that George Barna and associates originated the marketing model now employed widely in seeker sensitive evangelism. Barna, however, is a late-corner, who actually adapted and expanded ideas that had been earlier discovered by Robert Schuller.

(4) The Apostate Church - Use Of The Hegelian Dialectic/Diaprax by Paul Proctor, American Reformation Project
Use of Diaprax is evident in most Purpose Driven Churches striving for consensus and ecumenism. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Willow Creek - Hegelian Dialectic And The New World Order.

(5) The Dialectic & Praxis: Diaprax and the End of the Ages by Dean Gotcher
The Hegelian Dialectic/Diaprax consists of three steps called Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis. This method is being empolyed everywhere in our modern society, including the Church. It is especially evident in groups such as mega-churches, the Third Wave, YWAM and other apostate groups.

(6) The Market-Driven Church by Gary Gilley, 6/00
While we will examine the writing of various individuals who speak for the market-driven movement, we will focus often on the two flagship churches: Saddleback Valley Community Church in Orange County, California, and Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago. These churches serve as the models that are reshaping the way we "do church" today. As a matter of fact, many refer to these churches and their clones as "new paradigm churches." Churches all over the world, even those who would claim to reject the church growth movement, are imitating the many methods promoted by Saddleback and the "Creekers." Others have written about church growth, but these two churches have made it work, and for their success they are idolized and adored by the modern evangelical community. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

(7) Marketing The Message by Don Matzat, The Plumbline, Volume 8, No. 2, April-May 2003
A model report of marketing effects on church growth.

(8) Pastor: Who Is Leading You Astray? by Christian Research Ministries, 2003
Pastor, I used to go to your church; or maybe I still attend it. You may remember that I came to you with a concern about some program, resources, invited speaker, teaching that was being brought into our church. I told you it looked like a false teaching. I even gave you some research that was done with scripture to support my concerns. You listened, but in the end you did not really hear.

(9) The New Evangelism - Willow Creek Style ... Is This Of God? by F.J. Smith, Age To Age, 2003
What in the world is happening to our churches? Many people are either confused or blindly accepting the new non-traditional worship services that are changing a lot of evangelical churches. It is happening worldwide. Many people are saying, “the church has to change during the twenty-first century if we are to bring the younger generation into it”. Let’s take a hard look at these changes and see if this is really of God, or a shallow misrepresentation of real Christianity.

(10) Hey "Creekers" - Let's Be Sensitive To The Real Seeker! by Brad Smith, 9/03

You cannot and will not find the “seeker sensitive” method of evangelism in Scripture--anywhere. As a matter of fact there is only one true seeker in Scripture. The true seeker is Jesus. Jesus even says, Himself, that He has come to seek and save the lost. If we are going to be “seeker sensitive” then I propose that we be sensitive to the real seeker, Jesus.

Humor! (11) All New GOD, Version 6.0 - Brought To You By Today's Christians! by Theology Online, 1999

(12) Critique of the "Seeker-Sensitive, Purpose-Driven" Church Method by Pastor Dan Norcini, Copyright © 1999 Sovereign Grace Bible Church
These early Christians knew what to expect for confessing Jesus Christ before men. They knew the price they paid would be dear but they possessed something which made all of their tribulations seem light and momentary (2Cor 4:17) – genuine faith working through genuinely fervent love for the person of Jesus, who had loved them and given Himself for them. Can the same be said of any of the converts of this system? Time and the providence of God will tell. 10 part series.

(13) The Church Growth Movement by James Sundquist, 5/03
Three part series on the Church Growth Movement, Bill Hybels and Rick Warren.

(14) Recognizing Deception & Apostasy - Chapter 8, The Church Growth Movement by Dene McGriff
In the next chapters, we are going to discuss several major movements in evangelical Christianity – The “Meta Church” and then the “Cell Church” Movement, followed by a discussion of the Apostles and Prophets Movement. If we are in the “last days”, one would expect some very good counterfeits. The Meta Church, also know as “The Purpose Driven Church” or “Seeker Friendly Church” represents an extremely successful movement in terms of church growth.

(15) Lifting Sails Or Revving Outboard Motors
by Orrel Steincamp, The Plumbline, Volume 9, No. 1, January/February 2004
In New Testament evangelism the wind of the Spirit always blows in concert with the message of the cross. In the apostolic record true evangelism--the authentic message of Christ's death and resurrection--was not only Spirit-directed but Spirit-attended. In Paul's systematic description of the Gospel in Romans, we find the content of the Gospel he preached. He did not just refer to the cross in passing, but he explained the Gospel, giving a detailed account of what Jesus accomplished at the cross. It was this message that Paul relied on, this message that Paul was confident the Spirit of God would endorse. The cross in New Testament preaching is always presented in the context of man's sin and presented as the only remedy for man's sin. There is absolutely no reliance on any other attraction to draw people to Christ. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. This is the purpose of Christ's death on the cross. He paid the penalty for man's sin--it was finished at the cross. This is the Gospel; the New Testament suggests no other purpose for Christ's death and resurrection. In stark contrast New Paradigm churches focus more on the cross as a source of resolving a whole host of personal problems. This is not to deny that God does, according to His will, often resolve many personal problems, but this is a byproduct of Ms grace in our lives.

(16) Christian: Unplugged by Chris Carmichael
Good source of information on the church growth movement out of Willow Creek, etc.

(17) Protestant No More: Willow Creek Infiltrated by a Mystic Quaker Movement Called Renovare by Mary Fairchild, March 2003
Many good Christian leaders have difficulty perceiving the spirit of compromise. I went back to Willow Creek earlier this year only to discover my plans to serve in the women's ministry as a Biblical "Titus 2 woman" serving the younger were, in actuality, going to be a "spiritual guide" for a New Age Movement. Mystic ways of praying (repeating and meditation) and relating to God were being taught along with frequent references to Quakers. Terms like "covenant", "covenant groups", and "lectio divina" where frequently used. They gave out free books in the mentor training class in January (Sacred Companions by David G. Benner, and Spiritual Mentoring by Keith Anderson & Randy Reese). One class included a clip from the movie The Matrix. The movie was recommended and had keen insight for us in some way. We were told to avail ourselves to the classics of Roman Catholic mystics, and do timelines on our lives.

(18) The Church Growth Movement by Greg DesVoignes, 1/1/00 - Read this three part article including:

Part 1: Sciences, Marketing, Surveys, and Demographics: Following God?
Part 2: Church Growth Movement: Business And The New Age
Part 3: The Rise Of Corporate Babylon In The Church

(19) Schuller Planted, Hybels Watered,
Warren (Peter Drucker) Gives The Increase
By Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 10, No. 3, November/December 2005
When the Church follows the advice of liberals - Bible-believing or otherwise - the Gospel message suffers. When liberals - bible-believing or otherwise - have their way, the cross ends up obscured. When the cross is obscured sinners go unsaved.

(20) T.D. Jakes Comes To Willow Creek: What Happens When Ecumenism Is Valued More Than Truth
A Report by Christian Unplugged, August 8, 2004
As further evidence of their complete lack of biblical discernment and good judgment, Bill Hybels' Willow Creek Community Church has invited well-known Word of Faith teacher and preacher T.D. Jakes, Sr. to speak at their annual Willow Creek Leadership Summit on August 12th, 2004.

(21) The Wasteland Of Willow Creek by Paul Proctor, News With Views, November 14, 2007
In consideration of all the scriptural neglect he and his colleagues have facilitated over the years trying to "transform the planet," (sounds like an alien invasion) is Hybels' oopsy-daisy admission that "We made a mistake" his idea of repentance? Seeing as we're talking about the founder of the world's largest and most influential seeker-sensitive church, it would certainly seem so. But, if this pragmatic preacher doesn't expect real repentance from his "converts," I suppose we shouldn't expect it from him either.

(22) Willow Creek’s Big Adventure by Gary Gilley,
December 2007 - Volume 13, Issue 12
Having discerned that the old way of the seeker movement failed to produce the spiritual product they desired, Willow is fast-forwarding to the newest wave that now promises what they did 30 years ago – “authentic, Acts 2 communities of faith.”[8] This, however, is an even more tragic step, for while the seeker movement has gone astray in many areas in their attempt to change the way we “do” church, the majority within the movement at least gave lip-service to the fundamentals of the faith. The emergent church, however, seeks not to change how we “do” church but to change the church itself by challenging the non-negotiable doctrines of the faith. Combining the emergent deconstructive philosophy with Willow Creek’s influence and money could prove to be a powerful force for destruction. What may be written on this next “clean sheet of paper” in the future is far more concerning than the one that is being thrown away today.

(23) Willow Creek connection to the foul-mouthed ‘Jersey Boys’ by Cecil Andrews, Take Heed Ministries, 1/27/08
When it comes to making ‘sound disciples of Jesus Christ’ I’m afraid for Willow Creek it’s a case of out of the ‘seeker-sensitive frying pan’ and into ‘the emerging church fire’.

Rick Warren

(1) Niche Marketing, Audience-Driven, Full Service Churches: How We Got Here? by Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 8, No. 1, January/February 2003
Proponents of Willow-Creek Seeker Sensitive evangelism and the wider public have little knowledge of the historical genealogy of this movement. Most simply assume that George Barna and associates originated the marketing model now employed widely in seeker sensitive evangelism. Barna, however, is a late-comer, who actually adapted and expanded ideas that had been earlier discovered by Robert Schuller.

(2) The Market-Driven Church by Gary Gilley, 6/00
While we will examine the writing of various individuals who speak for the market-driven movement, we will focus often on the two flagship churches: Saddleback Valley Community Church in Orange County, California, and Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago. These churches serve as the models that are reshaping the way we "do church" today. As a matter of fact, many refer to these churches and their clones as "new paradigm churches." Churches all over the world, even those who would claim to reject the church growth movement, are imitating the many methods promoted by Saddleback and the "Creekers." Others have written about church growth, but these two churches have made it work, and for their success they are idolized and adored by the modern evangelical community. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

(3) Feeding Sheep Or Amusing Goats? by C.H. Spurgeon
The mission of amusement produces no converts.

(4) The Purpose Driven Life - An Evaluation by Gary Gilley, 11/03
A two-part evaluation of the popular book by Rick Warren. Read Part 1, and Part 2.

(5) Critique of the "Seeker-Sensitive, Purpose-Driven" Church Method by Pastor Dan Norcini, Copyright © 1999 Sovereign Grace Bible Church
These early Christians knew what to expect for confessing Jesus Christ before men. They knew the price they paid would be dear but they possessed something which made all of their tribulations seem light and momentary (2Cor 4:17) – genuine faith working through genuinely fervent love for the person of Jesus, who had loved them and given Himself for them. Can the same be said of any of the converts of this system? Time and the providence of God will tell. 10 part series.

(6) My Visit To Saddleback Church by David Cloud, Fundamentalist Baptist Information Service, 11/03
Rick Warren claims that he has not compromised the Word of God with his principles and methods, that he has only
modernized them; but when I look into the book of Acts and the Epistles, I see a different kind of Christianity, a different kind of church there, than the one that Rick Warren has devised. Thus, I must reject Warren's Purpose-Driven methods and I must warn those who have an ear to hear, regardless of how small that crowd may be, that they not heed the siren call of the contemporary church growth gurus.

(7) The Church Growth Movement - An Analysis of Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven" Church Growth Strategy by by Dennis Costella, ©FOUNDATION Magazine, March-April 1998
AFTER PERSONALLY covering the Saddleback Community Church "Building a Purpose-Driven Church" seminar held in Southern California this past January, it became clear to me that some of today's most influential religious leaders misunderstand and misrepresent the true purpose of the church today.

(8) The Book of Numbers - Rick Warren's purpose-driven attack on American Christianity by Chris Lehmann, MSN Culturebox, Posted Monday, March 17, 2003, at 11:33 AM PT
This, rather than the abundance of marketing techniques and showman gimmicks that inflect Warren's style of self-presentation, is the most troubling feature of Warren's purpose-driven approach. It has historically been the nature of the Christian God to be something of an unstinting task master. Warren's God "wants to be your best friend." And this means, in turn, that God's most daunting property, the exercise of eternal judgment, is strategically downsized. When Warren turns his utility-minded feel-speak upon the symbolic iconography of the faith, the results are offensively bathetic: "When Jesus stretched his arms wide on the cross, he was saying, 'I love you this much.' " But God needs to be at a greater remove than a group hug. Surely we lose something if we apprehend the Bible, and the language of faith, as little more than a lesson book. "If you're not preaching life application," Warren has told one interviewer, "you're not really preaching." Yet if you're only believing in life application, what are you really believing?

(9) Rick Warren Connections - especially to the ecumenical Third Wave New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and "Positive Thinking" Movement compiled by Sandy Simpson, 1/04
Connections of Rick Warren to the Third Wave and Schuller.

(10) The Church Growth Movement by James Sundquist, 5/03
Three part series on the Church Growth Movement, Bill Hybels and Rick Warren.

(11) The Church Growth Movement by Eastern Regional Watch
Good web page to read articles on Church Growth.

(12) Recognizing Deception & Apostasy - Chapter 8, The Church Growth Movement by Dene McGriff
In the next chapters, we are going to discuss several major movements in evangelical Christianity – The “Meta Church” and then the “Cell Church” Movement, followed by a discussion of the Apostles and Prophets Movement. If we are in the “last days”, one would expect some very good counterfeits. The Meta Church, also know as “The Purpose Driven Church” or “Seeker Friendly Church” represents an extremely successful movement in terms of church growth.

(13) Rick Warren & The Church Growth Movement by Mike Oppenheimer
A number of articles on Rick Warren and his "purpose driven" agenda.

Community Connections - About Rick Warrens associations and endorsements (read this first before you read anything else on Warren)
Growing a Purpose Driven Church - Background and history -what is this all about?
Updated! Rick Warrens Global Peace Plan - Is this a solution to the worlds problems?
The seeker friendly church - A new way of doing Church to reach the 21st century population
The Purpose Driven Life - Book review on what some have overlooked is being said.

(16) The Vanishing Gospel by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call Newlsetter, 2/04
And to attract those thus corrupted, many of the largest and fastest-growing churches mimic the world in "seeker-friendly" and "youth-oriented" services that exploit sensuality and compromise the truth.

(18) The Seeker Friendly Way Of Doing Church by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 3/1/2004
A large part of the evangelical church has developed a pleasure-laden, cruise ship mentality, but it will result in a spiritual Titanic. Seeker-friendly church pastors (and those tempted to climb aboard) need to get on their knees and read the words of Jesus to the church of the Laodiceans (Rv 3:14-21). They were “rich, and increased with goods,” yet failed to recognize that in God’s eyes, they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Jesus, standing outside their church, where they had unwittingly displaced Him, offers them His counsel, the truth of His Word, which alone will enable them to live their lives for His pleasure. There can be nothing better here on earth, and for all eternity.

(19) A Bridge Over Other Waters by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 3/27/04
What really becomes the purpose of this essay contest by Templeton? I see this as a way to merge Christians with those of other faiths in a common goal - a focus on purpose. A global spirituality is fast becoming the norm, the question we have to ask ourselves as Christians is whether we will participate with them. See the Templeton Essay by Sandy Simpson.

(20) What's Wrong With The 21st Century Church? by Dr. Robert Klenck, August 8, 2000
This is a synopsis of much of what the seeker-sensitive or church growth movement (CGM) is all about, and it is enough information to convince any with ears to hear that this movement is something that true Christians should avoid at all costs. Read the Synopsis, Article 1 and Article 2.

(21) The Pied Pipers Of Purpose by Lyle D. Leslie, Sarah H. Leslie and Susan J. Conway, 4/04
Pragmatism in church transformation and the church growth movement are carefully studied and compared to biblical principles.

(22) Outcome-Based Religion by The Cutting Edge, 2004
One of THE major signs that the End of the Age is truly approaching is when you see the great majority of Christian churches falling away from the Fundamentals of the Faith. A pastor or church leader that knowingly moves away from teaching the "full counsel" of God, and begins incorporating unbiblical and human elements in his services and his teaching, is literally -- and Biblically -- opening the door to Antichrist. How many well-meaning pastors have ever thought of this sober fact as they lead their churches into areas that are not Biblical? This is a series of articles on the background of the "new paradigm" churches.

(23) Is The Change That Has Come Over The Church Come Over You? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 5/04
Anyone aware of our post modern world with its multi-faceted spirituality is seeing a change taking place. We are also observing the practices inside the church change. It has never been so quick and fortified than in the last few years. Since a good portion of the church has refused to be educated or understand other belief systems, an attack has been systematically launched, a concerted effort by those who are in the new age or sympathetic to the new age movement.

(24) The One World Religion (United Nations Inclusive Church) by Joseph R. Chambers, D.D., D.S.L.
The present Evangelical guru is Rick Warren. Listen to this quote from his multi-million dollar best seller. He starts by quoting a New Age writer and then adds his own endorsement. "Naturalists are most inspired to love God out-of-doors, in natural settings. Sensates love God with their senses and appreciate beautiful worship services that involve their sight, taste, smell, and touch, not just their ears. Traditionalists draw closer to God through rituals, liturgies, symbols, and unchanging structures. Ascetics prefer to love God in solitude and simplicity. Activists love God through confronting evil, battling injustice, and working to make the world a better place. Caregivers love God by loving others and meeting their needs. Enthusiasts love God through celebration. Contemplatives love God through their adoration. Intellectuals love God by studying with their minds. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to worship and friendship with God. One thing is certain: You don't bring glory to God by trying to be someone he never intended you to be. God wants you to be yourself. 'That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.' " (The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren)

(26) Exceprts: Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church by Warren Smith, Discernment Newsletter, July/August 2004
The following is an excerpt from Warren Smith’s latest book, Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church. Warren Smith is a former New Ager who became converted to Christianity 20 years ago. Since then he has been warning Christians, through writing and speaking, that dangerous New Age doctrines are subtly creeping into the churches. In his most recent book, which is being offered by Discernment Ministries, Smith recounts the considerable influence that the Rev. Robert H. Schuller has had on the ministry style and teachings of Rick Warren. The mystical leaven of New Age teachings, which Robert Schuller controversially introduced the church several decades ago, is now being reintroduced and assimilated into mainstream evangelicalism through the writings and activities of Rick Warren. Deceived on Purpose is a book with an easy reading style that should be given to pastors and parishioners everywhere. The following is an important excerpt from the book, Chapter 3. It chronicles a noteworthy example of how Rick Warren’s "seeker sensitive" emphasis can lead straight into dangerous metaphysical New Age doctrines. (From Chapter Three)

(27) Deceived On Purpose by Warren Smith
Warren Smith is a former New Ager who became converted to Christianity 20 years ago. Since then he has been warning Christians, through writing and speaking, that dangerous New Age doctrines are subtly creeping into the churches. In his most recent book, which is being offered by Discernment Ministries, Smith recounts the considerable influence that the Rev. Robert H. Schuller has had on the ministry style and teachings of Rick Warren. The mystical leaven of New Age teachings, which Robert Schuller controversially introduced the church several decades ago, is now being reintroduced and assimilated into mainstream evangelicalism through the writings and activities of Rick Warren. Deceived on Purpose is a book with an easy reading style that should be given to pastors and parishioners everywhere. The following is an important excerpt from the book, Chapter 3. It chronicles a noteworthy example of how Rick Warren’s "seeker sensitive" emphasis can lead straight into dangerous metaphysical New Age doctrines.

(28) The Purpose Driven Cult by Robert Velarde, The Door Magazine, ONLINE EXTRA, July/August 2004
Noted consultant Dr. R.W. Tramin has helped hundreds of cult leaders find purpose for their organizations. The book The Purpose-Driven Cult grew out of Dr. Tramin's thousands of hours of experience as a motivational consultant for cult leaders, gurus, psychics, fringe Christian group pastors and others. Tramin Enterprises, Inc., is headquartered in the Cayman Islands, with holdings in Zurich. Dr. Tramin holds an earned Ph.D. This article was adapted from the forthcoming book The Purpose-Driven Cult.

(29) Extra Information On "The Purpose Driven Life" by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 10/04
Following are T.A. McMahon’s brief notes and comments on The Purpose Driven Life [TPDL] as of 10/8/04. He is in the process of doing a further review of the book, to which he will add contents periodically. Check back for updates.

(32) Rick Warrens' interview on Larry King Live by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/28/04
A revealing interview on Warren's belief on other religions and salvation.

(34) Spirit Led Or Purpose Driven? by Berit Kjos, 11/03
When church leaders use energizing music, emotional stimuli and short, light messages to satisfy the flesh with its "felt needs," they tend to obscure our deeper spiritual needs. Fed a diet of simplified sermons designed to please everyone, both seekers and believers may lose their appetite for the solid Biblical teaching which -- by His Spirit -- produces conviction of sin, genuine repentance, actual regeneration, true spiritual renewal and the continual joy of walking with Jesus.

(35) Consumer Christianity by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 2/1/05
What do I mean by consumer Christianity? Generally, it is any attempt to build the kingdom of God or build up the individual Christian (or attract the potential convert to Christianity) b means and methods that appeal to the flesh, i.e., the deceitful and self-serving heart of man. It had its beginning in the Garden of Eden when Satan manipulated Eve into disobeying God while believing she was enriching herself (Gn 3:1-6). Read Part 1 & Part 2.

(36) The Bluring Of Linies & Shame For The Gospel by Tim Challies, 3/05
As you may know, Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback
Community Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life has begun to write a monthly column for Ladies Home Journal. This ought to be an exciting opportunity for a professed Christian, for this space is generally
reserved for articles dealing with "spirituality"
which equates to New Age (or, as it is more commonly
know, New Spirituality). In fact, this month the
Ladies Home Journal has an article entitled "The New
Spirituality" which traces the change in American
attitudes towards religion in the post-9/11 era. The
article speaks of interfaith services and features an
interview with John Edward (the supposed psychic
medium). Alas, it seems that Warren is squandering this
opportunity, writing a column more consistent with
pop-psychology than with the Scriptures.

(37) It's Your Choice by Paul Proctor, 3/11/05
James Sundquist, author of a great new book entitled, “Who’s Driving The Purpose Driven Church?” (Which I highly recommend, by the way) recently sent me a copy of Rick Warren’s column from the March 2005 edition of the Ladies Home Journal. What makes this particular piece a must read for any Christian, is how perfectly it illustrates what Pastor Warren REALLY believes and/or wants YOU to believe.

Is learning to love yourself really what people need to learn? Is this how a Christian should accurately explain the human condition? Is the problem with people that they don't love themselves enough or that they only love themselves? Is loving yourself the answer to your needs in life? After reading Rick Warren's first contract column called "Learn To Love Yourself!" for Ladies Home Journal (LHJ), it struck me that it is a perfect example of why churches should definitely NOT be using his materials.

(39) Rick Warren Waters Down The Gospel by Prof. Johan Malan University of the North South Africa, 5/05

Rick Warren has succeeded in watering down the gospel of salvation to such an extent that it is acceptable to Roman Catholics, Protestants of all descriptions, and also independent Christian churches all over the world. More than 20 million copies of his book, The Purpose- Driven Life, have already been sold, and thousands of congregations are following his 40 day program.

(42) 15 Principal Errors Of The Purpose-Driven Church by Stephen Weir, 2005
As manager of a conservative evangelical Christian literature service I am being asked with increasing frequency by concerned customers for information about Rick Warren’s best-seller of over 20 million copies, “The Purpose-Driven Life” (Zondervan, 2002). There are also believers personally known to me asking for similar information. Many good papers have already been written, to which this is intended to be a useful supplement. Because so many believers and churches are being affected, and because PDL contains so much harmful, dangerous false teaching, I have sought the Lord’s help to set out clearly and systematically, in a single paper, the basic objections and dangers I have found in this book.

(43) Setting Richard Abanes Straight on my Rick Warren "Attack" by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 2005
Recently on his website Richard Abanes, who has just written the book Rick Warren And The Purpose That Drives Him: An Insider Looks At The Phenomenal Bestseller, decided to make a non-issue into an issue when he misrepresented my position concerning Rick Warren, by saying I “attacked” Warren, when the truth is, I have nothing against Warren personally.

(44) The Purpose Driven Lie by Brett Bigg (also see Part 2)
WHAT is a ‘purpose driven life’, and does it matter?
There are certainly plenty of motivational speakers in the secular world, not to mention the gurus (and the like) in the pseudo-spiritual arena; all of whom try to “educate” us to finding our purpose in life; be it to find success, happiness, wealth etc. But does God, i.e. the True God — the God of the Bible, have a purpose for every man, woman, and child on the earth?

(45) The Gosel According To Rick Warren by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things, July 2005
This article is taken from the revised edition of "This Little Church Went To Market" just published by Evangelical Press.

(46) Purpose Driven Ecumenism? by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 9/9/05 - Audio here.
Some are predicting that an army over one billion in number will eventually be recruited to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth. While such an effort may be noble, is it biblical? Or how about this question – could it be ecumenical?

(49) Author Accuses Christian Publisher of Dabbling in 'New Age' Spirituality - Publisher Sponsor of Three-City Annual Youth Workers Conference by Jim Brown,
September 29, 2005
(AgapePress) - A leading Christian publisher of youth ministry material is being accused of introducing young people to practices rooted in New Age Eastern spirituality. Today, the 2005 National Youth Workers Conference kicks off in Sacramento, California, but not without criticism. The conference is sponsored by Youth Specialties, a group that one Christian author says introduces students to labyrinth walks, yoga, and contemplative prayer practices. For that reason, Cathy Mickels -- co-author of the book Spiritual Junkfood: The Dumbing Down of Christian Youth -- is advising youth workers and parents to distance themselves from the conference and Youth Specialties.

(50) WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PURPOSE- DRIVEN? by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 10/5//05 - Audio here.
Mention the term “purpose-driven” anywhere in the world and Christians will know exactly what you mean. It’s the newest method for successful church growth. So what is the purpose of the purpose driven church? Is purpose-driven biblically-based?

(51) Warren-Driven or Bible-Obedient? by Sandy Simpson, 11/2/05
Is your church Warren-Driven or Bible-Obedient? Use this comparison chart to see which direction your church is going?

(52) The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren - Reviewed by Michael Penfold
It’s a depressing statistic. A majority of Western churches do not see a single addition through conversion in a typical year. So to try and turn things round many are rejecting traditional methods of evangelism and adopting a new ‘church growth’ model. Market research has convinced them that unbelievers stay away from church not because they reject Christ, but because they reject the church’s boring presentation of Christ. There’s no need to change the product – just the packaging – and the crowds will come flocking back.

(53) Schuller Planted, Hybels Watered,
Warren (Peter Drucker) Gives The Increase
By Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 10, No. 3, November/December 2005
When the Church follows the advice of liberals - Bible-believing or otherwise - the Gospel message suffers. When liberals - bible-believing or otherwise - have their way, the cross ends up obscured. When the cross is obscured sinners go unsaved.

(56) Redefining Christianity - Understanding the Purpose Driven Movement by Bob DeWaay
I have received many emails over the last two years from people who are concerned about what has happened to their church since it became Purpose Driven. This book will explain what has happened, why, and how a Purpose Driven church is different from a Bible-centered, Gospel church. Excerpt from Redefining Christianity:"Jesus said, "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19). Not even the greatest marketing genius can change this without redefining the church. Seeking the approval of the world is precisely what the Purpose Driven movement is all about."

(57) Rick Warren Speaks on Catholicism, the Essentials of the Faith, Peter Drucker, and Global Peace by Lighthouse Trails Publishing, © 2002-2006
"Now the word "fundamentalist" actually comes from a document in the 1920s called the Five Fundamentals of the Faith. And it is a very legalistic, narrow view of Christianity ..." (Rick Warren, The Pew Forum on Religion, May 23, 2005) Rick Warren is putting down the core doctrines of the Faith upon which orthodox biblical Christianity is founded and upon which ACT and the Deception In The Church web site base their apologetics!

(58) The Reinvention Of Rick Warren by Herescope, 1/9/06
Discernment Research Group has been predicting for some time that we would see Warren morphing into The Reverand Doctor Richard D. Warren. Before reading the impressive-sounding quotes below, Herescope readers should keep in mind that Warren's doctorate (DMin) was received from Fuller Theological Seminary under the tutelage of C. Peter Wagner, a Latter Rain cult leader who is the founder of the New Apostolic Reformation, and chief conjurer of new dominionist doctrines. His doctoral thesis, not notably scholarly, was to become his first book, The Purpose-Driven Church.

The following documentary compares Rick Warren's Global P.EA.C.E. Plan to Scriptural Teachings. (See section on New Reformation in this document for description of Rick Warren's P.E.A.C.E. Acronym.) Warren announced his Global P.E.A.C.E Plan on April 17, 2005 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California to an audience of 30,000 people, during a church service marking the 25^th Anniversary of Saddleback Church.

(60) Our Purpose Driven Diversion - One Family's Journey Through a Purpose Driven Church by Scott MacIntyre, Wood and Steel, 12/05
The Lord has used this article in many ways to both alert people and pastors to the dangers of the whole Purpose Driven system, and to provide a degree of comfort to many others who face similar situations in their own churches. We appreciate the many e-mails received over the past couple of years.

(61) The Adulation of Man in The Purpose Driven Life by Richard Bennett, 1/06
Now that we have documented that a bogus gospel message is given in the 40 Days of Purpose in The Purpose-Driven Life we are obliged to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”41, and to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”42 Through the Warren movement, multitudes are being deceived on the very meaning of the Gospel of salvation. Vast numbers sincerely believe that they have received Christ as their personal Savior while in fact all that they have received into their right hand is a man-made ritual and “covenant” commitment to a church, which they have obligated themselves by vow to fulfill.

(62) The Purpose Driven Life: Demeaning the Very Nature of God by Richard Bennett, 1/06
There is an underlying feature of Rick Warren’s book and movement that makes an anaylsis of it very difficult. It stems from the fact that Warren presents some basic teaching regarding God’s purpose to glorify Himself and what man should do in relation to God. The fact that none of these purposes is presented in a biblically accurate way makes Warren’s work all the more dangerous to the true understanding of Who God is and His Gospel in Christ. In the first part of our analysis we documented the way in which the Gospel was vitiated by the exaltation of man and so called “true self”. This error together the corresponding neglect to show that man is in fact spiritually “dead in trespasses and sins” showed that the book is both a hindrance and a deceit.

(63) Who said, 'God is one in person'? - Saddleback and the Trinity by Bud Press, Director, Christian Research, February 19, 2006
"The Bible teaches very clearly that there is one God... not two or three or seven. It also teaches clearly that the Father is God and that Jesus is God and also that the Holy Spirit ! is God. The fact that there is only one God and yet three separate persons are called God leads us to the truth of the Trinity" of God. This means that although God is one in person, He also expresses Himself in three distinct personalities. That's why Jesus can talk to the Father and be sent by the Father and yet they are still one. This is a difficult truth to grasp. I tell people that it's one of the truths about God that reminds us that He is bigger than we are" [emp. added]. Stop! Re-read the bold print: "This means that although God is one in person, He also expresses Himself in three distinct personalities."

(64) Rick Warren's Doublespeak On Fundamentalism by Ingrid, Slice Of Laodicea, March 15, 2006
Rick Warren seems to be having an identity crisis.

(65) Purpose-Driven Parties & Lifestyle Worldviews by Discernment Research Group, 3/14/2006
Apparently the word "worldview" also means "lifestyle" in purpose-driven circles. Think you've heard of everything? How about a Tupperware-style purpose-driven party! How about purpose-driven lifestyle coaches?

(66) A Purpose Driven View From the Inside by Ken Fields, The World From Our Window, 04/07/06
Truly the enemy has infiltrated our churches to divide and conquer and to deceive many....

(67) How Rick Warren is Masquerading as an Angel of Light - Transforming Your Church by Richard Bennett, Christian Witness Ministries Newsletter, May 2006
Warren's Purpose Driven Megachurch program is religion in its worse possible understanding of the term.
Like unto the Church of Rome it is a religion of control over the souls of men and women. The Roman Church gets people in by her sacraments and once in, she exercises her control by her Canon Law. The method of Warren is to win multitudes with a sham gospel (which we will document below [in the article]), and then to control them with "a membership covenant". The membership covenant is explained "in the same way as marriage vows." (Page 16)

(68) Redefining Christianity: Understanding the Purpose Driven Movement by Bob DeWaay, Discernment Ministries, May/June Newsletter, 05/11/06
Once this key change is in place, and the church leadership has bought the vision package, the members either become team players helping to make the new marketing plan work, or they are disloyal traitors who have to go. If you long for solid Bible teaching you are in the wrong place if yours is a Purpose Driven church. That you will leave is a cost your pastor has already calculated and decided he is willing to pay. Reading the Transitioning book that Rick Warren promotes makes that crystal clear. Southerland tells pastors, “You will be criticized. It might as well be for doing the right thing.”[xxxi] From what he writes, one must conclude that he really believes that making the church a community gathering place for religious consumers rather than a gathering of the “called out ones” is the right thing. He really believes he is like Nehemiah sent by God to rebuild Jerusalem. He really believes that people who hunger for gospel preaching and Bible teaching are the enemies of God’s vision. If your church has bought the Purpose Driven franchise, your pastor probably does too. It is a sad, harsh reality, but you have lost your church. It’s very unlikely that it will ever again be a gospel-centric church. (Chapter 3 of the book – used with permission)

(69) Global Dominionism: Past and Present by Herescope, Discernment Research Group, 5/15/06
Rick Warren and his Global P.E.A.C.E. Plan are getting a free ride from the "liberal" media establishment. Surprisingly, this is happening despite the increasingly dominionist rhetoric calling for a "Second Reformation" and "advancing" the kingdom. By merging his global agenda with the likes of rock star Bono, and popular social causes, Warren has virtually guaranteed that his pursuits would be applauded without in-depth inspection by the mainstream press.

(70) Rick Warren Gives Unscriptural Rules For Church Music Moriel Ministries, 5/06
So are we to believe that the preaching of the Word is no longer as powerful as a two-edged sword and therefore we have to resort to pop tunes to spread godly values?

(71) Purpose Driven Madness by Ingrid Schlueter, Slice of Laodicea
Blog page with numerous updates on Rick Warren and his "purpose driven" programs.

(72) Purpose Driven Resisters - Must Leave or Die by Lighthouse Trails Research Project, 6/22/06
Now today, nearly five years after Purpose Driven Life was released, thousands of believers are scattered throughout the world, having been ridiculed and demoralized for even just the slightest questioning of the Purpose Driven program. In one email we received, the young man was handed a letter from his pastor. The letter had been written by a Saddleback field representative who told the pastor to do what he had to do to get rid of those opposing the new program.

(73) Emerging Into What? by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 6/23/06
Rick Warren and others are saying we need to pay attention to the emerging church. Things are changing, they say and the “emerging church” has the answers for our generation. But what will the emerging church emerge into? Could it be a form of Christianity that embraces experience rather than God’s Word?

(74) Rick Warren Shares Stage With Heretics - Rick Warren and the Hillsong 2006 Conference submitted by Bud Press, Christian Research Ministry, 7/1/06
Rick Warren will be sharing the same format at the Hillsong 2006 Conference with the following Keynote Speakers.

(75) Response To Assembly Of God Pastors Lee Mcfarland & Anthony Niger, II Regarding Charges Of Libel And Slander by James Sundquist, Rock Salt Publishing, 7/06
This letter is in response to an open letter charging Philip Powell of Christian Witness Ministries with slander because he is warning the AOG of their association with Rick Warren.

(76) Just Who's Using Whom For What In North Korea? by Paul Proctor, NewsWithViews.com, July 12, 2006
Now, I don't know about Rick using the North Korean government, but he sure seems to have no problem using North Korean Christians; but then again, in the church growth movement, "the end justifies the means;" so I guess we should all just Praise The Lord and pass the body bags, is that it?

(77) What Is Structural Revival? by Herescope, Discernment Research Group, 7/14/20
Rick Warren's highly-touted 40-day trip is apparently launching a new phase of his ministry -- a structural revival -- one that is dominionist in its impact. It is beyond the scope of this discernment blog to investigate how this pertains to his foray into global politics, particularly the visit to North Korea. But by patterning his trip after the previous global diplomacy junkets of Billy Graham, Rick Warren is clearly attempting to set himself up as a global man of "peace." And his scary dominionist agenda, of which the media seems oblivious, is far removed from traditional biblical Christianity.

(78) Calvary Chapel and Purpose Driven by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 7/06
In my view, the stand Pastor Chuck Smith made to stay with the Word of God and warn the flock about the imminent return of Jesus was biblical and the correct decision. I personally believe that those who go down the road of Purpose Driven will become less and less discerning regarding the end times scenario that is currently unfolding, which clearly reveals that Jesus may be soon returning.

(79) Aspen Revisited -- Philanthropy & Ideas Herescope, Discernment Research Group, 7/21/20
Rick Warren and neoevangelical leaders are working on "advancing" a global kingdom for Christ and are aggressively and rapidly moving forward in the arenas of philanthropy. Philanthropy has historically been a useful vehicle to transform societies, leveraging change via funding mechanisms and machinations of social change. The apostles and prophets of the New Apostolic Reformation have been predicting a great outpouring of wealth to assist them in their kingdom-building endeavors. This report on the two Aspen seminars sheds considerable light on how neoevangelical leaders are being groomed to fit into the international global order scheme.

(80) Rick Warren And The Dialectic by Slice of Laodicea, 8/18/06
I listened to the interview with Rick Warren on the Charlie Rose show and in many ways it was very disturbing. He will say some things that are true, but then he will turn around and make other pluralistic, liberally inclusive statements that are very contradictory. It's as if he is trying to be all things to all men, while missing what must be his primary focus.

(81) Can Rick Warren Change The World? by Sandy Simpson, 8/21/06
With the recent rash (and I use that word physically) of Rick Warren appearances all over the TV networks, touted as the man who is going to save the planet, I have finally reached my maximum saturation point. I just want to address one statement that Warren made on Fox, though I could go into his appearnaces and what he taught in ultimate detail as I have in the past. But this one statement is more than enough to illustrate that Rick Warren is trying to change the world thought his use of diaprax and his INCREDIBLE lack of discernment.

Excellent eBook! (82) In the Name Of Purpose - Sacrificing Truth On The Altar Of Unity by Tamara Hartzell, 8/06
This is an online book. It is about Rick Warren and his message of purpose which is "neutralizing Christinity". You can also download the entier book in PDF format here.

(83) Why Has Fox News Interviewed Rick Warren So Much Lately? by Lighthouse Trails Research, 8/06
Over the last several days, Fox News has highlighted Rick Warren on news articles and in television interviews. It was looking like a Rick Warren Week at Fox News. On August 11th, Fox headlines read, "Can Rick Warren Save the World?" A few days later another article read, Can Rick Warren Change the World? On August 17th, Fox's Bill O Reilly interviewed Warren. To wrap up the week, Fox did a special presentation Sunday evening with Warren, discussing his global peace plan. Calling him an "evangelical superstar" and an "inspiring figure" Fox brought Rick Warren and the Purpose Driven Life to the world's living room. No longer is Purpose Driven Life a program just for churches and Christians - with the help of Fox News, it is becoming a program for secular and religious alike. Why has Fox News taken such a positive, supportive interest in Rick Warren and his book, The Purpose Driven Life? Is it possible it has something to do with the fact that Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, the owner of Fox News, is also the owner of HarperCollins/Zondervan, which is Warren's publisher? In a 2004 News Corporation Earnings Report, HarperCollins experienced a 57% increase in revenues largely due to "unprecedented sales of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren."

(84) To be (a Fundamentalist) or not to be? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 8/24/06
Rick Warren's beliefs from Saddleback ... are the essentials upheld or are they diminished? You decide.

(85) The Generic Global "PEACE" Plan: Part 1 by Herescope, 8/31/06
In his 2002 book Reinventing Jesus Christ: The New Gospel Warren Smith warned evangelicals that the New Age leaders had come out with a global "peace" plan after the September 11th crisis. This is a theme which Smith further developed in his 2004 book Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church, where he examined Rick Warren's global P.E.A.C.E. Plan, and expressed concern about its overlapping similarities to the New Age "peace" plan.

(86) The Generic Global "PEACE" Plan: Part 2: World Servers by Herescope, 9/2/06
The Luciferian Theosophists also have a Plan for World PEACE. This is generically referred to as "the Plan" in their writings. "The Plan" is to be implemented by people designated as "World Servers, as described in the quotation above (and other material on that webpage).

(87) A Popular Strategy For Church Growth Splits Congregants - Across U.S., Members Divide On Making Sermons, Music More 'Purpose-Driven', No More 'Wrath of God'? By SUZANNE SATALINE, Wall Street Journal, September 5, 2006; Page A1
(DITC Note: Here is proof that Rick Warren is a divisive one, a "heretic". I can confirm the Wall Street Journal's findings as they concur with many emails we are getting about church splits and Christians leaving churches because they had to sign a covenant to obey the "purpose-driven" agenda.) In April, 150 members of Iuka Baptist Church voted to kick Charles Jones off the deacons' board. The punishment followed weeks of complaints by Mr. Jones and his friends that the pastor was following the teachings of the Rev. Rick Warren, the best-selling author and church-growth guru. After the vote, about 40 other members quit the church to support Mr. Jones.

(88) Wall Street Journal on Purpose Driven Resisters Tells Just Part of the Story by Lighthouse Trails Research, 9/6/06
Tuesday's Wall Street Journal article, "Veneration Gap - A Popular Strategy For Church Growth Splits Congregants," written by WSJ reporter Suzanne Sataline, was based on interviews that Ms. Sataline had with many people, including an editor at Lighthouse Trails and several of the researchers we know. The interviews extended over many weeks and equaled hours worth of discussion. Ms. Sataline also interviewed former members of churches that had become Purpose Driven, and for that reason those members were no longer at those churches. While Ms. Sataline's effort to tell the story of how so many churches are in disarray because of the Purpose Driven movement is commendable, the article is lacking in that it left out some vital factors in understanding the seriousness of what is taking place in churches throughout North America.

(89) Human Purpose Is Driving God Away by Ken Silva, 7/12/06
And so the sad, but absolute Truth comes emerging to the followers of Jesus as we finally admit it: We are currently living among a people lost in the throes of apostasy because the purpose too many professing Christians have looked to for their breakthrough to Kingdom living is driving God away. Will He return? We must be honest, on this present course of cross-less Christianity, no. Look back through history yourself. Has there ever been a time where the Lord blessed mankind when we decided to build our “Tower of Babel,” whatever it might have been at a given time, and decided that we could approach our Creator on own terms? If there isn’t a full scale repentance from this love of self soon within the American Christian Church then rest assured that as you listen to the rain fall one rainy day you will actually be hearing the very tears of God.

(90) Self-centeredness & the Generic "PEACE" Plan by Herescope, Discernment Research Group, 9/07/2006
The Scriptures make it clear that "self-centeredness" is not the root of man's problem. Nor can global "peace" activities eradicate this problem. Man's basic problem is simply and concisely stated: SIN. "For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God." (Romans 3:23) The only remedy for this is Jesus Christ, which is expounded upon in subsequent verses in the book of Romans. And "peace" is personal -- not global -- as some would have us believe. It is only obtained in one manner: "Therefore being Justified by Faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom we also have access by Faith into this Grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the Glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)

(91) A Popular Strategy For Church Growth Splits Congregants by Suzanne Sataline, 9/06
IUKA, Miss. -- In April, 150 members of Iuka Baptist Church voted to kick Charles Jones off the deacons' board. The punishment followed weeks of complaints by Mr. Jones and his friends that the pastor was following the teachings of the Rev. Rick Warren, the best-selling author and church-growth guru. After the vote, about 40 other members quit the church to support Mr. Jones.

(92) Seducing Spirits: Psychology and the Doctrines of Devils by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call Newsletter, October 2006
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” —1 Timothy 4:1 In my two previous TBC articles this year (Mar and Apr ’06), I addressed the destructive influence psychological counseling is having on the evangelical church. Simply put, the church has turned from God’s Word to man’s bankrupt theories in attempting to resolve mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. The greater part of the church no longer believes what the Scriptures proclaim: that God, in His Word, has given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). The results, sadly, are what one might expect: there is often little statistical difference between those who profess to be Christians and those who do not, regarding the number of divorces, the reliance upon psychological counseling theories and methods, living together outside of marriage, illegitimate childbirths, pornography, sexual and physical abuse, and so forth.

(93) Rick Warren - Is He Scary? by Discernment Research Group, 10/30/2006
The quote above comes from the left of the spectrum. Now why would Rick Warren be scary to them? Maybe for the same reasons he is scary to us. Did you know that these things were part of the Global P.E.A.C.E. Plan?

(94) Purpose-Driven Cows & DNA by Discernment Research Group, 10/27/2006
Fact is sometimes stranger than fiction. The other day this article popped up on the Internet: "Cattle Update: The Purpose-Driven Herd by Steve Suther

(95) Peace Plans? Rick Warren's Or Christ's? by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Minsitries, 11/06
It is therefore no coincidence that to entertain the alternative Rick Warren peace plan, we must first reject the one of Christ.

(96) Rick Warren's Peace Plan compiled Prof. Johan Malan, Middelburg, South Africa (Oct. 2006), Bible Guidance
This article contains a short summary of James Sundquist’s book, Rick Warren’s PEACE Plan versus Scriptural Teachings on Peace (published in 2006 by Rock Salt Publishing; printed book version published by Bible Belt Publishing, Southwest Radio Church). The entire text of the book can be read by opening this link. The author kindly gave permission for the posting of this summary, which was compiled by Prof. Johan Malan of www.bibleguidance.co.za in South Africa.

(97) The purpose-driven lie by Joseph Farrah, WorldNet Daily, Posted: November 16, 2006
Rick Warren wrote to me this morning to protest this column. He claims he didn't say anything he was actually quoted as saying by the official press in Syria. However, in a video posted on YouTube but removed today, he says Syria "does not allow extremism of any kind." In fact, Syria is, in many ways, the No. 1 sponsor of terrorism in the world. For a long time I've held off criticizing mega-church leader Rick Warren, author of the best-selling "The Purpose Driven Life," even though I have been sorely tempted.

(98) Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Worship Conference Rap on YouTube, 11/15/06
Rick Warren August, 2006, Purpose Driven Worship Conference Rap Video, welcoming the conference in a demonic, mocking rap spoofing "being filled with the Spirit". The rap includes a demeaning tone, demonic grimaces, vulgar dancing and shaking the behind at the Camera while saying "walls of Jericho, drop your booty"?. The rap is titled: "Filled With The Spirit". (From an email to Jackie Alnor)

(99) Why is Obama's evil in Rick Warren's pulpit? by Kevin McCollough, WoldNet Daily, November 17, 2006
Rick Warren, the best selling author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and senior teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in California, has invited Sen. Barack Obama to speak to the congregation of the faithful on Dec. 1, 2006. In doing so, he has joined himself with one of the smoothest politicians of our times, and also one whose wickedness in worldview contradicts nearly every tenet of the Christian faith that Warren professes. So the question is "why?"

(100) Rick Warren disciples: Where are you? by Joseph Farrah, Between The Lines, WorldNet Daily, 11/21/06
I thought for sure I would hear from these millions of well-educated, well-informed, biblically astute purpose-driven disciples. It has been six days. God created the whole universe in that amount of time. And, so far, I haven't heard one cogent argument, apologia or rationalization for Warren's actions by any of his flock. Hear the audio from the video that was removed from YouTube on what Warren said in Syria here.

(101) Megapastor Rick Warren's Damascus Road experience by Joseph Farrah, Between The Lines, WorldNet Daily, 11/20/06
WASHINGTON – Rick Warren, the superstar mega-church pastor and bestselling author of ''The Purpose Driven Life,'' had a Damascus Road experience last week – and like Saul of Tarsus, one of the after-effects appears to be blindness.
Warren went to Syria and could find no persecution of Christians. He could find no persecution of Jews. He could find no evidence of extremism. He could find no evidence of the sponsorship of terrorism.

(102) Where Rick Warren's Disciples Are - Some Possible Answers to Joseph Farah's Quest by Herescope, 11/21/06
If you haven't been following the series of events unfolding on WorldNetDaily go over to these articles and read up on what Rick Warren has been doing. He took a trip to Syria on a global "P.E.A.C.E." mission and got caught in the act of finding common ground. Here are the stories…Story 1, Story 2, Story 3, Story 4.

(103) New Age Leader, Marianne Williamson, Comes to Rick Warren's Defense - "Meditation" is Common Ground by Lighthouse Trails Research, 11/22/06
Tuesday, in an article in the Detroit News, something happened that doesn't happen every day. In fact, it may never have happened before. The headline read, "Faith leaders deserve a shot at creating peace on earth." The author of the article was defending Rick Warren - well that's not too unusual - many Christian leaders, pastors and teachers have done that consistently these past four years. That would hardly be newsworthy. But this article was written by someone who does not defend conservative Christians. On the contrary, she stands for beliefs that are opposed to biblical Christianity. Her name is Marianne Williamson.

(104) Calling Rick Warren by Joseph Farrah, Between The Lines, WorldNet Daily, 11/22/06
Rick Warren just toured Syria last week where he announced that terrorist haven, that police state, that bastion of hate, anti-Christian persecution and anti-Semitism is really not so bad. In fact, he said in a videotape released by his own church, then subsequently withdrawn from YouTube, that Syria does not countenance "extremism" and is worthy of praise for its protection of Christians and Jews. I know I have dealt with all of these issues in recent days already. But, today, in light of what transpired in Lebanon yesterday, I am calling on Rick Warren to repent for what he said and to condemn Syria now.

(105) Rick Warren "Explains" Himself by Sandy Simpson, 11/25/06
It is forutnate when people like Rick Warren try to "explain" their actions and words. It gives us a very clear glimpse into their character.

(106) When A Megapastor Denies Christ by Ingrid Schlueter, 11/06

If Rick Warren loved those souls to which he spoke, if he had a view of hell as described by Scripture, where these lost souls will forever suffer if they reject the Son of God, if he truly loved that Savior who hung bleeding and naked on an old rugged cross to pay for our sins, how could he fail to share that message?

(107) Obama at Saddleback: The New Politics by Herescope, 11/28/06
Rick Warren was apparently quite unhappy with last week's press, some details of which are recorded in the previous Herescope post, about his recent foray into Syria as an American pastoral diplomat. For the first time he responded to criticism directly by issuing a statement to his Saddleback Family entitled MESSAGE THIS WEEKEND! that put forward the best "spin" on his recent controversial activities. Rebutting the accuracy of Warren's statements was WorldNetDaily: "Rick Warren on Syria: 'A moderate country,' 11/26/06, and Sandy Simpson of Deception in the Church, "Rick Warren 'Explains' Himself," 11/25/06.

(108) Purpose-Driven Deception on a Global Scale by Berit Kjos, Kjos Ministries, 11/29/06
"...if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." Galatians 1:9-10

(109) Mr. Warren ... Excuses, Excuses by Lighthouse Trails Research, 11/17/06
While Rick Warren is making all the excuses in the world why it was ok for him to go to Syria, he is leaving out one important and often neglected element ... Israel. What about Israel? In the video clip by YouTube.com (which was quickly removed as Rick Warren became aware that "bloggers"* were criticizing him for his trip to Syria and alleged comments he made while there), Warren said that Christians and Muslims live peacefully together in Syria. He added, and I quote: "The official government role [in Syria] and position is to not allow any extremism of any kind." But what about Syria's extremism against Israel? Nor did Warren mention any co-existence between Muslims and Jews in Syria. And he did not mention Syria's hostility towards Israel and threats, that if ever carried out, Israel would be no more.

(110) What Rick Warren Wants by Paul Proctor, 12/1/06
You see, the good reverend wasn't the least bit concerned that he had sided with an evil dictator and advanced the lies and agenda of a terrorist nation. All that apparently troubled him was that his Relationship with World Net Daily's editor was not producing satisfactory Results; and after failing to fool his latest critic with bogus denials that only made him look worse, he decided it was time to reach for the artificial sweetener to try and get the bad taste out of everyone's mouth. Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners have a sickening aftertaste all their own - so needless to say, the Relationship continued to sour.

(111) Apprising Ministries: Statement on Global Summit on AIDS hosted by Rick Warren by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 12/4/06
The Lord in His providence saw fit for me to be included in a statement protesting “The Global Summit on AIDS & the Church” at Saddleback Church that Rick Warren hosted in conjunction with World Aids Day December 1.

(112) Statement Regarding The Global Summit on AIDS at Saddleback by Sandy Simpson, 12/06/06
This is just my brief statement on the Summit held by Rick Warren at his Saddleback church.

(113) Rick Warren Interview: Campaigning for His New "Reformation" by Lighthouse Trails Research, 12/09/06
Over 400,000 churches have done the Purpose Driven program. Isn't it time for born-again pastors who were fooled into thinking Purpose Driven was biblical Christianity to step forward and speak up? Rick Warren's new reformation is a dangerous trap of deception, and this global P.E.A.C.E. plan is a pied-piper that is going to lead a lot of people over the cliff.

(114) Rick Warren, Syria, & The Sorko Rams by James Jacob Prasch, 12/12/06
Given his propensity to twist the Word of God out of context and his urging of Christians to avoid ‘End Times Prophecy’ by an unbelievable butchering of a biblical text, we are not surprised by Rick Warren’s latest adventures in singing the praises of Terrorist Hizbollah’s Syrian sponsors, and doing so the very week that Lebanese Christian leader Pierre Jemayliel was assassinated by Syrian backed interests.

(115) Rick Warren is Rupert Murdoch's Pastor?!?! by Slice of Laodicea, 12/14/06
In this Pastors.com article Rick Warren says that he is Rupert Murdoch's pastor. This bit of news has got me wanting to ask some questions of Pastor Warren. Rick, when you did the S.H.A.P.E. assesment on Rupert did it say that he had the spiritual gift of pornographer? Pastor Warren, have you gotten around to telling Rupert about sin and its consequences or are we to assume that Rupert is already living his purpose and publishing porn is just part of it?

(116) Rick Warren continues to deceive by Joseph Farah, WorldNet Daily, December 15, 2006
I'm ready to let go of the Rick Warren-in-Syria controversy – just as soon as Rick Warren stops deceiving people about what he did and said in that anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, totalitarian police state last month.

(117) Rick Warren Sermon Review by Slice of Laodicea, 12/16/06
If you visit Rick Warren's site Pastors.com website you'll find a video of Warren's November 26th sermon entitled "Why We Do What We Do: Living With Conviction". This is the sermon that Warren preached the Sunday before Barack Obama spoke at Saddleback Church. This sermon is supposed to be THE definitive response to all of Warren's critics, especially those who post here at Slice. The Rev. Todd Wilken reviewed this sermon on his radio show Issues Etc. sh