01: Rev. Rick Warren made a name for himself through his burgeoning megachurch Saddle Back Community Church in California, and his writings and seminars on church growth.
But the Southern Baptist pastor is now broadening his appeal to American evangelicals. His latest book, “The Purpose-Driven Life,” is a bestseller, with 4.5 million copies sold so far. By 2004, about 2 million people will have joined in one of Warren’s “40 Days of Purpose,” evangelism campaigns, in which readers commit to read one of his book’s 40 chapters a day and participate in a committed program of worship, study, fellowship and service. In contrast to the popular evangelical self-help manuals, Warren’s work is filled with practical lists and exhortations.
His campaign will reach nearly one million people through more than 2,600 churches in October.
(Source: USA Today, July 21)