Directory of Contemporary Worship Musicians - Way of Life Literature

Many independent Baptist churches are being influencedby Warren’s teaching. For example, Warren conducted aPurpose Driven Super-Conference in October 2003 at JerryFalwell’s Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia (Falwellaffiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and theBaptist Bible Fellowship). Simultaneously, Warren’s 40 Daysof Purpose campaign was shown by telecast in more than4,000 churches, including independent Baptist.Bruce Ryskamp, president of Zondervan, said, “e PurposeDriven Life is more than a bestseller; it’s become amovement.” Richard Bennett observed that “the movement isbecoming a global empire.”Over 12,000 churches from all 50 states in America and 19countries have participated in Warren’s 40 Days of Purpose,which is drawn from the book. Over 60,000 pastors subscribeto Rick Warren’s Ministry Toolbox. He has provided materialsand teaching to Christians in more than 117 countries on allseven continents.Rick Warren has been called “America’s pastor,” and it is forgood reason. He is so shallow in his teaching, so positive inhis approach, so slighting of repentance, so vague in hisdefinition of the gospel, so neglecting of unpopular doctrinessuch as hell and judgment and repentance, so tolerant ofheresies, so enthusiastic of rock music, so so-spoken on thatnasty subject of worldliness, that apostate America can’t helpbut love him.All of these characteristics are reflected in Warren’s bestsellingbooks e Purpose Driven Church and e PurposeDrive Life.Extremely Shallow GospelIn e Purpose Driven Life, chapter 7, “e Reason forEverything,” Warren explains to his readers how they canbecome a Christian.“If you are not sure you have done this, all you need to do isreceive and believe. ... First, believe. Believe God loves you and281