Rick Warren

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American minister, founder and pastor of the Saddleback Church in 1980 and author of several books, including "The Purpose-Driven Life." A beefy-looking conservative evangelical preacher following in the Southern Baptist tradition, Warren is considered the most influential theologian in the US and perhaps worldwide. He wielded his influence to host a televised interview on August 16, 2008 with each of the two candidates for US President, John McCain and Barack Obama, in late 2008. Warren also gave the opening prayer at the inauguration ceremonies of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 amidst much controversy over his conservative and outspoken views on gays an anti-abortion stance. As Saddleback Church grew exponentially, Warren began a coalition of churches that he called "purpose-driven" in 1995. That year he published his book entitled "The Purpose-Driven Church." The idea took hold and he expanded his "purpose-driven" message to individuals, publishing a"The Purpose-Driven Life" in 2002. The book has sold well over 25 million copies, attaining a sales figure that few other books have reached. Warren became a household name when Oprah Winfrey hosted him on her popular daytime TV show after a kidnap victim was freed by her captor, a convicted rapist and murderer because of Warren's book. Evidently, the victim read the perpetrator the book during her siege, convincing him that God loved him and he had purpose. In 2003 he realized that his message was not reaching the poor, the ill, or the uneducated. He established an initiative to combat AIDS/HIV in Africa and devised his "PEACE Plan" whereby Christian churches all over the world would provide complete services to their ministery: health care, literacy, training, economic development and of course spiritual guidance. PEACE is an acronym for "promote reconciliation; equip servant leaders; assist the poor; care for the sick; educate the next generation." The son of a minister dad and teacher mom, Warren earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California Baptist College, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. When he left school, he began a bible study group that became the foundation of the Saddleback Church. One of the reasons for its success is Warren focused on real-life issues like child-rearing, relationships, marriage and divorce. He and his wife Kay who assists him in his ministery have three children. They report that they donate much of their income to their charitable foundations. Link to Wikipedia biography