EPITAPH
FOR RICK WARREN

Topics: Character; Compassion; Endurance; Leadership; Legacy

References: Deuteronomy 15:7–8; Proverbs 21:13; Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:31–46; Galatians 2:10; James 1:26–27; 1 John 3:16–18

In August 2006, Fox News featured a television special titled “Can Rick Warren Change the World?” Throughout the show, reporters interviewed Warren about his bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life, his ministry at Saddleback Church, and his leadership in the church growth movement.

They also spotlighted his attempts to move beyond the boundaries of this country with a global network of churches to revolutionize the way we tackle what he believes are the five biggest problems facing the world today: poverty, disease, illiteracy, spiritual emptiness, and egocentric leadership.

As the interview progressed, a nagging question seemed to taint the ambitious pastor’s hopes and plans: Can it really work? Can one man—or one church, or one network, or one nation—really heal all of the hurts of the world?

Warren did not shy away from questions. At the end of the interview, he offered four words to be written on his tombstone: “At least he tried.”

—“Can Rick Warren Change the World?” FoxNews.com (August 20, 2006)