Steve Fee played the song “We Shine” and man that was awesome. Then Francis Chin came and brought an awesome talk about laying it out on the line. He took off some time from his church and came back and told the church he wasn’t going to build a 60 million dollar building. He instead wants to have an outdoor worship area and this has led to people leaving. But he feels this is what God has called him to be.
We got in the Guinness World Book of Records again, this time for the most people blowing bubbles and throwing Frisbees at the same time.
Rick Warren capped off the evening. I’m sure just because I posted his name I will get traffic from those Rick Warren haters. This is the 2nd time I have heard him speak live. The last time was at Saddleback when I went to the Purpose Driven Church conference. I don’t understand why there are so many Rick Warren haters. Tonight he talked about how if we really loved God then we would help those who are helpless.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow because Craig Groeschel from Lifechurch. I met Bobby and Steven from Lifechurch today and I love their ministry.
Filed under: conference
Kevin,
I echo your thoughts on Catalyst. The whole trip would have been worth it just to hear Andy Stanley’s message. Frances Chan was unbelievable. The thing that struck Sweetie Pie and I so much about him was the transparency. He was completely authentic, something I have struggled with knowing how to do in my ministry.
I think Rick Warren was great. I was a little nervous about what he might say about environmental issues but his 5 “Global Giants” were right on track. I could have let him talk another hour.
In regards to the music and media experiences Sweetie and I were like country bumpkins gone to the big city. It was too great to explain. Steve Fee was so great I even bought a CD. That is something since I am a cheapskate and I am morally opposed to those evil plastic tape thingies that make you almost have to break the case to get the prize out!
Believe it or not we decided to come to Catalyst largely because of your testimony from last year. I started looking in to it and we decided to make the trip. I praise God for it! Thanks for turning us on to this great experience.
Chuck,
Great! It was awesome to meet you too.
Re Rick haters … I don’t think its that they hate brother Warren but rather that they are deeply concerned by the company he keeps. At least in my church that is true.
I’m not in the least bit worried about Rick’s relationship with God, but I fear his recent emphasis on a horizontal-social message as opposed to his former vertical-supernatural message may impact the walk of many “seekers.” I think it justifies examination, not condemnation.
JG,
That kind of thinking makes no sense to me. Paul says in Phil 1 that as long as the Gospel is preached he rejoiced. I’m tired of this kind of thinking because it is unbiblical
Kevin,
I am one of those guys who is not keen on some of Warren’s methodology, but despite my minor differences with him I love the guy. I think he has a balance to his overall ministry that is lacking among many Southern Baptists and other evangelicals. I am thankful for Rick Warren, and I hope the Lord continues to provide him with a significant platform to represent Christ to the culture.
NAF
In my personal opinion, the “Rick haters” are that way because he steps on toes. The recent ministries that he and his wife have undertaken with HIV/AIDS patients in Southern California have ruffled feathers. What makes me shake my head is that many of the groups Rick and company advocate ministering to are the exact people Jesus would focus on were He walking the earth today. Over and over in Scripture, Jesus was meeting people’s needs BEFORE He presented the Gospel to them. He fed, healed and restored and then he shared His message. Too many times these days, we reverse that pattern and then wonder why people are “turned off” by Christians.
Nathan and Angie,
Thanks for your insights that’s how I feel. I’m not a Purpose Driven guy but I recognize that God has used the man. He has given back everything his church ever paid him and now is reverse tithing. I can’t say that and I’ll bet not one of the people who bash him do.
I’m not sure either why so many seem to hate Rick Warren or his Purpose-Driven stuff. To see what has happened out there at Saddleback since 1980 is miraculous whether you like him or not. His books are very helpful whether you agree with everything he writes or not. There may be some jealousy in there towards him. And it may be a reaction to a perceived “arrogance” in Rick’s earlier days. And it may be that in human terms, Warren has not experienced “failure” in terms of starting churches and thus can come across as one who is not in touch with the majority of pastors who struggle to see their churches grow. In other words, everything he has touched has turned to gold.
I admire his position as one whose church is a part of the S. Baptist Convention. He focuses on the main stuff, not the SBC stuff. His tent is wide enough to embrace all believers. That may be another reason so many dislike him.