Biography of Rick Warren
Rick Warren Biography
Rick Warren Biography – Rick Warren is an American evangelical pastor and excellent author. He was born on January 28, 1955, and he is the founder of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.
Early Life
He was born to the family of Jimmy and Dot Warren in San Jose, California. Rick’s father was a Baptist preacher and his mother was a librarian at a high school. Being raised in Ukiah, Rick went to Ukiah High School and graduated in 1972. It was at the school he founded the first Christian club on the campus.
He obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the California Baptist University, Riverside, California. Thereafter, he went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to obtain a Master of Divinity in 1979. Rick didn’t stop at that, he also obtained a Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Ministry
He affirmed he was called into the ministry when he was at the age of nineteen (19) – a student at California Baptist University. One notable experience happened in November 1973. He and a friend missed classes to attend the W. A. Criswell program in San Francisco 350 miles from his school. After the event, he waited for a handshake with Criswell. When Criswell full of the Spirit stated “I feel led to lay hands on you and pray for you!”.
He worked at the Texas Ranch for Christ during his time at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and he began writing books during this season. He co-authored two books with Hanks and Wayne Watts; The Victory Scripture Memory Series and Twelve Dynamic Bible Study Methods for Laity.
Rick started a Bible study group with a group of seven and his wife in January 1980 at the Saddleback Valley condo in Orange County, California. He held the church’s first public service in April 1980 at the Laguna Hills High School Theatre with close to 200 people in attendance. The growth of the church is a rapid one. They average close to 20,00 people in attendance every week.
He is also an excellent speaker and he has received invitations to speak at national and international events including the UN, the World Economic Forum, the African Union, and many others.
Rick Warren has been involved in national affairs because of the voice God has given him. In December 2008, President-elect Obama asked him to give invocation at his inauguration. In 2010, he was also chosen to lead a prayer at the inauguration of the President of Rwanda.
He retired as the senior pastor of Saddleback Church in June 2021 and waited until a successor was chosen. He stepped down as lead pastor in August 2022.
Rick was appointed as the first honourary chancellor of Spurgeon’s College in May 2023.
Books
He has authored several books and they are not limited to the following:
- The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life
- The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message And Mission
- The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?
- Answers to Life’s Difficult Questions
- The Power to Change Your Life
- What on Earth Am I Here For? Booklet
- Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods
- The Purpose of Christmas
- Words To Love By
- God’s Great Love for You
- God’s Big Plans for Me
- The Lord’s Prayer
- The Purpose Driven Life: 100 Illustrated Devotions for Children
Relationship & Marital Status
He got married to Kay Warren on June 21, 1975. The couple have three children and four grandchildren. Billy Graham, Peter Drucker, and his biological father as his mentors.
