If you look at what he has posted, you’ll see that within classes and small groups there is probably a lot of emphasis on scripture. I say probably because it’s not certain, but there is no need to criticize and condemn a Brother in Christ merely because the Spirit has led him in ways that are different than ours.
The others may be rooted in scripture, in essence being scripture applied.
I think Warren’s emphasis on progression in faith (in his classes) is also sound, though I would question the order and specific content of them. Is ministry only for the ‘hyper mature’, or is it the life blood at the centre of a follower of Christ?
References to:
New Testament - 1
Scripture (the word) - 1
Christ - 2
Biblical (the word) - 1
However, there are many references to the growth of his church. He wants the big minnows! Not the little ones! etc.
I have a PDL book at home that I bought years ago. After the first chapter I quit reading. As a non-practicing Catholic with a serious fundamentalist bent, I find the “feel good” churches a little off-putting.
This isn’t really a rebuttal to your post, merely an observation I made as I was reading. I read the Religion forum every day, but never post on it.
Oh yes. The Message. I forgot.
The church's primary "purpose" is to preach the word, in season and out. that's it. The rest of his so-called 'purposes' will come from that, because that's what the Word, rightly handled, does.
Focusing on polishing the cart will not put a horse in front of it.
I don’t think the man is a monster, like many here. He has a different way of presenting things than most but who can say with any real knowledge that God’s not in it? I like to hear more people preach on sin and hell myself and don’t even hear it much in my own church since the senior pastor retired, but I know the basics. Once you know the basics, you need to move on into ministry and using the gifts God has given you. Lots of churches do NOT provide that. I’m not saying I agree with everything Rick Warren espouses, but I don’t agree with a LOT of things that go on in church, work, FR, anywhere. That’s my right, I guess.