“Well as you know, today is my last message to you as your senior pastor for 43 years,” he said. “It’s been my privilege to love you, pray for you, serve you, encourage you, stand by you…” These words, however, ring hollow as a church that boasts nearly 24 thousand members, it’s unlikely that more than a tiny fraction has ever spoken a word face to face with the man they call their shepherd. — The Dissenter
(Ray Fava – Evangelical Dark Web) On Sunday, Rick Warren would preach his last sermon as senior pastor of Saddleback Church, concluding an era of church growth pragmatism. Earlier this year, it was announced that Andy Wood would take Warren’s place. The rather tumultuous transition process including multiple allegations against Wood and criticism over him interviewing Mark Driscoll is finally over. Continue reading