Rick Warren
Saddleback elders say no ‘pattern of abuse’ found in investigation of new pastor
By Bob Smietana — July 13, 2022
(RNS) — Saddleback’s elders mentioned there had been conflict at the church previously run by their new pastor but said ‘disappointment and hurt are not the same as abuse.’
At annual meeting, Southern Baptists draw the line
By Jacob Lupfer — June 17, 2022
(RNS) — The SBC has to decide for itself whether it will be smaller and purer or bigger and more accepting.
Saddleback remains Southern Baptist for now, after surprise appeal by Rick Warren
By Bob Smietana — June 14, 2022
ANAHEIM, Calif. (RNS) — Saddleback had been reported to SBC’s credentials committee after the megachurch ordained three women pastors. But the committee has not yet decided how to vote after feedback from local church messengers and confusion over what the word ‘pastor’ means.
Saddleback Church backs Rick Warren successor despite allegations
By Bob Smietana — June 12, 2022
(RNS) — Questions have been raised about the leadership style of Andy Wood, pastor of Echo Church in San Francisco, days after he was announced as Warren's successor.
Saddleback pastor Rick Warren to retire in September, names Andy Wood as his successor
By Bob Smietana — June 2, 2022
(RNS) — Warren's retirement will mark the end of a remarkable tenure as pastor.
CDC researcher Susan Hillis on how people of faith can support COVID orphans
By Emily McFarlan Miller — July 30, 2021
(RNS) — 'Faith communities are really good at doing this, walking with people through adversity until they get out the other side,' she said.
Saddleback Church’s ordination of women pastors to be considered by SBC committee
By Adelle M. Banks — June 16, 2021
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — ‘At the very least, I am asking that the validity of this matter be looked into,’ said a pastor at the Southern Baptists’ annual meeting.
A guide to what’s at stake at the Southern Baptist Convention’s historic annual meeting
By Paul O'Donnell — June 15, 2021
(RNS) — A one-stop update on what will be decided in Nashville, and how the Southern Baptists arrived at their crossroads on race, gender and sexual abuse.
Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren signals retirement with search for successor
By Alejandra Molina — June 7, 2021
(RNS) — 'For more than 40 years Kay and I have known that this time, this day would eventually arrive, and we’ve been waiting on God's perfect timing,' Warren said.
How women in the Southern Baptist Convention have fought for decades to be ordained
By Susan M. Shaw — June 3, 2021
(The Conversation) — Southern Baptists are calling for an investigation into the ordination of three women. A scholar explains why this continues to be a fraught issue, even though 2,500 women have been ordained to date.
The debate over women pastors is a Southern Baptist smoke screen
By Laura Levens — May 14, 2021
(RNS) — The fiery arguments distract from constructive conversations about entrenched racism, Christian nationalism and sexual abuse.
You’re right, Al Mohler, a downpour is coming
By Beth Allison Barr — May 13, 2021
(RNS) — In terms of the SBC stance on women preaching, a storm is indeed coming — just not from the direction Mohler thinks.
Saddleback ordains 3 women, leading to another Mother’s Day dust-up over women pastors
By Bob Smietana — May 10, 2021
(RNS) — The two largest churches in the Southern Baptist Convention featured women preachers on Mother's Day, despite the convention's ban on women pastors.
Rick Warren pays tribute to Celebrate Recovery co-founder John Baker
By Bob Smietana — February 26, 2021
(RNS) — The megachurch pastor said his longtime friend had impacted the lives of millions of people.
John Baker, founder of the Christian support group Celebrate Recovery, has died
By Bob Smietana — February 24, 2021
(RNS) — Baker started the Christian 12-step group to bridge the gap between churches and 12-step groups.
