Rick Warren Celebrates Purpose Driven's 2nd Anniversary with Tour

By Katherine T. Phan

The author of The Purpose Driven Life will celebrate the book’s two-year anniversary by going on a 12-day tour in which will he speak to different groups he calls “cultural changers.”

Rick Warren, founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America’s largest and best-known churches, wrote the book that has been sold to millions of people and become the bestselling hardback non-fiction book in history, according to Zondervan, the book’s publisher.

“No one is more amazed that I am that this book has been so widely received and continues to sell,” said Warren. “It’s both astonishing and humbling.”

Not long after the book published, Warren initiated a 40-day purpose program which has been completed by 20,000 churches. A new batch of 10,000 churches will participate in the next program which kicks off Thursday, the same day Warren begins his 16-event Purpose Driven Celebration Tour, Sept. 17-25.

Described by TIME Magazine to be one of “America’s most influential ministers,” Warren will speak about “the renewal of purpose happening in America - the grassroots spiritual awakening that has been reported in dozens of national newspapers.”

His message will be heard by a members of the media & entertainment, military and government personnel, business leaders, philanthropists, psychologists, university students, mothers

“I believe that we are possibly on the verge of a New Reformation in Christianity and another Great Awakening in our nation,” said Warren. “The signs are everywhere, including the popularity of this book.”

In the middle of the tour, Warren will take out time to appear on NBC’s Today Show on Sept. 20 to discuss the growing purpose driven movement and will also be featured in an upcoming edition of NBC’s Dateline.

The Purpose Driven Celebration Tour Schedule and events:

Sept 17 - Washington, D.C. (The Pentagon, and multiple events)

Sept 18 - Orlando. (National Convention of Counselors)

Sept 19 - West Point, NY. (U.S. Military Academy)

Sept 19-21 - New York City. (Multiple events including an appearance on NBC’s Today Show)

Sept 22 – Atlanta. (Multiple events)

Sept 23 – Chattanooga. (Kick off City-wide 40 Days of Purpose)

Sept 24-25 –Nashville. (Mothers of Preschool National Convention - with the release of three children’s Purpose Driven books.)

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo