Rick Warren To Host 57 Easter Services In Hopes of Reaching 50,000
Rick Warren hopes to reach 50,000 people this Easter by hosting 57 Easter services to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Warren serves as the pastor to Southern California-based Saddleback Church and he wants to deliver the message during its multi-campus Easter weekend.
The first sermon was delivered in person at the main Lake Forest campus this week, reports The Christian Post.
After that, the message will be broadcasted to all other locations, including the international campuses in Berlin, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires and South Manila.
The service will also be available for viewing online.
Easter is a particularly meaningful time of the year for Warren and his family, as his son Matthew committed suicide five days after Easter in 2013.
Easter represents a time of "hope, joy and victory," for all who have endured suffering, Warren said in an online message.
"Do you ever find yourself discouraged, or depressed, or defeated or maybe even devastated by the circumstances in your life? If so, let me take 90 seconds to encourage you about the pathway, the hope, the change, and the transformation that I've found in the Easter story of the Resurrection of Jesus," he said.
Warren also invited viewers to come to one of his Saddleback campuses.
"When you come to Saddleback you'll find a welcome hand, a warm greeting and smile, unconditional love no matter who you are, and the message of God's mercy," Warren said. "That's going to strengthen you, it's going to encourage you, and it's going to transform your life," he added.
Many of the Saddleback's campuses will offer family activities in addition to the service.
One of the services held at the Lake Forest location will include a gathering outside so members can watch the "sunrise outdoors on Easter morning as you enjoy music and an inspiring message."
Other California campuses will hold an Easter Egg hunt after service and offer carnival-type activities to congregants.
Attendees will also be invited to give their lives to Christ during the service and baptism will be held.
