Rick Warren to Join Together for the Gospel

LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA

In news that is both shocking and rocking the evangelical world, Rick Warren announced this weekend that he is now a Calvinist and is joining up with the ranks of C.J. Mahaney, Al Mohler, Mark Dever and Ligon Duncan to support Together for the Gospel.

Warren shocked his congregation at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest on Sunday when he brought up his newfound convictions.

"After much study and prayer I'm convinced that Calvinism is Biblical and true" said Warren. "It is, therefore, my conviction to start preaching and teaching the doctrines of the reformation here at our church, and for me to start fellowshipping with others of like-minded views."

Tominthebox News Network spoke with members of Saddleback after the service, many of whom were very upset.

"This is horrible" said Trisha McElhannon. "I've been coming here for three years now and have been perfectly happy. Now I don't know what I'm going to do. Pastor Warren has just gone off the deep end."

"I'm still waiting for the 'Ha! April Fools!' to come out" said a shocked Danny Petterson. "I'm just disgusted with this whole situation."

"He needs to get some therapy" said Eric Coleman. "That's all I'm going to say."

Warren declined to comment to TBNN after the service, but released a statement;

"I know this is going to be difficult for many to accept, but in the famous words of Martin Luther 'My conscience is captive to the word of God!' I look forward to building relationships with those with whom I have disagreed for so long. I am excited to now be part of the Together for the Gospel team."

While most in Warren's own congregation were upset about his theological shift, he was welcomed by many in the reformed camp.

"We're glad to have in on board now" commented C.J. Mahaney. "We look forward to fellowshipping with him and growing with him over the years."

Warren is now slated to speak at the 2008 Together for the Gospel conference to be held in Louisville, Kentucky. He will be speaking on the subject of his upcoming book The Purpose Driven Calvinism.