Rick Warren pledges to lose 90 pounds in 2011

Posted on January 11, 2011
Viewed 1358 timess
(12) comments

Rick Warren says he hopes to lose 90 pounds this year, and is hosting three popular health experts at Saddleback this weekend to kickoff a 52-week church fitness campaign. One of the featured physicians: Dr. Oz.

This is all a part of Saddleback's "Decade of Destiny" campaign that is hoping to help Saddleback attendees in seven key areas of living: spiritual, financial, physical, vocational, relational, emotional, and mental.

According to an article in today's Orange County Register:

The plan will include a 52-week customized program, small group curriculum, an interactive website with a meal menu, exercise and shopping tips and an opportunity to create an online profile. There will also be monthly conference calls for encouragement.

Citing high rates of childhood obesity and statistics that show 76 percent of Americans are overweight, Warren said he could only ask his membership to get healthy if he focused on his own health and fitness. Over the last 30 years, he said, he has gained three pounds each year.

"I put myself under the best care and asked these three men to develop a program for me to lose weight and get healthy," Warren said. "Nowhere else in America would you get one of these doctors to be your personal consultant — much less get all three to monitor your progress for an entire year."

Warren also encouraged his congregation to get the word out to their friends and neighbors.

"This is God's prescription for your health," he said. "This is the greatest opportunity for you to introduce friends to Saddleback Church through a non-threatening event."

According to the paper, medical professionals will be on hand this weekend to take measurements, weigh-ins, and to take before and after photos.

There's no question that this is a good idea. Although many will criticize Rick for bringing in these medical professionals and tackling healthy living without a 'proper gospel'. Hopefully they step on the scales before they criticize too much.

What do you think? Would you consider this type of program in your church? Why or why not?

Comments

if you want a Globally Recognized Avatar (the images next to your profile) get them here. Once you sign up, your picture will displayed on any website that supports gravitars.

Peter Hamm on Tue, January 11, 2011

That’s awfully ambitious. 90 lbs in one year… That could lead to disappointment.

Losing 20 pounds this year, and 20 pounds next, and so on… might be healthier, then maybe if you exceed it you’re on top of the world, but that’s a high goal to set. I don’t think my doctor would recommend something like that. But then again, I’m not 90 pounds over-weight.
Vince Parker on Tue, January 11, 2011

This is great! I’m excited about what God will continue to do through Rick Warren as he takes on this task. As a Pastor and Personal Trainer this is something I think is vital. I be praying for you Rick
Sharon on Tue, January 11, 2011

I think this is a great idea as long as it’s not spending money that should really be used elsewhere. My church is a small church so hiring professionals and experts would probably be out of the question. But I’m certain certain members would be able to organize and advise for something like this. It’s hard to say whether the congregation would go for this, though. It’s hard to have the discipline (or the time) to commit to something like this.

But I do think it’s a great idea. Taking care of ourselves physically - looking after God’s temple - is very important.
Tracy on Tue, January 11, 2011

I lost 30kgs in a year (which I’m fairly sure is over 40 pounds). I think someone can lose weight at that rate.

However.. I’m finding a real trend here in Australia where personal fitness is becoming as much a part of the church agenda as spiritual fitness (sometimes more). Eg, recently in my area, the senior pastor and crew from the congregation ran a part-marathon type event on a sunday morning instead of going to church.

I’m all for being a healthy weight and supporting each other in that endeavour, but I am concerned when there seems to be more encouragement and focus (publicly) on physical fitness rather than spiritual.
Richard Wallsmith on Tue, January 11, 2011

A very worthy goal! Perhaps, other churches will be led to try this also. I’ve lost 44 #, inspired by Biggest Loser and fasting.
Jeff on Tue, January 11, 2011

You go for it Rick! Better to do it now, than after your major heart attack in two years! I remember John Maxwell going on a health regimen after a heart attack at age 51. Not fun.

Rick is about as guile-less as they come, with a heart of gold. He will certainly not supplant a focus on spiritual health with one on physical health - you can do both, kind of like having your cake and eating it too!

I hope that I can follow Rick’s lead!!
Steven on Tue, January 11, 2011

Peter, I work with people in our church and our local gym weekley who have lost 10 pounds a month by spending an hour and a half in the gym 4 days a week and changing thier eating habbits. Not really that lofty for someone who has America’s best at his disposal. 90 lbs over the next 52 weeks should not be that difficult.

I commend Pastor Rick and look forward to seeing the results. Pastoring has been considered the 3rd most stressful job beind air traffic controllers. You need to be in good shape to be at your 100% best.
myron on Wed, January 12, 2011

Rick is a Bridge & all bridges have one thing in common - they connect! This is a powerhouse move that could spark an evangelistic health movement! Audacious goal for weight loss!
Kim Aliczi on Wed, January 12, 2011

I think I need to follow his lead! LOL
Brian on Wed, January 12, 2011

I changed my eating habits & started P90X for 2 months & lost 25lbs. & I got about 10 more to go.
Michael Cooper on Thu, January 13, 2011

I love Rick and many of the things Saddleback does and has done for the kingdom of God. Without knowing all the information this seems a little strange. I believe church should be a place where we encounter God’s word and are change by that encounter. Proverbs tells us over and over to beware of man’s wisdom (Dr. Oz). While I believe many people have a sinful connection with food this seems miss directed with a focus on man’s wisdom instead of God’s.
Thomas on Thu, January 20, 2011

In 2008 I lost 22kg in only three months.
Reducing food, (continuing to go jogging) and (most important) constant prayer.
What I myself couldn’t believe: It was absolutely easy to get rid of these pounds. No torturing with “eat attacks” or similar. Praise God.
I reached the goal without any PR, “experts” or “daniel program”, just by the mercy of the lord.
And now, 2 years later I kept this weight +/- 400g.
(I’m 1.90m and 77,5 kg since then).
Best Wishes for Rick Warren and all who join in this,
Thomas