The Anderson student body sat in rapt attention during Rick Warren’s sermon during chapel services on Oct. 3, but, afterward, the front of the auditorium was chaotic as students and Warren hugged, laughed and posed for hundreds of pictures and autographs.

The warm feelings were mutual, as an effusive Warren remarked, “I loved hearing these students sing. One of the best ways to take the spiritual temperature of a campus is to listen to the students singing. I’ve been to Notre Dame and Baylor this week, and I can tell you, the choir is here at Anderson.”
Just a week removed from a health scare that sent him to the hospital and caused him to miss his Sunday sermon at Saddleback Church in Southern California, Warren showed no signs of fatigue or weakness, although he did accept an offer to sit during his lectures in the John A. Broadus Lectures on Preaching.
Over two days, Warren gave pastors from all over the region insights into his method of sermon preparation and how to create life-changing messages for congregations. He pleaded with pastors to make a commitment to preaching as effectively as possible. “Your church members will put up with a lot if the preaching is meeting their needs,” he said.
Warren was at his most energetic, however, in mixing with Anderson students whose vitality and spiritual commitment impressed him.
“These kids are incredible,” he said after his campus worship message. “This campus is incredible. A large number of non-ministry students came out last night to hear me talk about sermon preparation! This place is spiritually alive.” – AU