Rick Warren among 'America's Best Leaders'
By Rheta Murry

What does Pastor Rick Warren have in common with Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Condoleezza Rice?

All four of them are among 25 of “America’s Best Leaders 2005.” U.S. News & World Report announced the selection and launch of its latest editorial edition to the magazine’s well-known “America’s Best” franchise. The magazine is now available on newsstands.

“America’s Best Leaders 2005” uses a series of profiles and essays to explore the critical elements of leading in the 21st century “while celebrating those individuals who are making a lasting impact,” according to a news release from U.S. News & World Report.

“ ... No one has ever accused Rick Warren of thinking small. Nor has any modern pastor matched him as motivator and mobilizer of workers,” the article said. In discussing Warren’s leadership style, the article describes Warren as delegating creative and managerial duties to others who know more about them.

“But the real key to Warren’s success, say those who study him, is his ability to mobilize ordinary churchgoers to become active lay ministers,” the article said.

As a result of his leadership style, more than 9,000 members of Saddleback Church participate in more than 200 local projects weekly, ranging from leading Bible studies and maintaining the church grounds to feeding the homeless. These members learned their S.H.A.P.E., and use these talents and desires for God.

The Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, collaborated in the project. Convened and organized by CPL, a non-partisan selection committee chose the leaders based on leadership criteria. The judging and selection process was independent of the magazine and Harvard University.