People say, “Well, if you just pray and love people and preach the Word your church will grow.” That’s just not true. Somebody needs to stand up—I know a lot of guys who pray more than I do, and the church is dying. It takes more than prayer to grow a church.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 says — If the ax is dull and its edge is unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will give success. Skill. It doesn’t say dedication will give success; it doesn’t say sincerity will give success. It doesn’t say preaching the Word and loving people will give success. It says skill.

Rick Warren on Way of the Master Radio (5:33-6:12)

See also:

RICK WARREN AND JESUS

REFUTING RICK WARREN

RICK WARREN: THE NEW CHARLES FINNEY