Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life.

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (WordNews.org) April 7, 2013 — The son of megachurch pastor Rick Warren committed suicide on Friday.

In a statement released to the media, 27-year-old Matthew Warren died Friday. The statement from Saddleback Church described Matthew as “an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many.” According to the church,  Matthew suffered from mental illness that resulted in deep depression and suicidal thoughts.

“Despite the best healthcare available, this was an illness that was never fully controlled and the emotional pain resulted in his decision to take his life,” the statement said. “We ask everyone to join us in praying for the entire Warren family and that God’s comfort and peace will be with them as they deal with this difficult situation.”

The Evangelical Church Alliance International, one of the oldest associations of independent evangelical clergy, released a statement offering its prayers for the Warren family.

“The leadership and members of the Evangelical Church Alliance send out our heartfelt condolences to Pastor Rick and Kay Warren on the death of their son, Matthew, and to all those affected by this tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Warrens, their family, and their congregation, as well as with all who know anguished loss to suicide.

Matthew Warren (courtesy of Saddleback Church via CBS)

“One of the shortest verses in the Bible, John 11:35, reads, ‘Jesus wept.’ Our Lord’s tears came after He received news of the death of Lazarus, a friend He loved very much. Perhaps this description is brief because when a loved one dies, there are very few words that can truly console. At times like these, we must do as Jesus did, and as the Apostle Paul admonishes in Romans 12:15, simply ‘Weep with those who weep.’

“The nearly 3000 ministers, missionaries, and military and civilian chaplains of the Evangelical Church Alliance International, throughout the United States and around the world, join our tears with those of the Warren family as they mourn the loss of Matthew.”

WordNews.org featured Rick Warren’s wife, Kay Warren, author of the book “Choose Joy” in a series called “Saturdays with Kay Warren.” That series can be found here.