Rick Warren, megachurch pastor and author of the best-selling The Purpose-Driven Life (Zondervan), will be the subject of a biography to be published by Doubleday, one of the largest book companies in the world.

According to officials with the general market publisher, the hardcover book, to be titled Prophet of Purpose: The Rick Warren Story, will be written by Jeff Sheler, former religion editor for U.S. News & World Report. The biography is projected to have a February 2009 release date, Doubleday Publicist Rudy Faust said.

Acquiring editor Andrew Corbin said the book on Warren had a natural appeal. “Warren is such a hugely important figure in the Christian world today and really deserves a serious biography,” Corbin told Christian Retailing. “Also, he is a man of such incredible integrity.”

Corbin, who declined to reveal the advance Warren received for the biography, noted that the author “has agreed to cooperate, but this will not be an authorized biography.” He added that the initial print run for the book has not been determined, “but we expect this to be a very important book for us.”

Read the full report on Rick Warren's biography in the April 16 issue of Christian Retailing.