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Sometimes people worry that Purpose Driven is advocating a too business-like approach to Christianity. However a section of scripture such as 2
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The Purpose Driven movement invites us to be intentional about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Some pastors/preachers have difficulty in communicating the five purposes without giving the impression they are selling a product.
If we ask the question: “What is a disciple?” we are likely to say something like this:
Someone who is following Christ – that implies learning, growing, and maturing.
Someone who is belonging to Christ – that implies fellowship, being part of the body of Christ, the church.
Someone who is serving Christ – in and through the church and in the world.
Someone who is sharing Christ – telling others about him.
Someone who is glorifying Christ – worship (lifestyle)
Growing (Maturity), belonging (membership), serving (Ministry, sharing (
These are purposes that we need to work out in our own lives.
This is not something you do and then move on. This is something we take deeper and deeper. These are areas we look at again and again. 1
Purpose Driven offers a plan, a strategy or a journey, helping individuals and churches to grow one step at a time. AROUND EUROPE
The strategy of Purpose Driven Church is a powerful and effective tool in building a healthy church. I have just returned from Slovakia where we have been teaching pastors and leaders 40 Days of Purpose. Conferences were arranged in Bratislava in the west, Banska Bystrica in the centre, and Kosice in the east. This was my second visit to Slovakia and I was inspired by the enthusiasm of the leaders to build healthy churches that will be effective in mission. Older Christians in that country remember the days when there was no freedom to evangelise.
Nearly every country in Europe has churches using the biblical principles behind Purpose Driven. We are thrilled with what God is doing in places as varied as Norway and Albania.
In January I go for the second time to Switzerland. My visit there concludes with a united celebration in GENEVA PALEXPO, one of Switzerland’s largest, fully-integrated, international convention and exhibition centres.
If you are building a Purpose Driven Church that balances the five biblical purposes of the church, you are not alone. Thousands of churches across the world are using these principles to build healthy churches, growing disciples who will change their communities and even nations for Christ.
If your motivation and passion to fulfil the Great Commission has cooled, let others inspire and re-motivate you. As 40 Days of Community so strongly reminds us, we are ‘Better Together’.
Many churches in the UK are planning to run 40 Days of Community during Lent 2008. If you have not looked at this material, I would urge you to do so.
God bless you as you begin a New Year in the service of Christ.
David Beer ....................................................................................................................................................... HOW TO START BUILDING A PURPOSE DRIVEN CHURCH
Start by preaching on the five purposes of the church. Take one purpose each Sunday. Or use two Sundays for each purpose. Focus on what the Bible says. At this early stage, don’t complicate things by mentioning about being purpose driven. Avoid that kind of leadership phraseology in preaching. Some churches have taught the five purposes of worship, discipleship, ministry (serving), belonging and outreach for up to 2 years, laying a strong biblical foundation.
Start small groups teaching the five purposes. Pastor Rick says authentic and lasting renewal occurs in the following order:
Four kinds of renewal: 1. Personal renewal. 2. Corporate renewal. 3. Purpose renewal. 4. Structural renewal.
If you begin with structural renewal, it will not last. Personal, corporate and purpose renewal must take place. Dan Southerland, author of Transitioning says he preached for months on how a New Testament church prays; how does a New Testament church worship; how does a New Testament church fellowship; how does a New Testament church do mission; how does a New Testament church give; how does a New Testament church makes decisions. This kind of teaching/preaching plants the vision of what you believe God wants your church to be. Dan said that after a while people were coming to him and saying, ‘You’ve been preaching on these issues for weeks now. When are we going to become a New Testament church?’ Remember, the pulpit is still a powerful tool for change, and you don’t need the permission of the congregation to preach on the biblical purposes of the church. David Beer
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