Every church is driven by something. Tradition, finances, programs, personalities, events, seekers, and even buildings can each be the controlling force in a church. But Rick Warren believes that in order for a church to be healthy it must become a purpose-driven church by Jesus. Now the founding pastor of Saddleback Church shares a proven five-part strategy that will enable your church to grow...Warmer through fellowship - Deeper through discipleship - Stronger through worship - Broader through ministry - Larger through evangelism. Discover the same practical insights and principles for growing a healthy church that Rick has taught in seminars to over 22,000 pastors and church leaders from sixty denominations and forty-two countries. The Purpose-Driven Church shifts the focus away from church building programs to emphasizing a people-building process. Warren says, "If you will concentrate on building people, God will build the church."
This is a five-point strategy for attracting and spiritually maturing the unchurched, from the pastor of Saddleback Church.
Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars(3.5 out of 5 stars)
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4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mrs. Linda O. Foster (Carnegie, OK), April 30, 2009
Our pastor, Henry Beasley, Jr., recommended this and it has an abundance of treasures for following God's will for our congregation. Thank you so much.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Waldemar Bergdolt (Perryville, MO), January 30, 2009
I ordered this book a few years ago and then lent it to someone else that I thought could benefit from it. He was not ready to give it back to me when I asked for it. As chairman of the Outreach Board in our church, I found this book very helpful.
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mildred Stephens (Acworth, GA), December 28, 2007
This book Purpose Driven Church cannot get enough thumbs up. It was totally so informing and motivational. I would recomend it to all Churches seeking growth and direction.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Daryl King (Schenectady, NY), September 26, 2007
Another “commission” given to the church is proclaiming the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community – pointing people towards our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).
Pastor Warren laid some great guides down to build a HEALTHY CHURCH.
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by J. Matteson (New Mexico), February 11, 2007
What Charles Finney popularized in the 19th century Rick Warren has taken to a new level in an era of mass communication. At the core PDC is rooted in semipelagianism, a teaching labled heresy by the church in 529 AD. Semipelagianism laid dormant for centuries and was given new life by Jacabus Arminius. Today the heresy is known as arminianism. In short the doctrine cuts at the core of biblical revelation, denying God's sovereinty in salvation. The result is a pragmatic approach to ministry where results are measured and the question as to their biblical justification is ignored. PDC , therefore, employes worldly business and marketing techniques to "grow" the church, reducing and often eliminating the need for God to build His church. PDC will lead a pastor and church down a path of doctrinal error. The visible church (unregenerate crowd) may grow, but the invisible church (the redeemed) will languish. The focus will shift from the mandate to feed the flock to entertaining the goats. Skip this book and practice ministry as outlined in THE book--the Bible. God has not called pastors to be "successful", but to be faithful to His Word and Gospel. Adherants of the PDC philosophy ultimately sacrifice both in their quest for "success."
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Matt Perry (Lexington, KY), August 10, 2005
I commend Warren for putting the glory of God first and foremost --- starting out by saying, "It's not about you, it's about God and His glory." But from them on, he gives the church quips and quotes and does at the end of the day end up compromising the message.
First off, did you notice how many different versions he used? I believe I saw 15+. Most of these verses are taken out of context to prove Warren's point --- and most of the versions are from non-literal translations, which further muddies the real thrust of what the Scriptures' author intended.
Plus, he makes coming to Christ easier than even Christ did. He strays his focus away from understanding and accepting the resurrection (Romans 10:9-10) and the fact that Christ has called us to deny ourselves and die daily before we can follow Him(Luke 9:23). This is a hard teaching --- but according to Warren, only positive uplifting sermons need apply!
All that glitters is not gold! All that sells does not mean it is sanctified! If you want to truly understand the human heart, look to Bunyan, Edwards, Calvin, or Luther --- they and the Puritans had a great understanding of God's glory and the frailty of the human understanding. Approach Bro. Warren's book with caution.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Anthony Joseph Smith (Orlando, FL), June 23, 2005
I would typically cast my lot with those opposed to the mega church phenomena and Warren's ideas fit the mold precisely. However, using his writings as advice and not rules, MUCH good can be accomplished. There is much benefit to be gained from a careful reading of this book. This book can do for the modern church what Stephen Covey did for self management.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cheryl (Massachusetts), March 13, 2003
This is a fantastic book - and just what every church needs. It is completely biblical. For the reviewers that commented it is not biblical - I suggest you read it again.
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