Rick Warren from Saddleback Community Church in Los Angeles has produced this resource for congregations to spend 40 days (just over five weeks) focusing on worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism. Individuals, groups and congregations are equipped to ask the question, “What on earth am I here for?”
Settings
Seminar, Individual study (book), Small group discussion, gathered worship, ministry fair, Youth Groups, Sunday School, Adult Bible Studies.
Styles of Learning
Reading material (a chapter a day), Discussion, Sermons, Worship.
Number of sessions
Resources for seven Sundays and six small group sessions.
Length of sessions
Opening Seminar two hours
Fifteen to thirty minutes reading each day
90 - 120 minutes in small groups
Teaching sessions - designed for 20 - 40 minutes
Aims
The course is designed to
1. Resource individuals and families as they explore their sense of God-given purpose
2. Resource small groups as they explore together the five purposes given to the church (and individuals)
3. Resource congregations as they build God’s purposes into their rhythms.
Theological Perspective
Conservative Evangelical. Rick Warren comes from a Baptist background. At times his Calvinist approach becomes evident.
Age Group
Adult, Youth, Children
Specific leadership requirements
Churches are required to register with Purpose Driven Life and run their program at the same time as other churches around the world. Registration may be required four months in advance.
Country of origin
USA
Available in languages other than English
Chinese, Spanish
Resources provided
Each participant has a pack with the book, Purpose Driven Life, a small group curriculum workbook, and a memory verse key ring. Each small group has a set of small group curriculum on video or DVD. Set of ten is $120 Australian.
Seven Weekend service plans include suggested sermons by Rick Warren and access to Saddleback’s campaign services on the internet.
Youth and Children’s Ministry Curriculum is available on CD. The youth ministry resource includes messages by Youth Pastor Doug Fields along with study guides. Children’s curriculum, in-class actitivities and take-home materials for preschool through to end of primary school.
Where to purchase
The books can be purchased from any Christian bookstore. However the overall course is only available from Purpose Driven Australia at Church Resource Specialties.
Ministry Partners AustraliaTOLL FREE 1800 010 446Fax: (03) 5241 3290 Email: 40days at purposedriven.com.au
Mail: PO Box 519, Belmont VIC 3216
Cost
Campaign Cost ranges from $360 (congregation less than 200 members), to $440 (200-500 members), and $570 (over 500 members).
Technology needed
Video/DVD player required if using the Rick Warren or Doug Fields talks.
Web sites
www.purposedriven.com.au (Australia)
www.purposedriven.com (USA)
www.purposedriven.co.nz (NZ)
www.purposedrivenlife.com (The book)
National/Regional Advisors
See the Australian list of churches and leaders available to provide advice in preparing the 40 Days of Purpose campaign. Email addresses are provided there.
Uniting Churches
In Queensland, these include Vic Caplick at Fassifern Valley Uniting and Bob Miles at Pine Mountain Uniting. In South Australia these include Don Purdey at Glenunga and Gordon Cooksey at Golden Grove Uniting. In NSW these include Neville Faggotter at Gymea-Miranda, Paul & Miriam Edgar at Kincumber, Mick Brown at Menai-Illawong, Graeme Odgers at Panania, and Deborah Crosley at Terrigal Uniting.
Uniting Church Congregations using 40 Days of Purpose
NSW
Blacktown, Coleambally, Dapto, Grenfell, Gymea-Miranda, Liverpool, Maclean, Oatley, Port Macquarie, St Andrews, Sutherland, Turramurra, Yamba.
QLD
Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge, Innisfail, Oakey & District. Sunnybank, The Gap, Wavell Heights, Wulguru
SA
Nuriootpa, Seacombe, Tusmore, Woodville
VIC
Seymour, South Camberwell, St Luke’s, St Philips
Content
Introduction - What on Earth am I here for?
Worship - You were planned for God’s pleasure
Fellowship - You were Planned for God’s Family
Discipleship - You were Created to Become Like Christ
Ministry - You were Shaped for Serving God
Evangelism - You were Made for a Mission