40 days of purpose campaign

[Imblessed]

Ok, so most of you know I attend a Calvinistic Non-denominational church. Basically it's baptist and calvinistic, but in disguise!

Well, we are starting a 40 days of purpose campaign in January. The pastor has asked for 200 host homes to help with the small group part of the campaign. We will be meeting once a week and going over the material, using the DVD or Video provided and workbook, and the pastor will be going over it each weekend for however long it takes.

I know that most of you have negative feelings about Rick Warren and his 40 days book, but after much prayer, my husband and I are going to lead a group at our house.

I love our pastor, and he teaches very biblically and without apology. Although our church is definately one of those "seeker-sensitive" churches, it's also very biblically sound, and not out keep everyone "happy" and "unoffended". Because of this, I've decided to go ahead and be involved.

I'll probably be discussing this "campaign" here on CF as it is happening, and would love input from you guys.....advice, whatever!

Tell me what you think? Am I making a big mistake?

 

[Jon_]

Ok, so most of you know I attend a Calvinistic Non-denominational church. Basically it's baptist and calvinistic, but in disguise!

Well, we are starting a 40 days of purpose campaign in January. The pastor has asked for 200 host homes to help with the small group part of the campaign. We will be meeting once a week and going over the material, using the DVD or Video provided and workbook, and the pastor will be going over it each weekend for however long it takes.

I know that most of you have negative feelings about Rick Warren and his 40 days book, but after much prayer, my husband and I are going to lead a group at our house.

I love our pastor, and he teaches very biblically and without apology. Although our church is definately one of those "seeker-sensitive" churches, it's also very biblically sound, and not out keep everyone "happy" and "unoffended". Because of this, I've decided to go ahead and be involved.

I'll probably be discussing this "campaign" here on CF as it is happening, and would love input from you guys.....advice, whatever!

Tell me what you think? Am I making a big mistake?

I say, lead the group, but toss the materials.

Seriously, Windi, I'll be praying for and your husband, that God will use this experience to teach you and others in his ways.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[edie19]

This is rather lengthy - but I recommend reading it. Your pastor might appreciate it also.

http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=80


Additionally, I recently read a Barna survey of pastors. They were questioned about what books they found helpful. Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life came in first by a fairly large majority, second on the list was Purpose Driven Church. They didn't list all the books, only those that were identified by at least 2% of the pastors. While the names were recognizable - Martin Luther, John Calvin, C.S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon, Francis Schaeffer, John Stott, J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul, John Owen (IMNSHO - all recognizable theologians/authors) weren't mentioned. For me, that's extremely sad.

http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=189

Notice how I'm avoiding the question

edie

 

[ClementofRome]

I say, lead it with zeal and discernment. Point out the fat and concentrate on the meat. (an appropriate Tgiving analogy).

 

[CoffeeSwirls]

If there is a Bible translation that the church uses predominantly, use that one rather than the myriad of translations and paraphrases Warren uses. Also, look for context. There is one part where we are told how God will respond when we act in a certain way, and the quote is taken from the book of Job... from one of Job's friends who was later rebuked by God.

If you are leading a group, God will hold you accountable. Do not fear man, fear God. If you want to take a different direction, show your reasons and let God work within the hearts and minds of those in your home.

 

[edie19]

If there is a Bible translation that the church uses predominantly, use that one rather than the myriad of translations and paraphrases Warren uses. Also, look for context. There is one part where we are told how God will respond when we act in a certain way, and the quote is taken from the book of Job... from one of Job's friends who was later rebuked by God.

If you are leading a group, God will hold you accountable. Do not fear man, fear God. If you want to take a different direction, show your reasons and let God work within the hearts and minds of those in your home.

excellent suggestions.

edie

 

[Imblessed]

Thanks guys!

All excellent suggestions!

 

[JJB]

You know, our church, which sounds very similar to yours, Windi, tried the Alpha Course. They are chucking it come January.

Last summer, we were going to televise some big whoopdido thing from Saddleback (isn't that Rick Warren's church?) and after seeing some of the topics and speakers the church decided it was not something with which we wanted to be connected.

All that being said, sometimes churches/pastors/elders feel the need to give "it" a try -- whatever the "it" is at the moment. Then it's realized that it's not the best thing since sliced bread.

Not sure why I'm telling you this, other than since your pastor is a Godly man things may come to light in that 40 days that don't sit well. You did get excellent suggestions in this thread.

Lord, lead Windi and her husband as they open their house for the 40 days of purpose campaign. Open the eyes and ears of every person involved in the 40 days campaign to Your Truth. Give them wisdom. Let all glory belong to you, and you alone, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

[McWilliams]

http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/seeker.html

I guess I'm really outside the loop here but I see all this as compromise!

How is this church, baptist calvinistic, but in disguise? What?
To keep our theology pure, do we then take on syncretistic approaches to the gospel and use the watered down kindergarten fare of Rick Warren?
I want to have a loving, compassionate approach to others BUT while upholding the truth! IMHO I cannot see that the focus on The Purpose Driven Life is any such thing!

Please before feeling tempted to rebuke or chastise me for desiring only the purity of the Word, do read some of the articles in the above link.

If a 'cult' church was the only one within 100 miles of my house would I then feel tempted to attend and feel like I was still in God's will! I dont think so! I think this comes under the need to be very discerning in our choice for a church. Never have I seen a true calvinistic church studying Rick Warren's fare but their focus is sola scipture, sola fide, sola gratia, sola Christus, soli deo gloria!

I say all this knowing full well that Rick Warren is the highest rated 'christian' writer in the country by pastors. Do I find this attractive, tempting? Not at all! The way is wide that leads to destruction! Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life with Christ! Its walking the edge of a razor blade, no compromise, no worldly methodology, no seeker sensitive, best life now, champion in you, purpose driven but the Holy Word of God alone!

May our sweet Lord protect us all and keep us in His truth alone!

 

[Imblessed]

http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/seeker.html

I guess I'm really outside the loop here but I see all this as compromise!

How is this church, baptist calvinistic, but in disguise? What?
To keep our theology pure, do we then take on syncretistic approaches to the gospel and use the watered down kindergarten fare of Rick Warren?
I want to have a loving, compassionate approach to others BUT while upholding the truth! IMHO I cannot see that the focus on The Purpose Driven Life is any such thing!

Please before feeling tempted to rebuke or chastise me for desiring only the purity of the Word, do read some of the articles in the above link.

If a 'cul' church was the only one within 100 miles of my house would I then feel tempted to attend and feel like I was still in God's will! I dont think so! I think this comes under the need to be very discerning in our choice for a church. Never have I seen a true calvinistic church studying Rick Warren's fare but their focus is sola scipture, sola fide, sola gratia, sola Christus, soli deo gloria!

I say all this knowing full well that Rick Warren is the highest rated 'christian' writer in the country by pastors. Do I find this attractive, tempting? Not at all! The way is wide that leads to destruction! Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life with Christ! Its walking the edge of a razor blade, no compromise, no worldly methodology, no seeker sensitive, best life now, champion in you, purpose driven but the Holy Word of God alone!

May our sweet Lord protect us all and keep us in His truth alone!

I love you brother,and wouldn't dream of rebuking you for honestly expressing your feelings! I have read some of those links, and will read more later.....

I'm not jumping on this bandwagon without looking at all sides. I understand the issues at stake here.....just want some advice from people I respect! Even if it's "don't do it!"

keep praying guys!

 

[McWilliams]

I love you brother,and wouldn't dream of rebuking you for honestly expressing your feelings! I have read some of those links, and will read more later.....

I'm not jumping on this bandwagon without looking at all sides. I understand the issues at stake here.....just want some advice from people I respect! Even if it's "don't do it!"

keep praying guys!

I do thank you for not being offended as I definitely intended no offense. I know I get very zealous and defensive for the truth and also understand the great challenge to remain both loyal to our church and loyal to our Lord's Word! BTW, I'm sister, not brother, lol. I'll keep praying also that our sweet Lord will guide you and help you continue to be discerning in what He wants in your life and church!
God bless you specially!

 

[GrinningDwarf]

This is just one guy's opinion, but....

I've only discovered Reformed theology in the last few years. I'm an elder at a tiny non-denominational country church of which the members consider themselves 'typically Evangelical'. The pastor asked me to teach 'The Purpose Driven Life' to our adult Sunday school. (We're lucky to have six people on an average sunday morning.) I hate going along with the crowd, and am usually of the view that popular opinion is usually wrong. I looked the book over and was struck by the first sentence..."It's not about you." The next paragraph continues

"The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your hapiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose.

If a teacher coming from the Reformed perspective can't work with that....then something is wrong with the teacher.

Sure, Warren's got other stuff in there that's theologically fuzzy. Just point it out and always bring the discussion back to this opening thought, and it would be fine to teach.

 

[Imblessed]

I do thank you for not being offended as I definitely intended no offense. I know I get very zealous and defensive for the truth and also understand the great challenge to remain both loyal to our church and loyal to our Lord's Word! BTW, I'm sister, not brother, lol. I'll keep praying also that our sweet Lord will guide you and help you continue to be discerning in what He wants in your life and church!
God bless you specially!

ooops sorry sister!


I agree totally on the loyalty thing, which is exactly why I came here for advice and prayer. BTW--it'll be mostly my husband leading(I think it's only appropriate ) and he doesn't have nearly the issue I do with it. I just want to make sure we both go into this with clear heads and keep God the focus at all times!!!

 

[McWilliams]

Thats as it should be since God holds the husband accountable as the spiritual head of the family! The issue may arise again and again and it is good that you are looking closely at it in an effort to be prepared to be ever loyal to God and His word!
God bless!

 

[Knight]

I've already voiced my opinion on the PDL in the other forum.

I will, however, offer a bit of advice since I led a discussion group during our church's campaign a couple years ago.

1. Dump the pathetic "salvation message" the book and tapes offer and substitute the truth.
2. Caution your group members that what they are reading and hearing is, in a large part, one man's opinion and they should study the Scripture for themselves and not just take the spoon-fed version in the book.
3. Study all the passages Warren quotes in the book. Look at the context and be ready to correct those areas where poor interpretation has been employed.
4. Get a copy of "Fool's Gold" by John MacArthur (ed.) and read chapter 3 on the PDL. There are important things to keep in mind there.
5. Finally, do not allow the PDL to become any kind of authority. With all the hype in a campaign like this there is the temptation to take the book as absolute.

I hope this helps. I pray that God blesses your study.

 

[calmcoolandelected]

I have found this thread very interesting. I have not read PDL but I think because it has had a profound influence on today's church that I NEED to read it.

I agree with the poster (sorry, I don't remember who it was) that quoted the first part of the book and said, work with it, just point out the things that are not sound. We have used the Crown Ministries materials at our church and we also discussed areas where we felt that the publishers had stretched Scripture just a bit.

Having said that, I don't really know what the message of PDL is so I cannot endorse studying the book vs. a study of a book of the Bible.

CC&E

 

[gene1mingo]

After having gone through PDL with my own church, I have realized That Rick Warrens aprouch is much the same as most popular self help christian authors. He does have a little bit of good in his message, but the meat always seems to try to bring mans role in salvation up and the role of God down.

Procede with prayer and caution.

 

[Bill777]

Ok, so most of you know I attend a Calvinistic Non-denominational church. Basically it's baptist and calvinistic, but in disguise!

Well, we are starting a 40 days of purpose campaign in January. The pastor has asked for 200 host homes to help with the small group part of the campaign. We will be meeting once a week and going over the material, using the DVD or Video provided and workbook, and the pastor will be going over it each weekend for however long it takes.

I know that most of you have negative feelings about Rick Warren and his 40 days book, but after much prayer, my husband and I are going to lead a group at our house.

I love our pastor, and he teaches very biblically and without apology. Although our church is definately one of those "seeker-sensitive" churches, it's also very biblically sound, and not out keep everyone "happy" and "unoffended". Because of this, I've decided to go ahead and be involved.

I'll probably be discussing this "campaign" here on CF as it is happening, and would love input from you guys.....advice, whatever!

Tell me what you think? Am I making a big mistake?

I can't see your church being truly calvinist. Rick Warren talks about a Second Reformation all the time. For him the Reformation (and Calvin) are things of the past and can not help the church of today, a Second Reformation is required.

Rick Warren's program is man made and man centered. It's all about how to make man happy. It is a man centered gospel and not god centered. This is certainly not what Christ preached and has little in common with John Calvin's theology. For Calvin the sovereignty of God was everything, for Rick Warren it is the sovereignty of man that matters, and his program is supposed to empower man. But Calvin taught differently, he taught that man is powerless, he can't do nothing without God's grace, he taught that God's grace is only given to the elect but Rick Warren says God's grace is available to everybody and the way to attain it is by man's effort. The seeker sensitive (sinner friendly) gospel of Rick Warren is the gospel of man and not the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

[erin74]

Our church starts this early next year too. We take the stance of it's better to be involved than not. We are more discerning than some others in our parish. So by being involved we can point out the bad stuff and the good stuff. Better than sitting on the sidelines where you can have no impact in the play of the game hey!

Take what's good - point out what's bad. There is some good stuff in there from what I understand. Be careful to make sure that in your desire to critique you also remain open to learn and grow. But be discerning all the same and look after those that may not have the christian maturity to see what's good and what's not.

 

[erin74]

You know, our church, which sounds very similar to yours, Windi, tried the Alpha Course. They are chucking it come January.

You might like to check out Introducing God.

It takes the alpha format of talk, meal, chat, but the talks are better. It is well packaged - put out by Christians in the Media over here. So the people working on it are media workers, and the speaker is good value.

I'll post a link.

http://www.introducinggod.org/

we have found it to be a very helpful and accessible course.