Warren’s book helps Alabama Baptists find God’s purpose

On bedside reading tables and in church pews across Alabama, Rick Warren’s best seller “The Purpose Driven Life” is igniting Christians and churches in a way like no other book has in years. Taking advantage of the book’s popularity, many men, women and entire church congregations are reading the book.
   
The book has been a New York Times best seller and has retained its place at the top of the Christian Booksellers Association best seller list for more than a year. It answers the question, “What on earth am I here for?”
   
According to author Rick Warren, pastor of the 50,000-member Saddleback (Baptist) Church in Lake Forest, Calif., the answer to that question comes from learning one’s four purposes in life as a Christian.
   
Those purposes are worship —Warren describes this as being “planned for God’s pleasure;” fellowship — “formed to be part of God’s family;” discipleship — “created to become like Christ;” ministry — “shaped for God’s service;” and mission — “made to tell others about Christ.”
   
Readers discover God’s purpose for their lives by learning more about these points through a 40-day format that includes a chapter reading, Scripture focuses and points to ponder. Readers are encouraged to write down their discoveries upon reading each day and are also urged to read the book with either a partner or a small group.
   
Alabama Baptist churches have set up special events and studies that feature Warren’s book. According to pastors, this emphasis on the book is needed because it creates more focused Christians and church members. It also restores relationships and ignites excitement in the lives of believers, pastors contend.
   
At Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, Pastor Jimmy Jackson has helped organize an event called “40 Days of Purpose.” The event — which began Feb. 1 with a kickoff rally — is organized so that various small groups (including Sunday School and Bible study classes) can read and discuss the book.
    
Jackson’s interest in the churchwide event stemmed from his own experience with “The Purpose Driven Life.” Jackson, who considers Warren a personal friend, said the book is “one of the most blessed studies” he has ever experienced.
   
“The book helped me by providing a tool to simplify my purpose,” Jackson said. “We have already had people saved and marriages restored because of the study of this material.”
    
Jackson looks for the book to create even more life-changing results as his church completes the study together. “We expect great things to happen in the lives of our people and our church during this time of prayer and study,” he said.
   
Other churches across the state are planning similar events. At First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, for example, there was a kickoff rally and women attending a retreat were given preparatory information for the churchwide emphasis.
   
According to Tim Plant, minister of education and administration at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, the book has been ministering to church members there for more than a year. Studies of the book were offered at various times in 2003, as a coed Sunday afternoon class and a women’s study Thursday morning.
   
“We are offering it again starting at the end of this month on Wednesday evenings,” Plant said. “We have had good participation in the study so far, with more than 100 members taking part.”
    
Plant, who read the book and found it to be personally valuable, said the book is important because it gives readers a sense of their purpose.
   
“The book re-identifies our place in God’s plan,” he said.
   
While church congregations as a whole are reaping the benefits of the book, countless more Christians say the book has impacted them in a powerful, personal way.
   
According to Judy Bates, a member of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church, the book is “straight on, straight up and hits anyone who listens with spiritual ears right in the heart.”
   
For years, Bates felt conflicted between teaching the saved and reaching the lost. The book, she said, clarified for her that she is supposed to be both reaching within and without the church.
   
“I thought we were either called to ministry or missions, and I don’t think I’m alone in that thinking,” she said. “Pastor Warren’s book scripturally proves that we are to be both.”
    
Bates said she felt immediately touched by “The Purpose Driven Life” when she opened it and saw its emphasis on Matthew 6:33, which she had already claimed as her life verse.
   
“Reading what he said about not being in love with things, not piling up possessions, but seeking to please God. … This was such an enormous confirmation and affirmation for me,” she said.
   
She believes the book will influence the way she lives as a Christian from now on, Bates said. “I drank in the message taught through Bro. Warren and I believe it has already made me more aware of other people’s needs and my responsibility to them as a member of the body of Christ.”
   
That reaction — a heartfelt change created by a new understanding of one’s purpose in Christ — is what churches are hoping for as congregations and members focus on Warren’s book.