The Purpose Driven Church

I been reading the book of 'Purpose Driven Church' by the author Rick Warren and found that I should share this out. It's always confuse when we been asked "what is a church for, why do we need church?". Many get it wrong such as - 'a church is to take care of the family of Christ, for fellowship, for rebuilding those who down in spirit'. Unfortunately few will respond 'It is to win the world for Christ'. Is really sad thing while we always had the selfish thought of humanism, which I should said we often make the church ours!!instead of Christ's church which also says we are self-worshiper rather than a Christ worshiper. I'm not saying church is not for fellowship or rebuilding faith of Christians, but all of these are just part of Christ purpose for a church. However the primary purpose of a Church from Christ for us Christians is to 'win the lost souls and go and make disciples through all nations'!

We often make decisions based on our own opinion, desires, pleasure and forgot who is our master. There's no doubt of church leaders often get quarrels and controversy when come into meeting or discussion for church issues.

Without the knowing the purpose of church, every continuous Sunday service will be just meaningless that's why many churches in Malaysia seems not growing intensely.

Paul once said 'With the grace of God, I had laid a strong foundation as an expert builder'. Question cames through my mind, what makes Paul so confident in saying so?. The answer is simply because he knows clearly the church's vision and purpose. I believe with clearer vision, the greater will be the morale of the members in achieving it.

Applied it to our youth, do you really know what is our youth's vision in year 2010? or is it just about Youth's enjoyment to you? For those who not know, it is 'Building a Upward Relationship with God, Inward Relationship with the Church, and an Outward Relationship with the Community. I think this a good start of a warning to us before we get into ' Evangelistic Boom 2 ' in 2010. Is not just about the fun but it is an opportunity for your friends to believe and be saved in Christ.

Are you ready to make the name of Jesus known to your friends? Are you ready to make a difference in your friend's life? Let's get it started and pray !



Ivan Tan