The Promise of Being Purpose-Driven Presbyterians
The purpose-driven concept was developed for a Baptist new church development in Orange County, California, a congregation that involves more than 20,000 people. Yet we feel that its insights are quite adaptable to our own unique context, and help us to express the best values of our own Presbyterian tradition.
By being purpose-driven Presbyterians, we can minister to people where they are, while having a strategy for taking them to where they ought to be!
By being purpose-driven Presbyterians, we can “raise the bar” of discipleship, yet help more people go over the bar!
By being purpose-driven Presbyterians, we can coach a large number of member-ministers to work harmoniously in teams using this paradigm to analyze ministry needs and develop strategies.
By being purpose-driven Presbyterians, we can help a member have the satisfaction of exploring his or her own unique purpose, and having the joy of seeing others blessed through the resulting ministry or mission project!
By being purpose-driven Presbyterians, we can grow larger and smaller, at the same time!
We can’t help but imagine the possibilities if more Presbyterians embraced this paradigm!
Imagine thousands of congregations that are able to reach larger numbers of people, including those from differing cultural backgrounds, with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ! Imagine how the Presbyterian emphasis on God’s grace, and the Presbyterian strength of teaching disciples to love God with their mind as well as their heart, could shine brightly from churches unencumbered by nostalgia!
Imagine the effect if Presbyterian seminaries were more focused on the primary work of equipping congregations with excellent pastoral leadership. Imagine how Presbytery meetings might facilitate purpose driven ministry by making time for biblical and theological reflection about Christ’s mission in the world! Imagine the effect if new church development and congregational redevelopment took the shape of the purpose driven paradigm, instead of misallocating precious resources in futile attempts to perpetuate Presbyterian traditions!
Imagine the significance of General Assembly’s work if the ongoing discussion of the denomination’s “Great Ends” resulted in more clarity about the good news of Jesus Christ and the purpose of Christ’s church today! Imagine the impact Presbyterians would have in God’s world if we muster up the courage to remove the barriers that hinder the fulfillment of our mission!
How exciting it would be dialogue with you about such possibilities! If you would like to comment on these articles, or want to share how you or your congregation is already utilizing the purpose-driven principles, please e-mail us using the link below. We would also welcome your questions, and would be glad to forward your e-mail to the appropriate staff or lay leader at Trinity. Perhaps our next Presbyterians Seeking Purpose-Driven Ministry Conference (April 6-8, 2005) could be a worthwhile investment of your time.
We’re convinced—Christians in the 21st Century can strive to be faithful to Christ and effective in ministry—if we’re driven by purpose!
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