Purpose Driven

Rick Warren Purpose Driven Church

Bringing in the Crowd ~

Chapter 13 Worship can be a Witness

Warren points out twelve convictions about worship he reiterates many of his past points ie. You do not need a church building, style is a cultural preference, genuine worshiping is a powerful witness to unbelievers, and we are called to be sensitive when meeting the unbelievers in our community, are just a few. His twelfth point rang volumes with me as he again relieves us of the truth in the tension so many experience: with the words “service” and the “serv-us” in attitude. Offering a seeker service intentionally to meet the un-churched creating an environment that feels safe for them, is backed by the scripture found in Matt. 20:28 your attitude must be like my own for I the Messiah, did not come to be served but to serve. 

Chapter 14 Designing a Seeker Sensitive Service

Getting a chuckle as Warren opens with a story we can probably all relate to. Attending church and the sermon is on Tithing or a guest missionary goes on and on. If we brought a friend this particular week we are certain they are getting nothing from this message. Then on the weeks that a clear message of salvation is resonating, you wish you had brought with you the masses to hear and you sit there alone. Warren asks “Why is this?”  And gives suggestions as to what you do to plan and make it easy for visitors to attend some examples multiply service times, offering child care or Sunday school simultaneously with the services, clear markings as to where the classes are bathrooms etc. Improving the flow and pace of your service for new believers, shorten sermons and keep them engaged, praise music that is upbeat  and prayer time that is inspiring rather than dull and drug out. Warren uses the acronym IMPACT to keep this flow in every service.

Inspire

Movement

Praise

Adoration

Commitment

Tie

Being sure that your guests do not feel singled out from the regular attendees is also very important. Warren suggest not a visitor center but a visitor pad in the pew that everyone fills out and he warns to never have them stand giving their name etc. Being considerate of your guest will leave them feeling encouraged to return again.