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If your church baptized 671 new believers, added 1,200 new
members, and increased your average attendance by 2,000 in just
40 days, would you call that a revival?If, during those same 40 days, 2,200 previously uninvolved people volunteered to serve in a ministry of your church, and another 3,700 committed to go on missions somewhere in the world next year, what would you call that? An awakening? What term would you use if your members became so burdened for their neighbors that they started 2,400 Home Bible Study groups and convinced nearly 25,000 of their friends, neighbors, and co-workers to attend for six weeks? A miracle? Whatever you call it, this actually happened at Saddleback Church in the Fall of 2002 during an incredible spiritual growth emphasis called 40 Days of Purpose.  But it just didn't happen at Saddleback! Over 18,000 churches from all 50 states and 19 countries have now participated in 40 Days of Purpose. Many of these churches have reported that it was the most transforming event in their congregation's history. Hundreds of pastors have written or called saying, "Our church will never be the same" and "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened in our church." One pastor wrote, "I've seen more growth in our members and our church in 40 days than in the previous 13 years." Through 40 Days of Purpose, thousands of people have come to Christ, been baptized, welcomed into membership, connected to a small group or Sunday School class for fellowship, taught the meaning of real worship, equipped for personal ministry, and commissioned to fulfill their mission in the world.  40 Days of Purpose has a track record of changing lives and churches because it is built on five transforming principles: UNIFIED PRAYER The Bible says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1) Months of prayer preparation precede this journey. This is an indispensable ingredient. Many churches schedule days of fasting to prepare their hearts for awakening. Jesus said there is mountain-moving power in unified prayer. CONCENTRATED FOCUS During 40 Days of Purpose, the entire church-every age group, every ministry, every small group or Sunday school class, and every worship service-focuses on the same thing together: God's purposes for our lives. Most of the time, church programs point members in twenty different directions. It is amazing what happens when your church concentrates on the same truth at the same time. MULTIPLE REINFORCEMENTS We designed this journey around four vital habits that everyone needs to grow spiritually: the habit of weekly worship attendance, a daily quiet time, a weekly group Bible study, and a weekly Scripture memory verse. These will keep your people growing long after 40 Days of Purpose is finished. BEHAVIORAL TEACHING Each of the messages are designed to cause people to become "doers of the Word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22) Each sermon has either a homework assignment, or event after the service, like the Ministry Fair or Missions Fair, where members can take action on what they've learned. EXPONENTIAL THINKING This kind of thinking stretches your faith. It is thinking so big that you are forced to completely depend on God because you know you cannot reach your goal on your own power. This "faith factor" is what takes the 40 Days of Purpose out of the realm of "What we've always done" or "What we think we could do" and instead expects God to do something that's never been done before in your church.  At Saddleback Church, we're always experimenting with new ways to help our people grow spiritually and reach out to our community. Every once in a while, we stumble across something that really produces a significant spiritual harvest, and we feel obligated to share it with other churches. In our 24-year history, nothing else has produced more life change in our church than 40 Days of Purpose. It has transformed our church and mobilized our members in ways we never dreamed of. That's why we want to share it with you. We're all on the same team! 40 Days of Purpose is all about the Kingdom of God, fulfilling his agenda in His world. Nothing brings more glory to God than having his churches, small groups, and his people fulfilling His Purposes. Because 40 Days of Purpose is about God's Kingdom, it is much bigger than any individual, church or denomination. We must work together "to serve God's purpose in our generation." (Acts. 13:36) I hope and pray that your church won't miss out on this movement of God. I invite you to join us. We're waiting to partner with you on the journey of a lifetime! -Rick Warren |
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