What a book! I plan to have this book finished by the end of May, 2009. I wish I had read this book when I was a young Christian! I am posting a full review/outline of part of this book - the rest will be posted as I finish. It is certainly worth your time - I have found very little that I disagree with.
Book Review: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Chapter 16 is about Love.
I John 3:16 - Chapter 17 talks about church membership. That word means more biblically than present-day meanings. It refers to being a vital organ of a living body, an indispensable, interconnected part of the Body of Christ. They must be connected. Usually the Bible uses of the word “church” refers to a local, visible congregation. The Christian must be committed and active in a local fellowship. Why?
1. A church family identifies you as a genuine believer.
2. A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation
3. A church family helps you develop spiritual muscle
4. The Body of Christ needs you – your gift is important
5. You will share in Christ’s mission in the world.
6. A church family will help keep you from backsliding
Commitment is what separates a church attender from a church member.
Chapter 18 – Suggests that there is a great need for churches to include “fellowshipping”,
which requires a small group – Jesus had 12 in his group. Here is what these fellowship groups should have:
1. People experience authenticity – heart to heart, not superficial
2. People experience mutuality – giving and receiving
3. People experience sympathy – empathy – to understand and validate one another
4. People experience mercy – forgiveness is required – none are perfect, and some are irritating
p. 143 “If someone hurts you repeatedly, your are commanded by God to forgive them instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them to hurt you.”
Chapter 19 is a great synopsis of “small group ministries”.
There are nine characteristics:
1. Authenticity
2. Mutuality
3. Sympathy
4. Mercy
5. Honesty
6. Humility
7. Courtesy
8. Confidentiality
9. Frequency
Chapter 21 – Unity in the church – Church conflict may be a sign that the focus has changed to less important things
1. Focus on what we have in common, not on differences
2. Be realistic in expectations
3. Choose to encourage rather than criticize. When we judge
a. We lose fellowship with God
b. We expose our own pride and insecurity
c. We set ourselves up to be judged by God
d. We harm the fellowship of the church
4. Refuse to listen to gossip
a. Gossip is passing on information when you are neither a part of the problem or the solution
5. Practice God’s method for conflict resolution
6. Support your pastor and leaders
Chapter 22 – You were created to become like Christ (purpose 3)
God’s goal is not our comfort but Character development. Life is not about you – you exist for God’s purposes
1. We must cooperate with the Spirit
2. God uses His Word, people and circumstances to mold us
3. Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process – until we die, and we shall be “like He is”
God is more interested in what we are than what we do.
Chapter 23 – Growing Up
To become a mature Christian, we must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.
1. God’s part and your part – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
2. Change your auto pilot – don’t fight against your old nature – have God change it. | 
