Well, the mysterious signs around town are mostly gone now
– the ones that posed the question:
”
Got Purpose?
”
Well, the mysterious signs around town are mostly gone now – the ones that posed the question: “Got Purpose?”
Back in April, Gilroy’s South Valley Community Church conducted a “40 Days of Purpose” campaign developed by the Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California. During this time the church’s members and other local residents concentrated on the question “What on earth am I here for?”
The answers are contained in Warren’s popular book, “The Purpose Driven Life:” to live for God’s pleasure, to be a member of God’s family, to become like Christ, to serve God, to share faith.
Barb Miller, director of SVCC ministry development and coordinator of this campaign, reports impressive results: Eighty small groups met weekly with more than 800 participants. On the day the national simulcast was presented, 775 people came to view it at the church. The entire supply of 1,200 copies of the textbook was distributed for free to who requested one.
When a ministry fair was held on a recent Sunday, 150 members signed up to participate in various church ministries like ushering, greeting, working in the nursery, singing in the choir, helping with the church’s web site, youth groups or drama team.
Perhaps the most impressive event occurred on the concluding Sunday, June 1, when bleachers and a swimming pool were set up in the church’s parking lot. A total of 105 people of all ages received the sacrament of Holy Baptism, a record for the congregation. (Another 30 or more have expressed the desire to be baptized in the near future.)
“I haven’t seen anything like it in 30 years of ministry,” said the Rev. Eric Smith, senior pastor, about the 40-day program.
Smith particularly praised the weekly small group meetings where people could share their own needs and stories, connect with others and form new friendships.
“In some ways these small fellowship groups are more important than our Sunday worship services,” Smith said. “People come to church for many reasons, but they stay because they make significant friendships.”
Church leaders distributed survey forms to discover members’ reactions to the program and responses were positive. When asked which aspect was most important, many people agreed about the groups by writing comments like: “attending small groups,” “this fellowship was missing in my life,” “small group participation,” “enjoyed our small group–want to continue with that,” “small groups are powerful.”
Additional copies of “The Purpose Driven Life” have been ordered and will be available in the SVCC office. The author says about his book: “This is not a self-help book. It is not about finding the right career, achieving your dreams, or planning your life. It is not about how to cram more activities into an overloaded schedule. Actually it will teach you to try to do less in life – by focusing on what matters most. It is about becoming what God has created you to be.”
For more information call 848-2363.
