Milford, OH, September 9, 2004 – Inspired by remarkable stories of spiritual renewal and growth, an estimated 13,000 churches from 60 denominations have experienced the purpose-driven phenomena inspired by a California pastor’s best-selling book. “We are exploding with excitement. Lives will be transformed. Relationships will be deepened. Our church and community will be impacted by this campaign. Our people will be inviting friends, relatives and co-workers to join us in this time of growth.” says John Robinson, senior minister of the Harvest Pointe Christian Church.
At the center of the campaign is the fastest-selling hard cover nonfiction book in history. The Purpose Driven Life has sold more than 16 million copies since the book’s release in 2002. The book’s author, Rick Warren, is senior pastor of one of America’s largest churches, Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Following its 40 Days of Purpose Campaign two years ago, Saddleback Church baptized 671 new believers, added almost 1,200 new members, and increased average attendance by 2,000. Two years ago the first 1,500 churches to hold a 40 Days of Purpose Campaign reported their worship attendance increased an average of 22 percent.
The Campaign will start with a free dinner and simulcast, via satellite. Rick Warren, the author of the New York Times best selling book The Purpose Driven Life, will be the featured speaker during the simulcast. The satellite feed will broadcast from Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest California. The free dinner will be held at Harvest Pointe Christian Church at 5:30p.m on October 9th. The Simulcast will begin at 7:00p.m. A large number of in home small groups, at various locations around Milford, Batavia, Goshen, Williamsburg, and Bethel, will examine the book and share ideas about what they have read. Harvest Pointe Christian Church will also dedicate their Sunday services, for the entire campaign, to reinforce the principles discussed in the book during the home studies.
During the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign at the Harvest Pointe Christian Church, the truths about God’s five purposes for people—worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism—will be communicated repeatedly in six ways:
1. A Simulcast seminar, via satellite, on October 9, 2004.
2. A weekly message by the minister.
3. A personal or family daily devotional reading.
4. A weekly Scripture memory verse that everyone memorizes.
5. A weekly in home small group.
6. A daily e-mail of encouragement from the Senior Minister of Harvest Pointe.
“People will hear about God’s purposes for their lives in many different formats,” John Robinson said. “This will allow the truths to sink deeper into hearts, which is essential
for any permanent life change.”
“Bertrand Russell, an atheist, said, ‘Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.’ Rick Warren begins his book by writing, ‘It’s not about you. ... If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.’ This campaign will help people find their purpose and discover the happiest, most fulfilled life possible on this earth.”

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