Inspired by evangelist Rick Warren's 'Purpose Driven Life'By Sara WestheadDiscovering and understanding God’s purpose for His people is key to a successful Christian life.About ten years ago, Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church, published the book, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’, which quickly went on to become a best seller.Now, Warren has updated the book in order to continue addressing those issues Christians have and continue to face in knowing God’s ultimate purpose for his people.“[Pastor Warren’s] experience showed him that he needed to update the book,” explained Pastor Lorne Bean of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church in Hamilton Parish. “For us, we’re asking the same questions. It’s about discovering why God has me here.”Saddleback has launched a campaign with his new book, ‘What On Earth Am I Here For?’It has been embraced by churches across the Country and around the world, to bring new light on the subject for believers, and to show pastors, as Warren says in a video promoting the campaign: “How you can help your church be stronger, healthier, more stable and experience exponential growth.”Joining in that campaign, Bethel AME last week launched a six-week “journey of self-discovery” to explore the new and updated version of Warren’s best-seller and to explore what he says are God’s five purposes for Christians we were planned for God’s pleasure, we were formed for God’s family, we were created to become like Christ, we were shaped for serving God, and we were made for a mission.“This study is part of a larger programme that we call, Bible boot camp,” Pastor Bean said. “We’ve been taking people through basic fundamentals salvation, testimonies, the works of the spirit. This comes in alignment with it.”The study began on February 6 and meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm.Worship is followed with a video segment featuring teachings by Pastor Warren.Those in attendance then have the opportunity to discuss both the text and the video.While only 20 were in attendance for the first session, the impact from it was so great that some of the church groups have now decided to put off their activities in order to join in.“We’re all geared to come together to discover God’s purpose,” said Pastor Bean.The sessions will continue until March 20.Discussion will focus on the following:l Fellowship — You were formed for God’s Family (February 20)l Discipleship — You were created to become like Christ (February 27)l Ministry — You were shaped to serve God (March 13)l Evangelism — You were made for a mission (March 20).All are welcome to join. Books are available at the Bermuda Book Store, which has graciously offered a ten percent discount to those participating in the campaign.As Pastor Warren shared in the promotion video: “Let’s watch our churches grow; let’s watch our communities be infected with the good news of Jesus Christ and let’s watch our members get on fire for mission and ministry for the global glory of God.”To see the promotional video:http://vimeo.com/51105355For more information on ‘What On Earth Am I Here For?’ visit purposedriven.com.For more information on the Bethel AME campaign call 293-0605 or e-mail bethelame@northrock.bm.