Longbranch Baptist Church Steeple

40 Days of Purpose - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is in charge of the campaign at Longbranch? Who do I talk to about...?
    • Pastor: Herb Pedersen
    • Campaign Director: Bob Crane
    • Communications: Jeff Yarbrough
    • Prayer: Mike Moody
    • Missions & Ministry Fair: Susan Logan
    • Celebration Event: Susan Logan
    • Worship: Aaron Franklin

  2. What are the purposes God has for me?

    The Purpose Driven Life
    Since Life is preparation for eternity, I want to use my time on earth discovering and fulfilling God's purposes for me:

    I was planned for God's pleasure (worship),
    so I will use this day to get to know and love God better.
    I was formed for God's family (fellowship),
    so I will use this day to show love to other believers.
    I was created to be like Christ (discipleship),
    so I will use this day to make choices that grow my character.
    I was shaped to serve God (ministry),
    so I will use this day to serve God by serving others.
    I was made for a mission (evangelism),
    so I will use this day to share the Good News of salvation.

  3. When do I begin reading The Purpose Driven Life?
    Begin reading January 16th. Read A Journey with Purpose, My Covenant and Day 1: It All Starts with God. Continue with Day 2 on Monday... The daily reading plan will be printed here.

  4. Where can I obtain a copy of The Purpose Driven Life?
    Copies of Rick Warren's book will be available for sale at the Welcome Center between Sunday School and morning services, and after services for those interested in purchasing copies.

  5. What do you have to do to prepare for 40 Days of Purpose?
    No special preparation is required other than staying current in the daily readings in Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life. (see the Daily Reading Plan)

  6. If I miss one meeting of my 40 Days of Purpose Bible Study, can I make it up?
    Everyone in Bible Study class will receive a workbook that you could work through on your own, if you have to miss one Sunday.

  7. Which six verses are we being encouraged to memorize during 40 Days of Purpose?
    The six verses are Ephesians 2:10, Mark 12:30, Romans 12:5, Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 4:10 and Colossians 4:5. The verse for each week will be printed in the bulletin. All six verses can be found inside the back cover of your workbook. In addition, you may pick up a copy of the verses at the Welcome Center.

  8. Are there other Purpose Driven materials that Longbranch will make available?
    Rick Warren and Saddleback Church have produced other Purpose Driven materials, such as CDs, audio books, and daily journals. These are available at local Christian bookstores or www.purposedrivenlife.com. Longbranch does not plan to sell any of these items.

  9. Is 40 Days of Purpose designed to make our church into a "mega-church?"
    40 Days of Purpose is not part of a plan to convert Longbranch into a "mega-church." Pastor Herb has selected 40 Days because it will help our entire congregation come together in unity, grow together spiritually, and help prepare us for our next stage of development. 40 Days of Purpose has been used most widely by smaller churches. The growth we expect is not necessarily in our worship numbers, but in our worship spirit, ministry enthusiasm, and love toward one another!

  10. Can you briefly describe all the components of 40 Days of Purpose in which I might participate?
    Yes - 40 Days of Purpose will begin on Sunday, January 16th and end the weekend of February 27th.
    • First, read The Purpose Driven Life each day between January 16th and February 24th.
    • Second, join a Sunday morning Bible Study once a week during this time.
    • Third, attend a worship service every Sunday at Longbranch during the 40 Days.
    • Fourth, participate in the Ministry/Missions Fair on Sunday, February 13th.
    • Finally, join us for a final Celebration at Longbranch the weekend of February 27th.

  11. What comes after 40 Days of Purpose?
    Whatever God has planned for us. 40 Days just helps us get prepared. As Rick Warren says, "knowing God's purpose for creating you will reduce your stress, focus your energy, simplify your decisions, give meaning to your life, and -most importantly- prepare you for eternity."

  12. Where can I get copies of The Purpose Driven Life to share with my family and friends?
    Copies of the book are available at most Christian and secular bookstores.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Missions & Ministry Fair:

  1. What is expected of me at the Missions & Ministry Fair?
    Everyone will visit the Missions & Ministry Fair in the Foyer of the Main building as part of our worship service in week 5, February 13th. You will have an opportunity to learn about specific ministry teams at Longbranch by meeting with team members and collecting prayer cards from each table. You will also have an opportunity to learn about nearby mission opportunities by meeting with mission leaders and volunteers. If you would like to explore joining a ministry team, you can leave an Opportunity Card at that ministry table.

  2. Do I have to sign up for a ministry?
    No. Some of you have already found your place in ministry at present and others will want to think and pray about where God might be calling them. However, every believer at Longbranch is an essential part of our local body and needed in ministry and mission efforts for the church to be complete. Additionally, serving with others in ministry brings joy and helps you mature in your faith.

  3. If I sign an Opportunity Card, what is my obligation?
    The Opportunity Card is your way of saying that you are interested in a ministry and that you would like to hear more. Shortly after the Missions & Ministry Fair, each of the ministries represented at the fair will hold an orientation meeting to further explain the ministry, answer questions, and help you determine if this team is where God might call you to serve. At that time, you can either commit to that ministry or decide that your skills might be better used in another area.

  4. Can I sign up for more than one ministry? If so, what happens?
    Yes. You will be invited to an orientation meeting by each team where you leave a card. After the meetings you can decide which of these teams are the best fit. It may be that you find two or more ministries that fit your talents and schedule.

  5. Suppose I have a passion for a ministry that does not yet exist at Longbranch?
    There will be a table where you can make suggestions for new ministries in which you might be involved and possibly take a leadership role in getting started.

  6. What if I join a ministry but it just doesn't seem to be the right fit?
    Then you should try another. Finding your place in ministry and discovering your gifts is a process and may require more than one try!

  7. If I like a ministry, but am not trained for it, what can I do?
    It is anticipated that there will be many people who would like to be in a ministry but feel they lack training. Each ministry will provide the necessary initial and ongoing training to assure that you are able to be successful in that ministry.

  8. Will the Missions & Ministry Fair be the only opportunity to get connected in ministry at Longbranch?
    No. There will be an ongoing effort to help people find the right ministry, providing training and following up to assure you are successful in your ministry.

  9. After reading the Purpose Driven Life this week and praying about ministry, I wish I had another chance to fill out an opportunity card and explore joining a ministry team at Longbranch!
    Don't worry! There will be a opportunity cards available on the table in the foyer this week and next with all the ministry team overviews and opportunity cards, which you can still fill out. We also plan to have at least one ministry team display in the foyer each week to keep you informed about opportunities to serve!

  10. What is the next step after filling out an opportunity card?
    An opportunity card is your way of saying that you are interested in a ministry and you would like to hear more. You will be invited to attend an orientation meeting to further explain the ministry in which you have expressed an interest, have your questions answered and help you to determine if this team is where God might call you to serve.


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