11 May - 22 June 2008
During early 2006 in "40 Days of Purpose" we addressed the question,
“What on earth am I here for?” We discovered
God’s five purposes for our lives: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry,
and Mission. Our lives were enriched, our church grew and we had a significant
experience of the power of small group meetings.
"40 Days of Community" offers us an invitation to further deepen our
spiritual journey by considering the question, "What on earth are
WE here for?"
40 Days of Community is designed to help us deepen authentic community
within our church family and to reach out more effectively to the local community
outside our church.
Our congregation members will learn to live out God’s five purposes in community
with other believers and encourage them to further reach outside the four walls
of the church to serve in their local community. By the end of 40 Days of
Community, our congregation should:
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Place a greater value on the relationships within our church
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Have a solid commitment to the local body as well as to our small groups
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Cultivate a deeper spirit of harmony, love, and appreciation for one another
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Better understand where you fit within the vision and mission of your church
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Have extended our influence in our local community through individual and group outreach projects.
KEY TOOLS
40 Days of Community uses six powerful tools – each one essential to the success
of the campaign. Research from 40 Days of Purpose has shown that churches that
use all six tools experience much greater results than churches that left out
one or two tools. Each component builds a foundation for the next one,
maximising the impact of the campaign.
The tools are:
1. Promotional 40 Days of Community Kick-Off Event
Kick-Off Sunday 27 April
2. Church-wide events designed to deepen the commitment of our members and move them into active participation in our congregation and community.
Missions Project - introduced Sunday 18 May
3. Seven weekend messages and worship services - Sundays: 11th May to 22nd June inclusive.
Ministry Fair Sunday 8 June
Final, Celebration Sunday 22 June
4. "Better Together - What on Earth Are We Here For?", a comprehensive campaign resource workbook – includes 40 days of daily devotional readings and pages for journaling, as well as the small group study guide. See right sidebar for more information »
Small Group Participants get this workbook
5. Six small group studies taught by Rick Warren on video in VHS or DVD format
Small Groups meeting in Host Homes weekly - 11 May to 22 June
6. Six weekly scripture memory verses
We learn key scriptures together
