A Lutheran does 40 Days of Purpose

I think a personal mission statement, which is what I believe Warren is encouraging in this chapter is wonderful. It seems to me that his book tells us that God has already written what that is. I have done it for myself eight years ago. Here it is:

Albert Irvin Douglass

Mission Statement

I exist to love the Lord my God with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind, and to love my neighbor as myself.

In order to accomplish this with my life, I

Stand for the possibility of people being in the presence of their God.

Stand for the possibility of people being in the unconditional love of Jesus.

Stand for the possibility of people living lives guided by the Holy Spirit, freely expressing their gifts.

I find meaning in my life by

Accepting the Love of God in Jesus Christ as sufficient for my security, guidance, wisdom, and the source of my power.

Discerning what in my life seeks to take the place of this unconditional love and turning away from that and turning towards God.

Sharing God with others with humility, love, patience, and kindness as God has shared his love with me.

Spending disciplined time to attend to the means of grace.

Making my family and family relationships a top priority in my life.

Treasuring the quality of life, mine and others, and all creation.

Giving priority to my marriage and committing to it with faithfulness and love.

Caring for what I am responsible for and protecting what others have.

Seeking to see the special value and gifts in every person.

Being at peace with what the day and my life brings that is beyond my control.

I impact life as

Father: loving all Children with God’s love.

Husband: partnering with Carol that our marriage is a sign of God’s perfect kingdom.

Pastor - Evangelist: Inviting all people to a relationship with Jesus.

Pastor - President: Preacher, Teacher, Public Representative of the body of Christ, Ministry of Word and Sacrament, Leader-Visionary.

Pastor - Care giver: Visiting the sick, counseling.

Pastor - Manager: Helping people find productive ministries in the congregation.

Friend: Faithful, consistent love toward those I share my life with.

Neighbor: Enthusiastic supporter of community, justice and peace for all.

In our congregation, I was more interested as a Pastor in asking the members to describe their next step on the road to discipleship. I pray that God uses it for the sake of his kingdom.

In conclusion I thank God for the work that Rick Warren has done. In my congregation it made a tremendous difference in the lives of those who met in groups and reflected prayerfully about its content.

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