Lord, whatever the rights or wrongs, we pray that you will build and encourage Rick Warren at this time and especially all those who may have been affected by this situation. Bless them and encourage them and help them to be an encouragement to others.



In The name of Jesus.

Let Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.



David.









-----Original Message-----

From: John Schwery - Email Address: [log in to unmask]

Sent On: 30/11/2006 20:33

Sent To: [log in to unmask] - Email Address: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Fwd: Purpose-Driven Lay Offs?



Here is some news and commentary about the Purpose Driven movement.



Text of forwarded message follows:



>

>Purpose-Driven Lay Offs? Is Rick Warren a Victim?

>

>

>

>The Purpose-Driven movement appears to be losing steam and has had 

>to layoff employees and restructure it's workforce. Here's what the 

>Orange County Register's latest article on Rick Warren had to say on 

>the matter.

>Backlash by traditionalists spurred a spate of negative publicity 

>this year. During the same period, the Purpose-Driven program 

>experienced a steep decline in revenue, necessitating the layoff of 

>33 members of its staff. There are currently 130 members on staff. 

>Additionally, Purpose-Driven Ministries relinquished its autonomy 

>and was folded under the wing of Saddleback Church for cost-savings reasons.

>

>Remember the Purpose-Driven mantra, "a church that isn't growing is failing".

>

>Remember that corporate standards of success dictate that a company 

>that isn't growing is failing.

>

>Therefore, The PURPOSE-DRIVEN MOVEMENT is now failing according to 

>the very same standards that they have used to judge others.

>

>But, notice how they are spinning their failure.

>

>They are blaming it on a backlash by traditionalists. Yep, this is a 

>classic case of the "don't blame us, blame them" dodge that immature 

>and childish leaders throughout the centuries have used in order to 

>avoid having to take responsibility for their own shortcomings.

>

>Purpose-Driven executives are painting themselves as victims rather 

>than asking themselves "what have WE done wrong". Instead, of taking 

>responsibility they are blaming those 'evil traditionalists' for 

>their changing fortunes. This sounds like Clintonesque leadership 

>rather than Biblically based servant-leadership. Who could forget 

>Bill Clinton blaming his political woes on a 'vast right-wing 

>conspiracy'? Is Rick Warren a victim, the same way Bill Clinton was 

>a victim? Hardly!

>

>The real reason why the purpose-driven movement is failing is 

>because there is a serious flaw in the product. The whole thing is 

>based upon clever and novel ideas that seek to grow churches based 

>upon man-made methods rather than the clear teaching of scripture. 

>Therefore, like all clever ideas and methods that become popular 

>fads, it is just a matter of time before it ends up in the ash heap 

>and the next fad replaces it.

>

>Lord willing, by this time next-year the Purpose Driven Life will be 

>as popular as the 'Prayer of Jabez' and 'Millie Vanillie'.

>http://www.extremetheology.com/2006/11/purposedriven_l.html

>[Live Link to Orange County Register article at this URL]

>

>

>No virus found in this incoming message.

>Checked by AVG Free Edition.

>Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.2/559 - Release Date: 

>11/30/2006 5:07 AM

End of forwarded message text:



John

-- 

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

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