Church will hold 40-day spiritual journey
WARWICK When Warwick Assembly of God launches a “40 Days of Purpose Campaign,” running from Saturday Feb. 25, to Sunday, April 9, it will join a worldwide network of churches. Inspired by remarkable stories of spiritual renewal and growth, an estimated 13,000 churches from 60 denominations have experienced the purpose-driven phenomena inspired by a California pastor’s best-selling book. At the center of the campaign is “The Purpose Driven Life,” which has sold more than 16 million copies since its release in 2002. The book’s author, Rick Warren, is senior pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. Following its “40 Days of Purpose Campaign” two years ago, Saddleback Church baptized 671 new believers, added almost 1,200 new members, and increased average attendance by 2,000. The first 1,500 churches to hold the same campaign reported their worship attendance increased an average of 22 percent. During the campaign, the truths about God’s five purposes for people - worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism - will be communicated. A Brunch Kickoff with simulcast seminar will begin the campaign at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. Weekly, there is a message by the pastor, a scripture verse that everyone memorizes, and a small group or Sunday school lesson. Daily events include a personal or family devotional reading, and an email of encouragement. Rev. David H. Peterson, pastor of Warwick Assembly of God, said, “Already we have 18 small groups that will be meeting weekly all around the Warwick Valley during the 40 days. We are expecting this campaign to bring us to the next level in our life as a faith community here in Warwick All are invited to check out a group near them.” Peterson added, “People will hear about God’s purposes for their lives in many different formats It’s not about you. It’s about finding that you were created for a higher and more noble purpose than anything you can come up with by yourself. You were created to fulfill God’s purposes. Jesus said, If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.’” The church is located on the corner of Second and South Streets in the Village of Warwick. For more information, call 986-2083 or visit www.warwickag.org.