The most basic question everyone faces in life is Why am I here? What is my purpose? Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God's purposes for putting us on earth.
The Purpose-Driven Life takes the groundbreaking message of the award-winning Purpose-Driven Church and goes deeper, applying it to the lifestyle of individual Christians. This book helps readers understand God's incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live.
The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, Warren clearly explains God's five purposes for each of us:
- We were planned for God's pleasure
- so your first purpose is to offer real worship.
- We were formed for God's family
- so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
- We were created to become like Christ,
- so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
- We were shaped for serving God
- so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.
- We were made for a mission
- so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.
This 10th anniversary edition, with emphasis on the question What on Earth Am I Here For? is the life-message of Rick Warren, founding pastor of Saddleback Church. Written in a captivating devotional style, the book is divided into 42 short chapters (six weeks) that can be read as a daily devotional, studied by small groups, and used by churches participating in the nationwide 40 Days of Purpose campaigns.
Click to learn more about the Church Wide Campaign and Small Group Study, What on Earth Am I Here For?
Free resources mentioned in The Purpose Driven® Life
Welcome to the free resources section of The Purpose Driven Life. These resources are designed to support you on your journey to live a purpose-driven live.
"It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ...he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone." Ephesians 1:11 (Msg)
How Can You Know God Personally (PDF)
Here's how you can know God personally; there are four main points.
Your First Steps to Spiritual Growth (PDF)
This will help you plan out a meaningful daily Bible study time and give you encouragement to get started.
Find a helpful list of books, both classic and current, listed by each of the five purposes, for further study.
Personal Daily Bible Reading Plans (PDF) 30 Days | 90 Days | 1 Year
Sometimes it helps to know where to read in the Bible. These are daily Bible reading plans that will chart your way through the New Testament in 30 days, a little more manageable plan through the New Testament in 90 days, or for you long-term plodders, a plan that will have you finishing the whole Bible through in one year of daily readings. Choose the plan that suits you best!
How to Pray for Missionaries (PDF)
This link is a helpful guide for those who want to pray knowledgeably for missionaries to other cultures and countries. It contains information about the typical needs of missionaries and even has a suggested weekly prayer plan.
Keep On Praying (PDF)
Why be persistent? How come my answers sometimes don't come immediately? Why should I keep on praying when the answer doesn't come in my time table?
The Purpose Driven Life Health Assessment (PDF)
Want to find out how your life measures up to the five purposes of the Purpose Driven Life? Take this simple test. Also helps you create a plan to help grow.
Sample Life Purpose Statements (PDF)
Sample some of the tools Rick uses to create his own personal life statements and evaluations in the areas of mission, family, vocation, and community ministry.
Celebrate Recovery
This link takes you to the Celebrate Recovery home page where you can find everything you need to know about this unique Christ-centered recovery program for purpose-driven churches, including finding a CR program near you.
HIV&AIDS Initiative
Compelling stories from individuals living with HIV/AIDS and practical ways to get involved in caring for those who come face to face with HIV on a daily basis.
Orphan Care Connection
You are God's hope for the orphan! Saddleback Church has made Orphan Care a signature issue of our church because it is clear in God's Word, God never forgets the orphan. God cares for the orphan. God wants us to care for the orphan. You can get involved in your local community.
The PEACE Plan
Ordinary people empowered by God making a difference together wherever they are.