This is a blog for anyone interested in journeying together in christian discipleship. It is primarily for those disciples at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Princeton Junction, NJ who will be using "The Purpose Driven Life" as a text for daily readings, weekly small group gatherings and regular worship from 9.24 through 11. 7. Although anyone interested in making a serious contribution to the blog is welcome to do so
Welcome!
Thank you for responding to God’s call to be part of this congregational Journey of Discipleship. Only God knows where these forty plus days will lead us. I truly believe, by the end of this amazing journey, however, you will have discovered your life purpose and Prince of Peace will have discovered its mission.
posted by paullutz @ 5:17 PM
4 comments
intrigued with the possibilities for ministry in a digital cultural
4 Comments:
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I am enjoying this so far. I would not consider my own thoughts "serious contributions" so I have put them on a separate blog (http://dimlyscene.blogspot.com) and just love should someone choose to smarten me up. I also very much appreciate the "Lutheran view" since not all things Baptist resonate with me.
I would say that the purpose of life as "to conform to the likeness of Jesus" remains a bit anti-climactic. I think most average Joes and Janes are looking for answers like "Is raising a family sufficient conformity or should I be doing something in ministry? If so, what thing?" or "My biggest success is at work but how can I tell if God wants me to "conform" through contribution or through hands on service?" I am perhaps hoping for something more concrete as the book progresses.
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Thanks for your comments, Mark.
How wonderful that you have created your own blog.
I would consisider your comments "serious contributions" and I appreciate your sharing. It is great to have you as a companion on the journey.
I want to be clear that my reason for engaging in this book is not that I agree with it, but that it can and does serve as a good focus of conversation about things spiritual for many today.
Missing from, or perhaps hidden within, the "to conform to the likeness of Jesus" life purpose is the realization that each of us is uniquely gifted. I would say that we are not called to do as Jesus did, but to discern what Jesus would have us do with the gifts we have been given and in our time and place. There is more respect for our individuality than is expressed by that single phrase.
In addition, the notion of Christian vocation can come into play here. The vocation of father, stock brocker, menchanic, pastor, child, barber, etc are all equally significant in God's eye. They are all ministry. I think the struggle is to discern what God is calling us to do, not in wrestling with what is ministry and what is not. God can and does use all of our efforts to advance the reign of God. It tends to be more satisfying when we know we are doing those things for which God has created us, and not simply those things that satisfy our own needs.
In addition, both "hands on" and "hands off" minstry are appropraite at differnt times.
Good to hear from you. See you Sunday.
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