Coming up this Sunday, we are introducing our “Purpose Driven Summer” emphasis for those of us connected to The Bridge. As a “purpose driven” church, we attempt to grow in each of the five biblical purposes derived from the “Great Commandments” and the “Great Commission“:

• Worship
• Service
• Discipleship
• Evangelism
• Fellowship

In order to grow in each area thoughout the summer, we are going to issue a general challenge this Sunday and specific challenges each week.  Here is a “Pastor Mike Blog Reader” sneak peak at the general challenge we will issue this Sunday:

Worship– One way to define worship is “to magnify (make bigger) God’s name.”  As an act of worship, will you PRAY every day this summer that God’s name would be magnified in our community?

Evangelism – Evangelism is to attempt to share the good news of God’s love made known through Jesus with those who don’t yet know Him.  Is there an individual or family who are not yet connected with God whom you can intentionally pray for and invest in this summer?

Discipleship – Discipleship means to become more like Jesus in our thoughts and behaviors.  Will you join other Bridgers in reading one chapter of the Bible a day and the daily devotional from “My Utmost for His Highest?”

Fellowship – Fellowship happens when people are “known, cared for and encouraged in their walk with God.”  Will you practice fellowship this summer by committing to daily sharing with another what God is teaching you and allowing them to share the same with you?

Ministry – Another word for ministry is “service.”  Ministry is “meeting needs with love.”  What unique service opportunities can you find for you or your family each week?

So will you take the Purpose Driven Summer Challenge?  If so, I hope you’ll post a comment or two along the way as we share how God is working in and through us to fulfill his purpose.