The Bibles ANSWER IS to -Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3:5-6)

Warren correctly says “We protect the fellowship when we honor those who serve us by leading. Pastors and elders need our prayers, encouragement, appreciation, and love.” It is mentioned how will have to give an account to God how they watched over you, members will also have to give an account how well they followed their leaders. This is all true the church is to be a loving place for all to gather, however how does he apply this. What does someone consider divisive? There is good division and bad division. This needs to be taken into account because of direction he is headed in his book on this subject.

On p.158 “Christians often have legitimate, honest disagreements and differing opinions, but we can disagree without being disagreeable…God expects unity, not uniformity, and we can walk arm-in arm without seeing eye-to-eye on every issue”

p.161 He recommends that we focus on what we have in common, not our differences. “God wants unity not uniformity. For unity’s sake we must never let differences divide us.”

It depends what those issues are, keeping unity and ignoring what is wrong is not God’s intent in any matter, be it between brothers or between churches.

On p.166 “The Leaders responsible to maintain the unity of the Church.”

“The Bible gives pastors very specific instructions on how to deal with divisive people in the fellowship. They are to avoid arguing, gently teach the opposition while praying they'll change warn those who are argumentative, plead for harmony and unity, rebuke those who are disrespectful of leadership, and remove divisive people from the church if they ignore two warnings.”

This is good if he would qualify what he means. Certainly pastors who are upholding the word and living right deserve our support and loyalty. But what about those who do not?

Quoting Titus 3:10 “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him” (NIV)
Warren is referring to the Scripture that is speaking of heretics, divisive ones that have foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law (Titus 3:9), things that are not in accord with the apostles teachings, these are the ones to be removed: not anyone who is “divisive” is to be considered to be a heretic. It is what someone is divisive about. We are commanded to divide from false doctrine and those who do not uphold it. There is nothing wrong with confronting error as long as it is done with the right intentions in a spirit of love.

“God blesses churches that are unified. At Saddleback every Church member signs a covenant that includes a promise to protect the unity of our fellowship. As a result, the church has never had a conflict that split the fellowship” (p.167)

If this is what is needed to keep unity, then where is the working of the Spirit to keep the unity of the faith? The unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:3) leads us into the unity of the faith (Eph. 4:13; Jude 3). We are to be unified in the truth not only unified in fellowship and purpose. The early church needed no extra covenant to sign for their unity. So if one does not sign this covenant they will be asked to leave (also if they are no in service to the church as indicated earlier in this article- by moving hundreds of members for non-participation). So division would be not going along with a vision the pastor has, even when it may be unbiblical or extra biblical.

The Bible teaches the unity is based on our common faith not a certain pastor’s vision or direction for the church. Jesus never said to unite with false churches that claim his name (Warren makes no distinction, and considers keeping unity with those outside the faith (as USA TODAY, 7/21/2003 reported posted on his website--Warren's pastor-training programs welcome Catholics, Methodists, Mormons, Jews and ordained women). Neither does Warren take into account churches that change and begin to teach false doctrine or abuse members. We are not to follow leaders who no longer uphold the Bible correctly. We are to separate from them. I can only conclude from what I have read that Warren believes that every church that calls them-self Christian is practicing the truth from what he is doing since he makes not distinction.

Overall there are some major problems with this book and numerous smaller ones that people seem to overlook throughout the book that are concerning.

Also on page 166, Warren says that Pastors are “given the impossible task of trying to make everyone happy, which even Jesus could not do!” 

What pastor would ever think it is his job to do this. Jesus did not try to make anyone happy, he spoke the truth to people regardless of what they thought. He gave them what they needed. He goal was to please the Father only, not make people happy.  Warren may want us us to feel sympathetic for our pastors plight of pleasing all the people but this is not  not his job so any argument about this is moot.

p.241 “If you don’t make your unique contribution to the body of Christ, it won’t be made.”  This is not necessarily true. We do not honor the vessel but God who works through the vessel. We find in the book of Esther 4:14 “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

God does want us to cooperate with him for His purpose to be accomplished, but God can easily raise up another for any work he chooses. This example can be seen with the nation Israel as well as individuals.    

On p.176 “you cannot grow in Christ likeness in isolation.” Why not, there are people who have lived in areas where there are no Christians and all they had were their Bible, and the Holy Spirit. It's true we should be part of a church but we are to have a personal relationship with God foremost, then with people. Jesus can do far above what any person can do in our life.

On page p.245 Warren promotes the psychological categories of sanguine and choleric personalities and applies it to the apostles. The Four Temperaments theory is one of several behavior-oriented theories that modem psychology has adopted from ancient schools of philosophy.

In the Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, R.M. Coldenson defines temperament as “A general term for emotional make-up, including characteristic energy level, moods and mood changes, intensity and tempo of reactions to people and situations ” (James Mcconnell Understanding Human Behavior 6th ed. p.434)

In the past physicians and philosophers used their understanding of the four humors (body fluids), the four temperaments, and signs of the zodiac to treat diseases and understand individual differences in people.

Greek cosmology's four elements are basic to the four temperament personality theory. (It was popularized in Christianity by Florence Littauer and Tim LaHaye, Peter being a sanguine, Paul a choleric, is right out of Lahayes book.

True our personality is used by God but it does not necessarily rule over our spiritual gifts as Warren surmises, it is actually the other way around. Our Personality is part of our soul. God has given us spiritual gifts to FULFILL his purpose. God works through the weaknesses of people so that he receives the glory for what is done. It's our weakness not necessarily our strengths God uses. In fact the Bible tells us we are new creatures in Christ so whatever personality category one tries to peg us in is wrong. God often changes us, so we can do what we could not do before. These personality categories are psychology and humanistic.

We are no longer to be ruled by our old fallen nature Jesus has made all things new and we are to walk in the Spirit to fulfill his purposes.

Other problems have surfaced as numerous authors and practices are recommended  inside his book.

Warren references Bernie Siegel’s (p.31) teaching on having hope in the greater context of explaining his message of purpose in his book. Dr. Bernie Siegel is a New Age holistic doctor an influential New Age leader. In his books and workshops he encourages people to do guided meditations and visualization. As he once did and made contact with his own personal spirit guides. Siegel openly endorses the teachings of A Course in Miracles which preaches another Christ. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of Jerry Jampolsky's the Course in Miracles-based Attitudinal Healing Center.” Just another incident of lack of discernment? Maybe, except there are many more examples.

Warren refers to  “…Gary [Thomas] discovered that Christians have used many different paths for 2,000 years to enjoy intimacy God….(his book Sacred Pathways). Sacred Pathways subtitle is “Discover Your Soul’s Path to God.” There is only one way to God-through Jesus Christ and we do not discover it, it is revealed to us.

In Sacred Pathways, pp.184–186 Thomas suggests the use of “Dancing Prayer,” not in bodily movements, but we are to imagine in our minds dancing with God and allowing Him to lead. Then He gives instructions on “Centering Prayer.”

Warren presents prayer mantras bordering on positive confession type decrees: “One way is to use ‘breath prayers’ throughout the day, as many Christians [actually Catholic mystics] have done for centuries. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath: “You are with me.” “I receive your grace.” “I’m depending on you.” “I want to know you.” “I want to know you.” “I belong to you.” “Help me trust you.” “Pray it as often as possible so it is rooted deep in your heart.” (p. 89).

Whether Warren is only experimenting or is an ardent practitioner of contemplative prayer techniques (Roman Catholic) it does not matter. They borrow from their methods from the Occult and Eastern spiritual practices.

“You must train your mind to remember God….Benedictine monks use the hourly chimes of a clock to remind them to pause and pray ‘the hourly prayer’” (p. 89).

The Benedictine Order is Catholic which practices contemplative prayer/meditation and holds to universalism in their teachings not a good source to point to.

He also quotes Mother Teresa favorably on page 125. All these recommendations and people make a mixture of various religious practices that would deter one from the purity found in the Scripture. If one were to read the sources he is quoting they would become confused not helped on how to practice their faith.

On p.88 Warren uses a translation that says “He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything.” (Ephesians 4:6, New Century Version) This quote promotes “pantheism,” and should be obviously be avoided. This New Age concept teaches God is within all of His creation. This is not what this passage means as Paul is explaining our spiritual unity he concludes with  “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6, KJV) meaning, in the born again Christian. God is everywhere but not IN everything.

“The last thing many believers need is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice” (p.231). It may be true that far too many Christians are not doing ministry but to say we don’t need to go to another Bible study is going against the commands of Jesus. I have found that far too many do not know their Bibles well enough This could be said in a better way like some of you are old enough to be teachers. Jesus said it is the bread we live on, we can never have enough spiritual food for learning. New believers especially need constant Bible study. Where are people going to learn if not at a Bible study, certainly not in their seeker friendly services!

Yet he contradicts himself, before this he states “I cannot overstate the value of being a part of a small Bible study discussion group.... p.191). This even contradicts what he says about his own church program. “We designed this journey around four vital habits that everyone needs to grow spiritually: the habit of weekly worship attendance, a daily quiet time, a weekly group Bible study.”

p. 79. He says that God “He doesn’t try to break our will, but woos us to himself so we might offer ourselves freely to him.” Warren correctly teaches that God wants us to completely surrender to give us freedom. However his statement is inaccurate, he does break our will if necessary; he chastens us (Jonah for example, Paul another). All one has to do is read about the history of Israel to find the examples. But Warren purposely leaves out these portions and interpretations to make God as one whom can only bless you. “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives….The word chasten is paideuo, it means to train up a child, i.e. educate, discipline by punishment if necessary. “ God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:5-8) “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Rev. 3)

On p. 219 of the Purpose Driven Church (not the Purpose Driven Life) Warren shows us what he thinks, “It is my deep conviction that anybody can be won to Christ if you discover the key to his or her heart . . . . The most likely place to start is with the person’s felt needs.”

 You mean to tell me that’s all that Jeremiah or Noah needed to do and he would have had the boat filled and Jeremiah would have had Israel repenting.

Where is the Holy Spirit in the conversion process? Is this a Biblical understanding for someone to believe, all we need to do is find that key and turn it? This means it is our fault if someone does not repent and come to know the Lord because we failed to correctly present it to them or find that key. And what of their responsibility?  It says the gospel - the cross is an offense to people when it is preached correctly. How can this be easy? Jesus said no one comes to him unless the Father draws them. Though methods can be useful, Warren is reducing witnessing to a successful method that is centered on what the person wants in his life. He is starting on the wrong end.

p.284 “this is why we must all be urgent about our mission” Good point but he applied the wrong Scripture “All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end” John.9:4 (New Living Translation)

NKJ John 9:4 "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” Jesus is speaking of himself Warren uses the NLT which subtly changed it to include all of us.

He writes “If you want Jesus to come back sooner focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy” (p.286). There is nothing we can do to make Jesus come back sooner. No one will be able to bring this about any sooner than God’s timing (Warren has said he avoids teaching on prophecy because no one knows when Jesus will return).

On p.298 He uses the term Middle eastern (is a new term) avoids the apostles ethnicity being Jewish. This is intentionally done, for what purpose I do not know. “When Jesus told his followers to “go everywhere into the world, and tell the good news to everyone” that small band of poor, Middle Eastern disciples were overwhelmed.”

 He calls people who get involved -- world class Christians. p.298-299. What does this mean? Do we now have two classes of Christians. What’s the other class? Ones who do not have the purpose?

On p.300 he says World Class Christians pray for the world. And suggests to get a globe or map to pray with. “The Bible says “If you ask me. I will give you the nations, all the people on the earth will be yours” (Ps.2:8 New Century Version)

p. 300 He speaks of our Shift from local thinking to global thinking. Because God cares for the whole world we should too. He then explains how co-operations and business already think globally. While I agree with him on praying for other countries we are never asked to love and focus on the whole world as God does. He later contradicts this and says even Jesus did not meet the needs of everyone on earth. You have to choose whom you can best help. 

God is not saying he will give them (all) to us. Warren is among many that take this Scripture out of its context. This is a specific promise to the Son of God, not mankind. Ps. 2:7-9 “I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.”’(NKJ).

p.302 I urge you to save and do whatever it takes to participate in a short term mission trip overseas as soon as possible.

p.304 “What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short-term missions experience in the next year.” Missions are good and necessary and it is often beneficial to do something like this, however, not All Christians are called to be missionaries: Warren has a myopic view of purpose in mind, it seems to relate only to evangelism/missions. Many people who are Christian are called to be doctors, firemen, lawyers, housewives, etc. and are used in their vocation, not just in mission work in other countries. Our mission is to be witnesses of Jesus to anyone we may come in contact with, both home or abroad.

If you want to be like Jesus, you must have a heart for the whole world. You can’t be satisfied with your family and friends coming to Christ. There are over 6 billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all his lost children found” Does Warren believe we can save the whole world? Warrens intentions are admiral but not realistic.

It is for these reasons I'm concerned about what is written in this book. Because so many have already read it I can only hope it is used to spur some people on to more than what they are doing. 

In conclusion, does God want us to have only purpose or is faithfulness a necessary element so he can fulfill his purpose in us?

There is a principle that is supposed to be at work. Luke 16:10 “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” God is looking for faithfulness. Paul writes in1 Tim. 1:11-12 “according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry”

Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow Him and we do not know each step of the journey. We need to rest in God and His sovereignty as He works His divine purpose through us, this can take time. Denying our self is the first step, and let our talents and abilities be crucified so he can breathe new life into which of them he wants to.  By walking in God’s will and way we find fulfillment, peace and our purpose is developed. Purpose driven life may have some good ideas but it has just as many that are not good, it promotes enough unbiblical teaching  for me to say pass, and find another book.