The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
notes by Pat Krabacher

21. Protecting your church

A. You are joined with peace through the spirit, so make every effort to continue this way.
Eph 4:3 (NCV)

Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.
Col 3:14 (LB)

B. It is your job to protect the unity of your church. . . .
Unity is the soul of fellowship.

Focus on what we have in common, not our differences. . . .
We share the same salvation, the same life, and the same future -
factors far more important than any differences we could enumerate

Be realistic in your expectations.
Once you discover what God intends real fellowship to be,
it’s easy to become discouraged by the gap between the ideal and the real in your church. . . .
Maturity is living with the tension.

Every church could put out a sign
“No perfect people need apply.
This is a place only for those who admit they are sinners, need grace, and want to grow.”

What are you doing personally to make your church family more warm and loving?
There are many people in your community who are looking for love and a place to belong.

C. Point to Ponder:
It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church.

Verse to remember:
Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony
and the growth of our fellowship together.
Ro: 14:19 (PH))

Question to Consider:
What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now?