Membership Covenant, Maturity Covenant, Ministry Covenant, Missions Covenant... They've Got It All!

Read Matthew 23 lately?  The entire chapter?

Jesus made it clear, quite clear actually, that the scribes and Pharisees knew full-well what they were doing and that they were doing it to their own demise.  It would probably be a good idea to make sure one was not following in their footsteps..... for Jesus said not to do what they do.  He said that they "say, and do not." Jesus also noted that:  "they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." 

When it comes to consideration of heavy burdens, laying heavy burdens on people, nothing could be heavier than the Law, reason being that the wages of sin , (breaking of God's Law) is death.  That's a pretty heavy burden..... and it's also the reason one needs Jesus Christ.
But legalistic pastors think nothing of laying the burden of the law on other people, and there are plenty of legalistic people around.... who while rightly insisting upon the importance of God's holy and perfect laws, are happy to invent more laws, rules and commandments even....for others to follow.  These same sometimes evade or neglect God's truth that all have fallen short.... and need the salvation that comes by faith in the one whom God sent... Jesus,   And then there's Rick Warren.

Rick Warren is celebrated as a  "pastor to pastors".  ( That's the greatest title he bears he says, in Religious News June 30, 2016.)  Not only is Rick Warren a voraious reader of all things but he's also a writer, (or are there ghost writers?) of books and materials for churches and Christians to buy.  he is also quite the inventor of "covenant" upon "covenant"  upon "covenant." that he inists you have to make.  Yes, Rick has alll kinds of laws and rules and promises to be kept by you that have been specifically developed by Rick and his ministry.  Perhaps this is because Warren, like many others, maybe even like the Pharisees of yesteryear has discovered and even like the effect that these seemingly binding agreements have upon people....

“People become whatever they’re committed to"..."Covenants are the most important part of 

Saddleback’s CLASSes. They have a 

membership covenant, 

a maturity covenant, 

a ministry covenant, 

and a missions covenant— all of which 

members sign at the end of each CLASS.”  

Create a Purpose Driven Covenant for Your Church  quote of  Rick Warren at PD.Church Website

CLASS is an acroymn for Christian Life and Service Seminars.

He's got it all figured out.  "People become whatever they are committed to."  It could be anything.... just get them to sign on the dotted line... right?  He's got a covenant for each CLASS,

Interesting, isn't it, that this covenant signing is described by Rick as the "most important" part of classes at Saddleback?  It's likely the most important part because it is a binding agreement.  People promise to do everything they are asked to do.  

Classes are a must too.. if you intend too grow in your faith and get a purpose.  No one escapes the process of making a "covenant" with Saddleback church, and learning who and what this church is about.  You will learn about "their" salvation, "their" statements of faith, "their" strategy and "their" structure.  At classes I have taken at my church, I have learned who Jesus is, what he did and the salvation we have by faith in him.  This all seems to only on the fringe with Saddleback. 

.  "Class 101 is a basic introduction to our church family and

 is designed to clearly explain who and what our church is. 

This class covers Our Salvation, Our Statements, 

Our Strategy and Our Structure."

from: https://saddlebackchurch.teachable.com/p/101

Yep.  As you can see, it's all about them.

And Pastor, do you know how awful the members of your church are.... no commitment, no conversion  no giving money, or praying.  Rick is here to tell you, pastor, that he's found the curer.  It is because your are not forcing them, or is it tricking them, to tkae classes and make promises that they will keep   Follow his lead, buy his books, read his articles, do what he does and you'll have it all under control.... just like Rick.

"Why do churches have so many members 

who give little or no evidence of Christian commitment 

or even conversion? Why do many churches find it difficult to motivate members to give, serve, pray, and share their faith?  The answer is simple. 

The members were allowed to join 

with no expectations placed on them. "

One Way to Increase the Commitment Level of Your Members by Rick Warren @pastors.com

"We have four requirements for membership:                         A personal profession of Christ as Lord and Savior,                      baptism by immersion as a public symbol of one’s faith,                   completion of the membership class,                         and a signed commitment to abide by Saddleback’s membership covenant."

 - Rick Warren

"I urge you to prayerfully prepare and adopt a membership covenant in your congregation if you don’t have one. It can revolutionize your church. You may worry, “If we adopt a membership covenant, there will be some who leave our church over it.” You’re right. There will be some. But here is the reality: People are going to leave your church no matter what you do. Don’t be afraid of people leaving. People even walked away from Jesus.  When your congregation adopts a membership covenant, at least you’re choosing the kind of people that stay."   - Rick Warren

. 
Saddleback's Membership Covenant?  More on that: Click Here.

Aren't you glad we are under the New Covenant that Jesus made?  And you, dear recipient were amazingly not even required to read a book, pay a penny or sign a thing.

"Not Just Believe"

Dear Christian reader, since you know the true gospel is "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved," are you now going to believe that "believing" is not the only thing that God want you to do?   It would seem that belief.... is secondary.

"You Are Called To Belong, Not Just Believe"

~Rick Warren

You Are Called To Belong, Not Just Believe  BY RICK WARREN — MAY 21, 2014

"Don’t Just Believe. Belong!"~Rick Warren 

"Don’t Just Believe. Belong!"  BY RICK WARREN — MAY 21, 2014

Who, Christian, do you belong to?  Why, you belong to the one who puchased you with his own blood!  But curiously Rick doesn't talk about you" belonging" to Jesus, but rather, you, belonging to a "community." It's rather odd, (don't you think, Christian,) that he fails to teach that when a person believes in Jesus they DO belong... to the Lord. (see Mark 9:34)

 "Belonging" is not some secondary thing that one must accomplish on their own in addition to believing, however, if you believe in Jesus, Rick wants you to realize that simple faith in Jesus is not enough.  No.... there are lots of requirements and expectations now placed upon you.  It would appear to Rick that those old- fashioned churches that just accept you and love you, give you a place to come and be discipled... you know, learn about God, get it wrong.  They do not place requirements and expectations on you, like Rick does.

Rick laments:

"In churches, membership is often reduced to simply adding your name to a roll, with no requirements or expectations."

Imagine that!

Imagine, if you can fathom it, a church being so lame as to be a place whereby membership comes about with no requirements or expectations placed upon you.  All they dare to do is accept you and maybe  add your name to a roll.   (This would be that kind of church whereby you are a member because you simply heard the gospel and responded in faith, making proclamation of your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior and then you attend church to learn more and grow in your knowledge of who God is and to be a part of that church!  Can you imagine that membership in a church would even be that simple?

Rick is here to help:

"We need to recover and practice the biblical meaning of membership."~Rick Warren

He means you must tithe to your church.... ten percent, show up all the time and volunteer your time too.  It's required for membership.  

"Following Christ includes belonging, 

not just believing."~Rick Warren

You must understand... you not only to believe.  You have to also belong!  Isn't it great to know that being a Christian is not easy? In addition to a membership covenant with your church... you will need to buy study materials, attend all the appropriate classes, and go on missions but only after you make yourself useful... that is, once you discover the purpose God made you for, but you'll need Rick's best selling book.

.....and while you' at it, besides  believing and belonging, you must also master the art of balancing the "five purposes" God has for you.  (What happens pray-tell if you cannot balance them right?)  And be aware, that task actually doubles, because in addition to you balancing the five purposes,  you need to know that there are five purposes for the church too.

It's a double whammy!.  

"God’s purposes for his church are identical to his five purposes for you."~Rick Warren

Whoever said that all a person had to do to was "believe?"

Simple  faith, (the kind of faith a little child has when you tell them something; what is that anyway?

.... Not Just Believe.

"Whatever It Takes"

"Do whatever it takes?"  

In encouraging church members to come to a recent Saddleback church meeting, we hear Rick Warren encourage his members to, "do whatever it takes" to be there.  Apparently, it is really important.  This "whatever it takes" terminology seems to be a common saying these days, several purpose driven pastors having latched on to the concept, repeat it.  
so what do they mean by "do whatever it takes?" 

It is almost a command as Rick says in the announcement, "Do WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE IT.  I'm so excited to see you!  P.S. For those who come to Vision Night, I'm going to give you a free copy of my NEW EXPANDED EDITION of PDL: WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? before it arrives in bookstores for the Christmas Season!"         -Rick Warren     
                                                                             News With Views 10/22/12 , Saddleback Church Vision Week Announcement,

He also  adds the personal touch.... saying he is "so excited to see you." And if either of those were not enough to get you there, he even offers that you will get a free copy of his book if you attend!

This "whatever it takes" phraseology, appeared another time when he was leading a group in prayer to receive "purpose."  After teaching the group, (who apparently was a group of people who had absolutely no real idea as to "what on earth" they were here for, but were learning from Pastor Rick,)  how to live "a life on purpose.'  He took oppoprtunity at the end of the lecture to speak to God on behalf of those within earshot.  This is what he had them pray and what he encouraged them to read aloud as he did,                                                                                           

"Thank you for the privilege for being a part of your family. It's my heart's desire to become like Jesus. I will do whatever it takes to cause that to happen. Help me to discover my shape for ministry and to use the talents you've given to me to use for others. Help me to have a servant's heart. Father, I want to fulfill my mission on earth. Give me a burden for people who don't know you. I want to serve your purpose in my generation. And I want to be a part of what you're doing in the world. From this day forward, I want to build my life around your purposes. Help me Jesus."- Rick Warren

Purpose Driven Life, What On Earth Am I Here For?   Warren, Rick; Global Christian Center, globalchristiancenter.com

Originally published in Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox, at pastors.com

Rick sure knows how to put words in other people's mouths and minds.  Unfortunately, rather than him lead people to Christ, what we have witnessed is him promoting himself and his programs as he is praying to God on their behalf.  He said things like,  

"Help me to discover my shape for ministry" 

                     Really?  "Help m to discover my shape...?"  Isn't that a bit of a salespitch?  
                      Seriously.  Have you heard that one before?  If you don't know, S.H.A.P.E. is a  
                      ministry program, his own idea, (promoted by his associate, Erik Reeves.)

"Father, I want to fulfill my mission on earth." 

                      Whatever happened to repenting ate a prayer time like this?  It's not here.
                       Is saying this to "God," even akin to submitting to God's will or 
                      saying the words., Father, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done," as Jesus 

                      taught his disciples to pray in the scripture?  No. This is an "I want."
                      Weird.

"Give me a burden for people who don't know you. "

                     That's a novel idea!  Ask God for a burden that you do not have.  There's 

                      nothing about giving what is burdening you to Jesus... "knowing his yoke 

                      is easy and his burden light.  (Matthew 11:28-30 )  It makes one wonder why  
                     this man seeks to bind a burden upon these people?  

"I want to serve your purpose in my generation."

                      This is way different than simply serving God.  It correlates directly to     
                      his business slogan, not the gospel. 

" And I want to be a part of what you're doing in the world."

                      Rick believes, (and is passing on that same notion via the guise of prayer") 
                      that what he is doing is the New move of God.  Be it the NEW Reformation...      
                      the Saddleback model of church, this best selling Purpose Driven Book, the  
                      P.E.A.C.E. plan...the Daniel Plan, whatever, Rick believes God is "doing" it and 

                      you need to be on board if they want to sync with God.  He is of the mindset 
                      and teaches his listeners that if your church is not built on the five purposes he 
                     teaches, then it is not "healthy."Church, because Rick thinks he has the corner           
                     on "God's Agenda." 

"From this day forward, I want to build my life around your purposes. "

                     From this day forward?  Is this a marriage ceremony of somekind?
                      And, build my life on what?
                     Build "around" what?  (Oh yeah, that sure foundation of 

                    "purpose"... all five of them.)
                    There is no Jesus.  Where is the foundation of God's word... with the apostles  
                       and prophets?                

                      It's glaringly missing. (Did he never read Ephesians 2:20)

And if that is not enough...It all begins with that notorious "whatever it takes" slogan.

"It's my heart's desire to become like Jesus. I will do whatever it takes to cause that to happen. "

Doing "whatever it takes" to make themselves become like Jesus sure seems altruistic.  Jesus is a great guy.... great teacher, had a pure heart, was obedient to God the Father completely, perfect in every way..  but can you make yourself like Jesus?  Can you become like Jesus simply because you put our mind to it?  Hardly.  We all miss the mark when it comes to being anything like Jesus.  We need God's assistance through his Holy spirit living in us.  You see, usually one repents of sin and asks forgiveness in Jesus' name and then God  comes and dwells inside them.  That is the cause of how it happens.

 Odd, isn't it.  Usually people become clothed with Christ... by faith in him and what He has done for us.   They become Christians.  God's Holy Spirit then comes as a gift to us.  This is not something we do.  Odd, too is that "whatever it takes" slogan being promoted by Rick.  

 If you remember, Rick was in Angel Stadium, April 2005, and he was rallying the crowd:

"Whatever it takes!"  Anaheim 2005

"Jesus said, 'I want you to do this publicly." He was referring to the notion of saying publicly, "Jesus we are yours!"  (The idea being to commit our lives to Jesus Christ.)   Unfortunately, the example he gave the crowd to follow was that of people committing to follow the communist leaders of old. He reasoned of course, that Christians should be as dedicated to Jesus as these people were to their communist leaders.  Rick then urged people to tell God that they, would be devoted, to "purpose" and "serving the purposes of God." He continued,  "So what I want you to do is take the card, and in just a minute, and if you say 'Rick, I am willing to serve God's purposes in my generation.' I want you to open up to the sign that says 'Whatever it takes.'"
                                                                                                                                                                                               - Rick Warren
                                                                                                                                                                          Angel Stadium, April 17,2005 

Sounds good.  Certainly it can be very sincere on the part of participants who want to do the will of God and serve him and are listening to a pastor's advice.   It''s a great public declaration, but whatever happened to baptism as a public profession of Christian faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus?  Did Jesus tell us to publicly announce that we would do whatever it takes?  No.  Even our best intentions fail.

Peter's best intention failed him, and Jesus knew it would happen this way even before it did.  Jesus told him so too.  Just as Jesus told him, Peter's best intention failed Peter three times!  

The good news for Peter is that even though he failed, (three times before the cock crowed,) he had a refuge in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He had put his faith in Jesus Crist as revealed to him by God.  God's word will never fail.  Peter repented of such foolishness, trusted God and took Him at his word and then he told others about the grace and goodness of God found in the man who was crucified before his eyes and raised from the dead too!  He built his new life in Christ there on the Rock of Ages, he then walked in faith by God's mercy, love and grace, telling others of this good news.

 Jesus never told anyone to make promises that they could not keep, let alone a promise, to do  "whatever it takes," all by themselves, in their own strength.  This is one beauty of Christ and his gospel; and this is that  Jesus Christ did for us what ever could never do.  All that is needed is for us to turn to him in faith and confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that He is.  But this is not the message with Rick and friends.  They have you pledge to do "whatever it takes"... (anything except what it takes.. repent and believe in Jesus)  and even have you "ask God" for a "burden," instead of free you from the one you carry... sin.  

In the purpose driven paradigm it is YOU who need to make promises and sign membership covenants.  It is You who must discover your "shape," find your "purpose," fulfill your "mission" on earth, and your destiny, not to mention keeping perfect balance in everything you do, proving yourself to be  "healthy." You also need to buy all kinds of purpose driven books.  

You are required to know this secret and that secret, (that you get from Rick since he has this special insight "from God," whom from you can lean and do the six steps or eight principles, or 4 laws,  along with classes like Membership 101, 201, 301, 401, and other various six week periods of small group studies called 40 Days of....____.(Fill in the blank with Purpose, Community, Transformation, Love, P.E.A.C.E. or any other program instigated by Rick, )  Then, once you have this NEW paradigm of thinking.... God will use you... "to serve his purposes' under the ultimate direction of that great man of campaigns, best-selling author.... Rick Warren.

But note that you will mention nothing in the creed below about simply telling other people the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ and what he did for you, (me, ) and for them.There is no cross.

 "Today I am stepping across the line, I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering,  I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way.  There’s no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love and communicate His Word.

Since my past has been forgiven and I have a purpose for living and a home waiting in heaven,  I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting or faithless worrying.

Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of His family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, we over me, character over comfort, service over status and people over possessions, position, and pleasures.  I know what matters most and I’ll give it all I’ve got.  I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics or motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.

When times get tough and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I am Spirit-lead, purpose-driven, and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious for everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say,  However, Whenever, Wherever and Whatever You ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes!

Wherever You lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord! Whatever it takes!

I want to be used by You in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear You say, Well done now, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!

~ Rick Warren, in Anahiem Stadium, 2005 AND during Hillsong Conference 2006

...But this is only because of your obedience... (to do "whatever it takes"to be like him,  and pledge to go "God's way" and serve "God's purposes' with "God's people"... on "God's planet."  Where is the cross?  Where is what Christ did for you?  Funny, it seems to have simply vanished in Rick's paradigm.

Jesus, not only did "whatever it took" to be obedient to God, but in doing do he never failed even once.  He saw it through to completion.  Jesus, sinless Jesus, even shed his blood and died in perfect submission to God.  It is he who was, and is and who forever remains both faithful and true! And death could not keep him down.  

So, instead of making willful declarations of what we will purpose to do, may we Christian focus instead on Jesus, who gave his live for us and when dealing with each other can we simply let our yes be yes and our no be no. (Matthew 5:37) May we also simply live and work side by side as we worship Jesus as Lord, in spirit and in truth, as we look to do justly, to  love mercy and walk humbly with Him, our God. (Micah 6:8)  

Hebrews 12:2

        Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. 1. 
      

Galatians 6:14

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   1. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.