The Purpose Driven Life (Paperback, 2002)

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here for? – Rick Warren

Many people go through life asking the same fundamental questions: Why am I here? Does my life matter? What on earth am I here for? Rick Warren, founding pastor of Saddleback Church in California, offers answers from a Christian perspective in The Purpose Driven Life, one of the best-selling nonfiction books in history.

The book is designed as a forty-day spiritual journey, with one short chapter to be read each day. Each chapter closes with a point to ponder, a Bible verse to remember and a question to consider, inviting readers to reflect and apply what they have learned. Many churches and small groups have read it together.

Warren argues that the starting point for understanding our purpose is God rather than ourselves, and that every person was created by God for a reason. He then explains five purposes he believes God has for every life: we were planned for God’s pleasure, which is worship; formed for God’s family, which is fellowship; created to become like Christ, which is discipleship; shaped for serving God, which is ministry; and made for a mission, which is evangelism. Along the way he discusses topics such as friendship with God, the meaning of community, spiritual growth through difficulties and temptation, and discovering one’s unique shape for service.

Written in a warm, conversational and accessible style, The Purpose Driven Life is an encouraging read for Christians and spiritual seekers who want to find direction and meaning. It reflects an evangelical Christian perspective throughout.