Jan 15, 2004

On My Bookshelf

“The Purpose Driven Life”
By Rick Warren

Mike Garner 47,
South Hills Community Church, pastor of counseling

As a young man, Mike Garner dedicated his life to helping others.

“I like helping people,” said Garner, now a 47-year-old father of three. “I’ve found that God has given me the gift of healing on an emotional and personal level.”

Nineteen years ago, in 1984, the United States of America acknowledged Garner’s gift as well.

While living in Midland, Pa., after completing his master’s degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Garner learned that Colt Industries, responsible for mass production of the U.S. military’s firearms, planned to renege on its obligation to provide medical coverage for over 4,000 pensioners and their families of the recently closed Crucible Steel Mill.

Garner knew that was wrong. The 27-old organized a community group to fight for the employees’ rights.

After seeing the motion all the way to Washington, D.C., the employees were relieved with reinstated benefits while the man behind it all, the young Rev. Garner, was awarded the 22nd Congressional District Award for distinguished and dedicated service to the community, state, and nation.

More recently, Garner has concentrated on helping members of his church deal with much larger problems, including financial difficulties, ambition, and self-esteem issues.

Throughout October and November, South Hills’ sermons were based on a book written to alleviate the pain associated with these issues. The book is called “The Purpose Driven Life,” written by Rick Warren.

“The Purpose Driven Life” explains Warren’s assertion that there are five purposes to a Christian’s life. According to Warren, if a person abides by these anchors, they will experience a happier and more fulfilled life.

The five purposes are worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, and witnessing (sharing your faith).

Warren is extremely well researched in his works’ support. He uses 15 different translations of the Bible to explain his side.

“I highly recommend this book,” said Garner. “The book can help anyone in this time of economic upheaval. There is something about crises that shakes us up and makes us ask deeper questions. (The book) answers a lot of these questions. In tough times people need anchors that go beyond how much money they have or how long they’ll keep the same job.”