AMARILLO, Texas (ABP) — Developing a heart for missions can be simple, according to best-selling author and California pastor Rick Warren.
“If you want the blessing of God in your life, the power of God in your life, the anointing of God in your life and ministry, you must care about what God cares about most and get on God's agenda,” Warren said during a keynote address at the Baptist General Convention of Texas' annual meeting.
“God's agenda is the kingdom of God,” said the author of The Purpose Driven Life. “It was the most preeminent thing on Jesus' mind.”
Warren described his P.E.A.C.E. plan, which urges Christians to:
• Promote reconciliation. “Jesus said be right with God and be right with each other; he called it the Great Commandment,” Warren said.
• Equip servant leaders. Warren noted that Jesus trained 12 disciples but only mentored three, investing time with those who would bear the most responsibility.
• Assist the poor. In his first public sermon, Jesus announced his purpose of preaching good news to the poor, Warren said.
• Care for the sick. “Jesus didn't just care about people's spiritual health but also their physical health,” Warren said. “Jesus was a healer, unlike any other religious leader.”
• Educate the next generation. Jesus was a teacher, and he focused on teaching the next generation. “Every generation is one generation away from Christianity's extinction,” Warren said.