Over the last couple of weeks, I've begun preparing the lessons for our new series on the Bible that we are calling, "Soul Food." For today's Message About Purpose and Strategy, my intention is to make the point that the Bible is crucial for our spiritual growth. Bible study and application is the single most effective strategy we have. It glorifies God when we meet with him and submit to his Word.

Willow Creek, the huge and influential church in Illinois, engaged in some very serious research to better understand if their strategies were helping fulfill their purpose. Surveys revealed some pretty bad news. Many of the things they were doing weren't working. John and Chris have studied the findings of Willow Creek's studies. The results showed that the only consistent factor across the demographic spectrum that guarantees growth is getting people into the Word of God. Why? It is supernatural!

If we want to glorify God here at Dayspring, we must prioritize the kind of ministry that gets people into God's Word, the Bible. His power changes lives.