Christians all around the world gather and worship as a like-minded group. Some congregate in elaborate facilities with state-of-the-art technological tools and others bring chairs from their homes to create “pews” beneath the accommodating shade of mango trees.

But for the Hervormde Church, Vanderbijlpark-South, South Africa, accepting that American Christian beliefs are just as valid as those of South African Christians proved one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when church leaders began implementing the Purpose Driven model in late 2003.

Hervormde Church Pastor Rudi Rust explained that the church in which he serves has its roots in the Dutch Reformed Church, and members distrusted American Christian teachings mostly due to a lack of exposure to them.

As church leaders patiently introduced members to the ideas within the Purpose Driven model, however, Rust said the congregation began asking where these “new truths” came from.

“We explained that these are biblical truths we have always known, but that Rick Warren has a gift to teach them in such a way that is understood by all,” Rust said.

Slowly, the congregation began to realize that the ideas behind the Purpose Driven structure closely mirrored the mission statement and five keys to meeting its ministry goals that the church had developed in 1997.

“The Holy Spirit convinced people that the God who is working in their hearts is the same God that works in Christians all around the world,” Rust said.

“Even the most conservative members in our congregation started to realize that this [Purpose Driven model] is not the work of men, but the work of God and that God uses people all around the world to build his kingdom.”

Once church leaders overcame initial skepticism regarding a church restructuring, Rust said members began eagerly reading Doelgerigte Lewe, the Afrikaans translation of The Purpose Driven Life. Furthermore, the 40 Days of Purpose kick-off video drew such a positive response that Hervormde Church showed it twice – even though it is an English-language film.

“As we progressed with 40 Days of Purpose and with our being busy with the Purpose Driven principles, a new sense of urgency and purpose evolved in our church and community,” Rust said.

Rust described the Vanderbijlpark community as possessing a church-going mentality, but said many attend because “it is the right thing to do” and not for spiritual development or true fellowship with God and one another.

He said the church’s challenge in post-apartheid South Africa is to connect with various cultures and ethnic groups in order to open doors for communicating the need for a true Christian walk.

The Purpose Driven structure has helped members of Hervormde Church better understand the importance of seeking and doing the will of God.

“They understand it is not about them, but being in service to others,” Rust said. “More believers were committed to ministry and volunteer work in and around the church.”

Rust admitted that Hervormde Church’s outreach to the world is still in its early stages, but “we are committed to change our congregation from a church that focuses inward to a church that focuses to the world in need.”

While Rust said the idea of world outreach is still under development, the church has actively pursued opportunities in the surrounding community.

For instance, Hervormde Church members seek outreach opportunities with various ethnic groups and the local street children. Also, after a youth trip to Sodwana, South Africa, the church began working to purchase Zulu Bibles for people living in that region.

Recently, the church completed 40 Days of Community and Rust said members participated in that campaign with even more vigor than they brought to 40 Days of Purpose. Through 40 Days of Community, the mission team identified more than 80 community projects in which Hervormde Church could become involved and more than 20 small groups have registered to participate in ongoing and upcoming community outreach opportunities.

“[Many members] experienced a new understanding of the purpose of the church [through 40 Days of Community],” Rust said. “This is a great step forward in our mission toward the world.”

Even while the impact of the Purpose Driven model can be felt in the external community, the internal community of the church has greatly benefited as well, Rust said.

“Because of Purpose Driven, lives were changed, failing marriages were reconciled, lonely people found a place to belong,” he said.

Rust added that the next goal is to have every church member involved in a small group. He trusts that God will continue to work through the Purpose Driven model at Hervormde Church.

“God is building his Church – we are only his instruments,” Rust said. “God asks for obedience and patience.”

All 2006 Church Health Award winner information is correct as of Jan. 1, 2006.