I'm participating in The Purpose Driven Life at Washington Crossing United Methodist Church. This isn't my regular church, but it's one I like to visit from time to time, about 25 miles away from me. Since I've got commitments at my own church, I'm actually going to two church services on Sunday in order to hear the sermons associated with the book. The home group (part of the program involves small groups meeting at participants' homes) is a lot closer to me which makes it easier. Another complication - one of our two cars just got hit in an accident, and we're likely going to give it up for cash, thus owning only one car until we finish our adoption.
I like The Purpose Driven Life. I had some misgivings about it at first - just another program, another drain on my time, this preacher is too proud for his own good, so on and so on. After hearing the first sermon, a videotape shown to many churches simultaneously, I changed my mind. I liked the way that the Christian life is presented as both an ever-present and an eternal mindset, emphasizing worship, fellowship, ministry, discipleship, and mission. I like that membership in a church is emphasized, and that the participants are asked to participate in a small group and to practice active intercessory prayer for each other. I like that it is not presented as just another self-help program, but rather is intended to prepare one for a richer life of fellowship with God and obedience to His will, being more concerned with life goals that have an eternal impact rather than those which will soon be forgotten.
One thing that I don't like, and it's a small dislike, is that a lot of people are touting the book as some big thing that's going to make a big difference in their lives. While I see value in good spiritual teaching, the One who empowers us for Godly living is the Holy Spirit. The teachings in the book may increase our awareness and openness to God working through our lives, but the bottom line is that the glory is due to God.