Members of the First United Methodist Church in Laurinburg say they are excited about facilitating a new program based on a popular minister’s works.

“With this program, we’re offering a better life to the people of Laurinburg,” church member and participant Joyce Jewell said. “We invite everyone to take part in this experience.”

The six-week home study religious program is based on Pastor Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, a work of non-fiction which has sold some 20 million copies.

Warren, a conservative minister from California, recently made headlines when he was invited to give the invocation at Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2009.

The program begins Jan. 11, with groups meeting at selected homes or at the church for one hour sessions once a week. Each workshop will begin with a 15-minute video featuring Warren, with a discussion to follow. There is no charge to join; all materials, including copies of The Purpose Driven Life, are free.

“Adults, youth groups, and kids have already signed up,” Jewell said. “So far, we have about 160 people involved with many more expected.”

The Rev. Ralph Brown of First United Methodist Church is enthusiastic about the opportunity to present Warren’s works in a home study format.

“The primary purpose of the program is to offer a better life to a needy world,” he said. “Things are as desperate as I have ever seen them in my lifetime, and these teachings are a tangible means to offering a better life.”

Brown initiated a similar study group format prior to coming to Laurinburg, when he served as pastor of Divine Street United Methodist Church in Dunn.

“The program was a big success at my previous church,” he said, “with great participation and great results. The church went into a growth spurt following the workshops.”

Brown invites everyone to participate in what he believes will be a life changing experience.

“If you want to have a better life in any size, shape or form, then we invite you to join us,” Brown said. “We’ll be reading this important book and discussing the contents in our study groups.

“If you’d like to have a better life, give us a call.”

To register for the program, call the First United Methodist Church offices at 276-1592.