It is tragic that many people who read articles by scholars which deny the Virgin Birth and other miracles and assume that these conclusions were reached by careful investigation of the biblical accounts. In fact, the denial of this miracle has preceded any investigation and actually predetermined many of the results of the investigation. Without the Virgin Birth there is no salvation. The death of Christ is nothing more than the vain martyrdom of a Galilean Jew. The Virgin Birth is an essential element of the Christian faith, and is a miracle not a myth.
Every church is driven by something.
Tradition, finances, programs, personalities, events, seekers, and even buildings can each be the controlling force in a church. Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Driven Church, believes that in order for a church to be healthy it must become a purpose-driven church, built around the five New Testament purposes given to the church by Jesus. This happens through developing a five-fold purpose. This is the Church's first purpose. The Church exists to minister to people.