The subtitle of the book is simple: 5 simple practices to change your world. From what I have heard, the Fergusons worked to discover a simple, yet effective way, to move their church towards a missional orientation. (In other words, they wanted the people in the church to do more than show up to church activities, serve at church activities, and give their money for church activities). They landed on asking their small groups to be missional and to do missional work as part of their group life together. I am wondering if this was the message series that launched it all?
In this short book (also available for free by download from this link) we read of five ways to engage the people around us in order to share God's love, including his gift of salvation. Using the acronym of BLESS, the reader is encouraged to Begin with prayer, to Listen, to Eat with, to Serve and finally to share our Story with the people who live and work around us.
I like this approach for several reasons. First of all, it is relational. It not about a program and doesn't allow us to stay at a safe distance from people. Like the work of Jesus, it is face-to-face. Second, it is AND-oriented in that it promotes compassion AND proclamation. Third, it starts in prayer and completely depends on God.
I am seriously considering incorporating this in an upcoming teaching series at New Vision Church. However, I am first going to lead a small group through this material in order to see what works and what is a struggle, as well as to gather a few local stories that can be shared with our congregation.
If you are looking for a way to engage your church people (or just yourself) in the mission of God, check out this helpful resource.
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