We believe God has sent each person in our church to purposeful places like their neighborhood, workplace, school, and athletic teams to BLESS others and bring them to Jesus. BLESS is a tool that gives us 5 practical ways to be a blessing to others.

B - BEGIN WITH PRAYER
L - LISTEN
E - EAT
S - SERVE
S - SHARE

BLESS comes from Genesis 12:2-3. This is the place where God calls and blesses Abram. God says, “I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing." In the same way, God has blessed you in Christ Jesus so that you may BLESS others!

HOW DO YOU BLESS?

B - BEGIN WITH PRAYER

Prayer is a vital part of the mission God has called us to live out. Through prayer God gives direction, opens doors, and aligns our heart with his heart. (Colossians 4:2-4 & Jeremiah 29:7)

Once the Lord has revealed the people He is calling you to reach out to, begin praying for them on a regular basis. As you continue to build relationships with these people in these places, ask them how you can be praying for them and take the time to pray with them as the doors open up.

Action Step: Create a list of people that the Lord is calling you to pray for and BLESS.

  • Pray for God to stir up a desire and hunger in them to know Jesus.

  • Pray for specific situations, needs, and things they share with you.

  • Ask the Father: How can I reach out and be a blessing to them?

L - LISTEN

Listening with genuine interest builds relationships and honors others. (James 1:19-20)

Listening helps us understand what people are dealing with, what they are working through, and what excites them. We can listen to their fears, worries, and concerns. We can ask what their passions are. We can find out where and how they want to grow.

Action Step: Take time to listen to the people God puts in front of you.

  • Create a list of thoughtful questions you could ask to get to know others better.

  • Take note of their interests, passions, and things they are excited about. These are ways you might be able to connect with them in the future or ways to build relationship.

  • Listen for ways you could pray for them.

  • Pay attention to the needs they have (they might share or you might observe) and ways you might serve them.

E - EAT

We all LOVE to eat! And we typically eat twenty-one times a week. Just include people in this. There is something about eating together that moves any relationship past acquaintances and toward friendship. (Acts 2:46 and Matthew 9:10)

When/if possible, invite these people that you are trying to bless into your home. If invited into their home, go and eat! The home setting creates a shared place of comfort and vulnerability. It welcomes people to share their lives and builds genuine friendship. You can also have a meal with people at a restaurant or have a cup of coffee.

Action Step: Make a plan to invite someone to coffee, to lunch or to your home for dinner.

  • Prepare beforehand to use this opportunity to listen well (see L above)

  • For families: Consider additional fun activities kids might enjoy (board game, play at park, etc.)

  • Consider how you could use strategic events throughout the year as they arise to connect and eat together (ex: football game, holiday, birthday, etc.)

S - SERVE

As you're listening to people share about their lives, look for ways you can serve them. Listen and be willing to step into the places that they are ready to welcome you. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Frequently these will be simple and seemingly mundane tasks, however, these tasks often bless people far beyond what we can imagine. Service is about the person that is being served and not the service that is being done.

Action Step: Take note of ways you could serve and then take initiative. You might notice through observation, or ask the person, or ask God for creative ideas. See the comprehensive “Serve Your Neighbors” list. Here are a few examples:

  • Be willing to mow their lawn or rake their leaves.

  • Bake a dessert to share with them.

  • Go to the store or run an errand for them.

  • Provide them a meal.

  • Most importantly, listen for the places they are asking for help and look for places where they may be willing to allow you to serve.

S - SHARE

When the time is right, share your story, the story of how Jesus changed your life. (2 Timothy 1:8-9)

Sometimes they will even ask about your story. Your account of finding Jesus is compelling. Don’t be afraid if they ask you something you don’t know. It is ok to say, "I am not sure, but I will try to find out." Ask them if you could share the story of the gospel with them and share it with them! Invite them to church or Lifegroup or to read the Bible with you.

Action Step: Share your faith with someone today. Ideas on how to do this:

  • Invite them to church, to Lifegroup, or to read the Bible with you.

  • Share your story:

    • What was your life like before you met Jesus?

    • What does it look like now?

    • What difference has knowing Jesus made in your life? (marriage healed, acceptance and unconditional love, peace from anxiety, etc.)

  • Share the gospel: Tell the story using creation, fall, redemption, and restoration as your guide.

RESOURCES

Watch the Welcome Home Messages. Miss a week? We’ve got you covered.
Bless Your Block Map. Building relationships and becoming a Welcome Home starts by meeting your neighbors.
Welcome Home Book Club. Books to help you build relationships and create a Welcome Home.
Life Group Study. Try meeting bi-weekly this summer for discussion and practicing hospitality on the “off-weeks.”
*Find a Paradox LifeGroup at paradoxchurch.com/groups
Get Involved. There are many ways to practice hospitality at Paradox. Join a team that helps welcome others, reach out to our community through Vacation Bible School or Central Detroit Christian, or open up your home to a child in need of a welcome home through SAFE Families. Contact us with any questions - we’d love to help!
Need More Ideas? Check out the 30 Day Love Where You Live Challenge.