A Simple Tool to Transform Your Community Using Christ’s Method of Ministry
Building authentic connections with those around us can be challenging in our busy world. Many of us stick to ourselves because we are too busy to get involved with others, and we already live on the edge of our resources and energy. Yet, as busy as we are, as believers, we’re called to bring light and hope to our communities. I have been introduced to an app by a friend called The BLESS App, which is helping me change my focus and reach out to my neighbors. The App provides me a simple and user-friendly way to reach out and make a difference in my neighborhood, following a practical method inspired by Christ’s approach to ministry.
Ellen White describes Christ’s method in the book, The Ministry of Healing, page 143: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” The BLESS App beautifully incorporates Christ’s approach—meeting people where they are, ministering to their needs, and building trust before sharing the message of hope.
Here’s how each of the five BLESS practices reflects this method and guides us to become genuine ambassadors of Christ’s love.
How the BLESS App Reflects Christ’s Method
The BLESS App offers daily prompts that help believers connect with their neighbors and create an environment of trust and genuine care. Each of the five practices—Begin with Prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, and Share Your Story—aligns with Christ’s approach of mingling with people, ministering to them, and inviting them into a deeper faith journey.
- Begin with Prayer
Just as Jesus often started His day in prayer, the first step in the BLESS App encourages us to pray for our neighbors. Prayer opens our hearts and helps us genuinely desire their good. By focusing on prayer, we lay a spiritual foundation for our interactions, inviting God’s guidance to see and meet people’s needs as He would. We also know that God moves in ways he would not when we pray. “Prayer has been made the means of obtaining blessings that would not otherwise be received. The patriarchs were men of prayer, and God did great things for them. FH 22.2 The Lord is waiting to bestow a blessing on the world. The world is to be blessed because God’s people are in it, acting as a light and seeking blessings for the world around us. God could do all that was necessary for that blessing to come to the world all by Himself, or He could accomplish the same through angles. But that is not the way God works. He is waiting for us to participate, to work for those around us and to be the means of procuring that blessing for the world. Imagine the impact if every believer in our communities began their day praying for those around them, asking God to bless their neighbors, to help us as Christians to serve our neighbors, and to connect with them authentically. - Listen
The next step is to listen, much as Jesus did when He showed His sympathy for those around Him. He listened with an open heart, making people feel valued and heard. The BLESS App reminds us that listening is essential for building trust and confidence. Listening without an agenda creates space for genuine connection, showing our neighbors that we care about their lives, thoughts, and needs. - Eat
Jesus frequently shared meals with others, using these moments to break down barriers and foster closeness. The BLESS App encourages us to pray for and find opportunities to do the same. Sharing a meal—even something as simple as a warm drink or a snack—can be a powerful way to show hospitality and build a sense of community. When we eat with our neighbors, we show them that we’re interested in them as people, not as projects. This small step mirrors Christ’s practice of mingling with others, making them feel valued and welcome. - Serve
As we listen and get to know our neighbors, we become aware of ways we can serve them. Jesus often responded to the needs of those around Him, healing the sick, comforting the grieving, and feeding the hungry. The BLESS App’s fourth step encourages us to follow His example by praying for and finding practical ways to serve. Whether through small acts of kindness or more substantial help, serving our neighbors shows them that our faith is active and genuine. It helps us minister to their needs and demonstrate that we desire their good, and in the process, we win their confidence, just as Christ did. - Share Your Story
Finally, as trust and friendship grow, the BLESS App encourages us to share our personal stories of faith. This isn’t about being preachy; rather, it’s an opportunity to share the difference Jesus has made in our lives in a natural, heartfelt way. When we follow Christ’s method of building genuine relationships, we “win their confidence,” and our story becomes a powerful testimony that matters to them. By sharing how God has worked in our lives, we invite our neighbors to experience His love for themselves.
The BLESS App is a tool for Every Member of the Church
One of the goals of the Medical Ministry is to help members move out of the pews and become active in their communities. The BLESS App provides a structured approach to living out Christ’s method, empowering every church member to be a light and minister to their own neighborhood. When we follow Christ’s example of mingling with people, desiring their good, ministering to their needs, and sharing our testimony, we create a lasting impact on our communities.
Imagine a church where every member regularly prays for their neighbors, engages in heartfelt conversations, and finds ways to serve others with joy. Such intentional actions can transform not only our communities but also it can also transform us, creating a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and faith.
How to Get the App
Getting the BLESS App is easy—simply download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and sign up. A desktop interface is also available for those who are more comfortable with that format. When you sign up, you will start receiving daily prompts to inspire and guide you. These reminders make it simple to develop the habit of blessing others in practical ways, grounded in the example set by Christ’s method alone. The app helps each of us make “BLESSing” others a daily practice, creating a culture of kindness, compassion, and spiritual care that reflects Jesus’ love.
If you want a tool that will help guide you to follow Christ’s method alone and bring His light to your neighborhood, I encourage you to try The BLESS App. Let’s make blessing others a daily habit, allowing our neighborhoods to feel the genuine love and care that comes from a life dedicated to following Christ.
I have provided links below for your convenience:
- Information on the website at: https://app.blesseveryhome.com/light/index.php
- Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bless-app-bless-your-neighbor/id1541313484
- Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blesseveryhome.bealight&pli=1
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