Missional Living is not a program. It’s a lifestyle. It’s taking your life exactly the way it is (busy schedules and all), and seeing the opportunities to connect with those you come in contact with. It’s paying attention to the work God is already doing in the places and spaces that you are, and joining Him in that work.

We believe Missional Living is the best, most effective way to reach our friends, neighbors and acquaintances with the love and truth of Christ because it is relationship-focused. New Hope has two tools to help you begin to build these relationships:

1. Missional Living Foundations
2. B.L.E.S.S.

Missional Living Foundations is an intentional training that better equips you for missional living. This training will help you discover your own identity as a missional follower of Jesus, as well as break down barriers that may keep you from living on mission.

Who is this training for?

• Anyone looking to participate in the redemptive mission of God in the places they live, work and play.
• Those willing to learn in community. We believe missional formation happens best in faith community. Ask a few friends to walk this journey with you.
• Those who are who are longing to see their small group transformed into a community of like minded Jesus followers on mission together.

As a result of this training,

• You will have a significant paradigm shift around God, His mission, the Jesus of the Gospels, and your identity as missionary followers of Jesus
• You will be formed into radical missionary disciples of Jesus.
• You will be equipped to join Jesus in His redeeming work in the places you are already doing life. Your life will become foretaste or glimpse of the Kingdom made tangible to those you rub shoulders with.
• New things will be started in you and/or new things will be started in your community
• You will see your small group transformed into a missional community
• You will see movement catalyzed in your church and community

What if you could change the world without changing your daily routine? B.L.E.S.S. is a model that gives us five everyday ways we can love our neighbors and change the world, one person at a time. This method is simple and is a more organic, more authentic way to share your faith with your friends, neighbors, coworkers or those within your daily circles of life.

B: Begin with Prayer

Make a list of eight “neighbors” where you live, work or play, and begin to pray for them. Ask God to give you opportunities to B.L.E.S.S. them., and to help you see the opportunities when they arise.

L: Listen

As you start to engage these neighbors, don’t talk, but LISTEN to them, and discover their needs. Listen to the details of their lives and let God show you how you can care for them. The skill of listening will help deepen your relationship.

E: Eat

It’s amazing how sharing a meal with others helps break through certain barriers. Jesus knew this and did it often. Strengthen your relationships with the neighbors you are praying for by sharing meals and spend time with them.

S: Serve

As you have been listening and spending time with these neighbors, respond to their needs and help them in practical and impactful ways. When this is done genuinely, a special trust is formed.

S: Share Your Story

As your relationships become closer and more trusting, God will show you the right time to share the story of Jesus. Quite often this will be by sharing your own story of what Jesus has done in your life and is currently doing in your life.

Go deeper into the B.L.E.S.S. practices, read testimonies, overcome hang-ups, and map your own B.L.E.S.S. strategy by reading the book B.L.E.S.S.: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World, by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson. You can purchase your copy on Amazon or Christianbook.