Every one of us has been invited to participate in God’s work in the world. That’s what the Church is all about—God brings us together for the sake of God’s mission. Jesus called us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything He commanded (Matt. 28:19-20). The Church exists not for itself, but for the world. We’re called to be a light in the world, shining with the Good News of Jesus wherever we go. 

As we think about what it means to live out our discipleship—both here at home and around the world—we want to offer you practical tools to help us live this mission together. One simple way to do this is by being a light to your neighbors, right where you live. If you remember Elijah Brown’s sermon at the end of November, this is a great way to practice and be a part of the neighborhood chaplain movement he talked about in his sermon. 

We invite you to join us on the Bless Every Home app and website. Whether you use Android or Apple, it’s easy to sign up and be part of this exciting movement. Simply head to the website and join as part of our First Baptist Arlington family! 

Once you sign up, you’ll be asked to provide your home address. Bless Every Home will use this to create a personalized prayer list for your neighborhood, providing the names of the adults in the forty closest households living near you. We encourage you to sign up for daily email reminders, or, if you’re using the app, to enable push notifications. It’s a simple way to stay focused and intentional in your prayers for your neighbors. 

Here’s how Bless Every Home can help you engage with your neighbors through five simple habits: 

• B – Begin with Prayer: Start by praying for your neighbors by name. Ask God to reveal His love and grace to them in meaningful ways. 

• L – Listen: Take the time to really listen to your neighbors. Hear their stories, challenges, and dreams. This is the foundation for deeper relationships. 

• E – Eat: Sharing a meal or a cup of coffee can be a powerful way to go from mere acquaintances to true friends. Open your door (or invite them in!) and break bread together. 

• S – Serve: Look for opportunities to serve your neighbors. Whether it’s lending a hand with a project or offering practical help, acts of kindness reflect God’s love in tangible ways. 

• S – Share: As your relationship grows, share your personal story of how Jesus has changed your life. Look for natural opportunities to share the Gospel and offer hope. 

This is a simple, yet powerful way to live out our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus right in our own neighborhoods. We believe that when we come together and intentionally engage with the people around us, we can make a lasting impact for God’s Kingdom. 

Through Bless Every Home, you can keep track of the times that you’ve prayed, listened, eaten, served, or shared stories of Jesus with your neighbors. 

We can’t wait to see how God uses this tool in your life and in your neighborhood. Join us today and let’s bless every home, together!