Over the past decade, the emergence of the missional movement has reawakened an interest in the missionary nature of the local church community. As another book in this reawakening of missionary nature, I was excited to have the opportunity to read B.L.E.S.S. by Dave and Jon Ferguson. This missionary adventure into backyards and residential streets has also led to the development of numerous resources and books exploring what an intentional and incarnational missiology would mean for our approach to ecclesiology.
A Fresh Look On An Explored Topic
Although it may seem that we have exhaustively explored the theological and methodological implications of loving our neighbor, a study on the state of the church reveals that we have not yet fully integrated this understanding into our communal identity as a local Jesus-following movement. In response to that reality, pastoral leaders Dave and Jon Ferguson released a practical book, B.L.E.S.S., which is constructed in a way that not only embraces opportunities for self-reflection on the topic of incarnational-evangelistic behavior but also, more importantly, provides a framework that benefits groups as a communal study. This short read explores five everyday ways to love your neighbor and change the world – so we can take ownership of the mission in our communal culture.
About the Authors of B.L.E.S.S
Dave and Jon are both pastors at Community Christian Church, which has campuses throughout the Chicagoland area. They have both published several books over the years, addressing topics such as church planting, missional engagement, leadership development, and church multiplication. Both Dave and Jon have also been involved in coaching and resourcing church multiplication through their work with the NewThing network and the Exponential Conference. In B.L.E.S.S., they are concerned with providing a framework for readers (individuals, small groups, and church communities) to develop a better understanding of how they have been blessed, so that God can empower them, through their awareness of blessing, to be a blessing to others. For the authors, the idea of being blessed to be a blessing is as old as the Abrahamic promise and is fully realized and modeled in the life and ministry of Jesus.
Inside the B.L.E.S.S Book
Throughout this read, we are continually reminded of the idea that “our lives aren’t meant to be buckets of blessing for us to hoard and hold on to”[1], a confession which Ferguson and Ferguson root in the Abrahamic promise of Genesis 12:1-3.[2] They understand that this early blessing that took root in and through Abraham was “God’s very first strategy for reaching the world was blessing.”[3] They point out that this missionary-aspect of being a blessing is evidenced again in the life and ministry of Jesus, but it is also God’s plan for us as we look at the way Jesus sends out the twelve, seventy-two, and then commands them to go to the ends of the earth.
In the witness of Jesus, we realize that “not only are we to be on mission wherever we go and as we go,”[4] but that God desires us to realize that we have been “blessed to be a blessing.”[5] In looking at the life and ministry of Jesus, the authors identify how Jesus consistently utilized prayer, listening, eating, serving, and story[6] as tools to bless others, so that they could be reconciled with God the Father. After setting the stage for their understanding of being a blessing, the authors take time to explore each of these five practices – being in prayer, listening, eating, serving, and story – exploring each with scriptural witness, with transparent firsthand experiences, and through the vulnerable stories of others that have embraced these tools in their lives and communities.
The book concludes with a reminder that these practices cannot be novel in our lives, but must be prioritized with great consistency and congruency in every area and arena. Adaptation to a new missionary nature needs an undeniable realization that God is always going and sending[7]; and that we need a sense of accountability[8], urgency, and committed groups[9] to see God’s blessing multiply[10] in the world around us.
A Different Kind of Read
While books on theology and spiritual formation are my regular reads, I appreciated the simplicity and communal/conversational nature of this book. As a pastor, I can see this resource fitting as a resource for small groups and/or a sermon series. It efficiently and concisely relays and adapts some key thoughts, tools, and theology from a selection of the best missional theologians. It is a book that explores these thoughts, tools, and theological understandings practically – with stories, encouragement, and practical tools. Any leader knows that it takes conversation and communal ownership to shift a culture or community, and the way each chapter offers an opportunity to reflect and discuss is a significant strength of this book, which I believe allows for ownership and conversation to develop a new communal ethos within a church community. Dave and Jon have created resources to partner alongside this book – resources which include further reflections and materials to turn this into a sermon series or study efficiently.
Recommending B.L.E.S.S.
The B.L.E.S.S. book might be another book on loving your neighbor with investment and intentionality, but it fits a unique niche. One unique aspect of this book is that its framework makes the journey a group experience and conversation. The communal element will foster a renewed culture in the church through shared conversations, discovery, accountability, and storytelling. Missiologist Alan Hirsch points out that this book reminds us of the importance of “embedding common practices”[11] in our culture. This book arrives at a timely moment, reminding us of the prophetic nature of the church in a time that Pastor Albert Tate identifies as marked by “so much unrest and uncertainty in the world.”[12] I echo Theologian and Professor Scott McKnight, who named the outcome of this book as being “all about loving God and learning over time to nurture a life that loves others: one prayer at a time, one conversation at a time, one act of service at a time, and living into one story at a time.”[13]
Buy the Book on Amazon.
[1] Ferguson, D. and Ferguson, J., 2021. B.L.E.S.S.. Washington DC: Salem Books, p.24.
[2] Genesis 12:1-3 (New International Version).
[3] Ferguson, D. and Ferguson, J., 2021. B.L.E.S.S.. Washington DC: Salem Books, p.19.
[4] Ferguson, D. and Ferguson, J., 2021. B.L.E.S.S.. Washington DC: Salem Books, p.20.
[5] Ferguson, D. and Ferguson, J., 2021. B.L.E.S.S.. Washington DC: Salem Books, p20.
[6] Ferguson, D. and Ferguson, J., 2021. B.L.E.S.S.. Washington DC: Salem Books, p.26-27.
[7] Ferguson, D. and Ferguson, J., 2021. B.L.E.S.S.. Washington DC: Salem Books, 150.
[8] Ferguson, D. and Ferguson, J., 2021. B.L.E.S.S.. Washington DC: Salem Books, 151.
