Over the past ten years, Covenanters have used BLESS as a missional framework to share the gospel. Earlier this year, we expanded our BLESS resources by releasing new materials for youth, as well as children and families. We also made all BLESS resources available in English and Spanish. Through BLESS, congregations and households are equipped to make evangelism a priority in ways that grow out of authentic relationships and communal Scripture study. BLESS begins with members prayerfully discerning with God to identify family, friends, and community members whom the Holy Spirit is prompting them to share the Gospel and deepen their relationship with.
In recent years, BLESS Sunday has been held on the Sunday after Easter, connecting the new life in Christ we celebrate on Resurrection Sunday with the Great Commission. Beginning in 2027, BLESS Sunday will move to the Sunday after Midwinter, January 24, 2027. This timing gives pastors a chance to return from Midwinter with a curricular plan in place that prioritizes joining God in God’s mission to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world.
“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last”
John 15:16 · NIV
We are grateful for the fruits of BLESS we have seen across the Covenant. What began as an invitation to live out our faith by (B)eginning with prayer, (L)istening with care, (E)ating a meal together, (S)erving together, and (S)haring the story of Jesus has become a regular practice in many of our churches. BLESS is an initiative that keeps evangelism front and center within our movement. It provides a missional framework for Covenanters to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ as mission friends.
On BLESS Sunday, we invite every Covenant church to join us by beginning the six-week small group study. Churches may use the BLESS materials in Sunday school, midweek prayer meetings, or as a sermon series.
Will you participate in BLESS Sunday and join us on mission?
In the fall, we will harvest the fruits of BLESS and collecting testimonies of faith, accounts of new life in Christ, and the ways Christlike hospitality has transformed relationships, congregations, and communities. We will share and celebrate these stories of impact, giving thanks to God together.
Thank you for your faithful partnership, your commitment to evangelism, and your willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your communities.
Sincerely,
The Make and Deepen Disciples Team
