Be a Chaplain in Your Neighborhood
This February, our church is launching Love Where You Live, a month-long journey inviting every one of us to see ourselves as everyday chaplains right where God has placed us—present, prayerful, and ready to love our neighbors in the name of Jesus. Together, we’ll be praying intentionally for the people around us, taking simple daily action steps to engage our neighbors, and hosting or joining neighborhood gatherings across our community as tangible expressions of hospitality and care. Think of this as an opportunity to BLESS your neighbors--begin with prayer, listen, eat, serve, and share your story.
Stay tuned to this page for more details on how to get started and stay connected, as well as resources, next steps, and ways to participate fully in this journey together.
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Vision
To mobilize every member of our church to live as a chaplain in their neighborhood—known for love, present with compassion, and ready to share the hope of Christ naturally and boldly.
Goals
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Every person knows what it means to love their neighbor missionally.
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Every household takes at least one tangible action to connect with neighbors.
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Dozens of new relationships and gospel conversations begin.
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Members gain practical tools for friendship, evangelism, and discipleship.
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Church culture shifts toward everyday missionary living.
Begin With Prayer
If using the app isn’t a good option for you, just draw a simple map of your neighborhood. As you meet people, add their names to your map and pray for them by name each day.
Let's Start Here!
Download the BLESS app using the links below. Provide your address. Every day you will receive a unique prayer and five neighbors to pray for.
Listen
Meaningful relationships are built through curiosity, humility, and attentiveness. As we engage our neighbors, we listen carefully to their stories, cultures, and experiences—seeking first to understand rather than to be understood. At the same time, we listen for God’s wisdom by choosing to be equipped, tuning our ears and hearts toward insight and understanding (Proverbs 2:2). Our trainings this month are designed to help us listen better—both to our neighbors and to the Spirit—so that our words, when they come, are thoughtful, loving, and rooted in truth.
February 1
Love Where You Live churchwide kickoff
11am in the Worship Center
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Learn more about Love Where You Live and how to fully engage
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Learn best practices about building spiritual friendships with those around you
February 8
Me, a Chaplain?How to Be a Spiritual Friend
Video training in your grow group
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Learn from Pastor Arthur about what it means to be a chaplain in your neighborhood
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Develop skills for loving and serving your neighbors as you point them to Jesus
February 15
Understanding & Engaging Our Indian Neighbors, part 1
Video training in your grow group
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Learn from our friend Scott Wiens, who has been involved in ministry in India and locally among Indians for many years. Check out Scott’s blog here!
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Scott will help us learn the basics about connecting with our Indian neighbors. Don’t miss out on our more in-depth training coming up on February 22!
February 22
How to Share Your Story
Video training in your grow group
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Learn how to share your story of what God has done and is doing in your life
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You will be equipped to share the gospel simply, naturally, and relationally whenever the Holy Spirit gives you the opportunity.
February 22
Understanding & Engaging Our Indian Neighbors, part 2
7pm in the Seminar Room
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Learn from our partners in India at Lakeview Life Centre how to connect with your neighbors from India.
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You’ll learn the basics about the Hindu worldview, practical dos and don’ts for building relationships, and common barriers and opportunities for sharing your faith naturally.
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Got a specific question you want answered? Email it to Pastor Amy at awilkins@vrbc.net by February 12.
Eat
As part of Love Where You Live, we are asking the congregation to host or co-host a neighborhood gathering in your own neighborhood or apartment complex. (Similar to the block parties that neighbors organize for National Night Out.) Hosting a neighborhood party is a great way to build community and bless your neighbors.
It helps to have a theme, and March 6 is National Oreo Day! Sometime that Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, we invite you to gather your neighbors for some food, fellowship and fun.
Don't worry - once you sign up, we will be there to support you with training and resources all along the way. You'll receive a host packet with planning resources and recipes, a host kit with party invitations, supplies, and games, and a yard sign to help promote your gathering. If you have any questions or need any further support, contact our Love Where You Live team at neighboring@vrbc.net.
Share
During Love Where You Live, we're inviting everyone share celebrations of ways you've connected with or loved on your neighbors, in big ways or small ways. We also invite you to share any ways we can pray for you or your neighbors. We'd love for you to be part of it by sharing your story or prayer request! Your story could spark someone else's step of faith in their own neighborhood.