On The Record

Embracing Every Neighbor

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people.” You’ve likely heard these words from The Ministry of Healing more than once. Maybe you’ve even quoted them, inspired by the Savior’s radical approach to connection: mingling, showing sympathy, meeting needs and winning hearts.

But here’s a question worth asking: How’s your eyesight? I’m not talking about your physical vision, but the lens through which you see the people around you.

Jesus made it clear that loving God and loving others were inseparable commands. (See Matthew 22:37-39.)

But His way of showing love wasn’t confined to traditional ministry. Jesus healed on the Sabbath. He welcomed tax collectors. He chatted with a Samaritan woman. He was creative, unexpected, intentional.

If we’re going to love our neighbors as He did, we’ll need some creative vision too. Fortunately, across our union, that’s exactly what’s happening.

We’re seeing motorcycle ministries rumble into action, using their presence at rallies and public events to share literature and build relationships within the biking community. Ministries are embracing inclusivity, with initiatives that ensure individuals of all abilities have opportunities to engage and participate in church life. We’re seeing creative ministries emerge in unexpected places: knitting circles stitching prayer shawls for those battling cancer, and cooking classes that teach immigrant families to prepare healthy meals with familiar ingredients.

We’re also seeing congregations reimagine how they build community, strengthening the relationships within while finding new ways to connect with those outside their walls. Some host pop-up events in parks or community centers, others offer drive-through prayer events. We’re seeing spontaneous sidewalk prayer sessions, service projects sparked by casual conversations and schools that equip students to turn everyday moments into ministry opportunities. These efforts may not always look like “church,” but they look a lot like Jesus.

When we widen our definition of “neighbor,” we begin to notice who’s been missing from our potlucks, pews and planning committees. And when we step beyond what’s typical, we start discovering new ways to connect.

Love, after all, is not one-size-fits-all. That’s the beauty of the body of Christ. His love comes in many languages—spoken and signed. It comes in motorcycle vests and crochet hooks, shared meals and shared tears.

What ministry might God be calling you to start—or to see differently? What passion has He placed on your heart that could become a lifeline for someone else?

Let’s commit to loving our neighbors not just generously, but creatively. Let’s dare to step outside the familiar and embrace the kind of love that turns heads, not for our sake, but for His glory. Because when we see with Jesus’ eyes, we don’t just find new ways to serve—we discover new neighbors to love.

By Tony Anobile, Vice President for Church Ministries