Creating Community in the Neighborhood- Part 2

Part 2-Creating Neighborhood

First, we need to define our “neighborhood”. Who are the people that you regularly come in contact with?  These can be your physical neighbors in the houses or apartments around yours, or they can be the people that you see at work, at a club or social activity, at the local coffee shop.  

Secondly, we need to intentionally go about engaging with these folks to get to know them and their stories.  Everyone has a story and most people are eager to share at least part of their story.  There is a deep need in every human to be heard and affirmed for the unique person he/she is in Christ.  

So how do we engage people without seeming pushy or strange?  Maybe it’s as simple as going out of your way to greet a person by name and asking about something going on in their life.  If you’ve noticed a neighbor who walks a dog every day past your house, you could make a point of being in your front yard at that time, ready to greet the person as they pass by.  If you have children on a team or part of a club, arrive a bit early for pick up and intentionally speak with some of the other parents.  Or, maybe plan an event at your home or in a community gathering spot to which you will invite a particular group of people whom you’d like to get to know better. 

Hopefully this group of people would not be folks you regularly attend church with.  You already have a community built in there.  Think bigger and differently.  Look around at those who seem to be alone or lonely.  The people that aren’t the head of the PTA or the coach of the soccer team.  The folks who you don’t see outside for a walk with a spouse or friend.  Pray for God to open your eyes to see the neighbors around you.

Have a plan!  Keep it simple!  Remember to pray before, during, and after every encounter.  Building community takes time and persistence.  You have to regularly meet and talk with someone in order to establish the kind of trust where true sharing and caring can occur.  Relationships need tending in order to bear good fruit.  Don’t get discouraged if everyone you meet isn’t open to forming a relationship with you.  People are in different places on their journey.  Some will be receptive, some will not, some will come around in time.  Our job is to plant seeds and water them.  God, through the Holy Spirit, will bring the growth.

So – who are the people in YOUR neighborhood?  What are the needs of YOUR community?  How can YOU begin to show Christ’s love through your words and actions?

Thanks to Deaconess Deb Lennox

 for sharing this encouragement 
for Neighborhood ministry.