Not so long ago, neighbors generally kept their doors open to one another. Smaller houses seemed less confining, because the more porous divisions between homes – separated not by doors of wood or steel but by “screen doors” – encouraged socializing with neighbors.

An essential ingredient in community formation is dying out: the strong relational ties that are built when we let our guard down with each other, when we claim common space as an appropriate forum for conversation, play, and eating.

I used to think hospitality was a lost art. Now I’m convinced it is a lost heart.

Leonard Sweet

I want to introduce you to the possibility of leading your church to build bridges with hospitality – from member’s homes to their neighbors.

These bridges are the next step in the ongoing shift from a facility-focused ministry to one based in people’s homes.

Think of it as shifting:

• From your buildings to their blocks
• From your campus to their cul-de-sac
• From in person to in the neighborhood

Why not encourage and equip your members to BE the church in their neighborhoods TODAY, before asking them to BRING their neighbors to church in the future?

Watch the video replay of How to Help Your Church Live SENT in the Place They Call Home. You will learn about the spaces, places, and graces that will help your church become bridge builders to their neighbors. I unpack these three words with ideas, examples, and tools to help your church BE the church where they live.

To help you get the most out of the video, download this Listening Guide prior to watching the video, then work along with it to develop your own “bridges” in your neighborhood.

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