A SIMPLE SOLUTION 

Even a generic description of “neighborhood” will be found lacking when applied to a specific location and time. Even so, some sort of “community” should be a part of every neighborhood – and why can’t that community start with you?

The front porch is too good an idea to be allowed to slip away, even if the hospitality we display is more theoretical than real.

Michael Dolan

Urban high rises, suburban cul-de-sacs, rural houses scattered – all these and more make up the foundation of neighborhoods. Sprinkle in various types of shops, stores, gas stations, offices, and a real neighborhood begins to form.

But the buildings and structures are only the framework – what makes a neighborhood is the people.

How can you begin to meet people and build community in your neighborhood?

After years of searching full-time for the holy grail of community, I have found nothing as compelling as the neighborhood. Neighborhood or place-based community allows us to draw the greatest number of people into a circle – our spouse, children, other Christians, those who don’t believe in or follow Jesus, older people, younger people, recreational or affinity friendships (golfing, vacation interests, hunting, reading groups, dog sow enthusiasts, for example), and school friends.

Most importantly, neighborhood community enables us to park our cars and to see people between events, as we engage in our everyday activities. It is in these frequent and spontaneous encounters that so much of the richness of life is experienced. 

Principles of Authentic Community

Authentic community breaks out when you can sit in a room together and enjoy each other’s presence but not feel a need to always talk.

Authentic community is drawing people into a circle of friendship which involves not only helping out but also reaching out.

Authentic community happens best when we spend frequent and spontaneous time together.

Authentic community has a reap opportunity to be experienced and found desirable when we give ourselves to the people around us, even though there is a diversity that we may not be attracted to.

Randy Frazee, Making Room for Life: Trading Chaotic Lifestyles for Connected Relationships

A NEXT STEP

Author Amy Lively has some excellent suggestions on how to meet your neighbors and begin to create excellent community in your neighborhood. Read the list below, and pick out one or two to practice in the coming weeks.

Walking Club: Meet at your house at a pre-designated time, or people up along a pre-established route.

Book Club: Choose a popular title or topic with widespread interest. Carefully research the content to make sure it’s not offensive.

Cooking Club: Experiment with new recipes, techniques, or ingredients together. Choose a theme, and share the results with each other.

Watch Party: Similar to the Book Club listed above, choose a movie or TV show that is popular. Carefully review the content to make sure it’s not offensive.

Pizza Night: Invite neighbors to bring their favorite pizza – restaurant, homemade, or store-bought – to share. Host the party in your driveway or yard, weather permitting.

Community Yard Sale: Invite your neighbors to have a yard sale on the same day. Be sure to check for any community restrictions, and make it a point to stop by all the yard sales to meet your neighbors.

As you do one or more of the above, make some notes of how God opens doors for you to know your neighbors and share the gospel along the way. Leverage these learnings and stories to equip and inspire your church.