We encourage you to work on this with all those in your household.1. Identify your Neighbourhood…and dwell there.
How would you define your neighbourhood?
Do you have an actual map of it?
How might a 12-year-old describe the boundaries of your neighbourhood?
What percentage of your after work hours do you spend in the neighbourhood?
How many evenings and weekend days per week do you stay in the neighbourhood?
Are your children active in your neighbourhood? Do they go to school there?
Do you have a dog?
Describe how you are attentive to your neighbourhood:
Describe how you pray for your neighbourhood:
2. Identify the people of peace….eat with them.
Do you experience community in your neighbourhood? With who?
Have you ever participated in a block party in your neighbourhood?
Starting with your block using a map, list those households you already know, ages, gender, vocations, special interests, religious heritage, spiritual conversations, and needs.
Moving out from your block locate & name other households you know.
Can you identify anyone as a “person of peace” (Luke 10) in your neighbourhood?
Do you enjoy having neighbours into your home for meals?
Do you experience Christian community with your neighbours? With who?
Rate your relationship with Christian brothers and sisters in your neighbourhood on a continuum: 1 – 10; “don’t know” – “love as family”.
Is their religious heritage an asset or stumbling block in your relationship?
Do you know neighbours who are or might be interested in “seeking God’s kingdom” with you?
Do you enjoy having “kingdom seekers” in your home for meals?
Can you imagine a community of faith forming in your neighbourhood?
3. Discern what God is up to in your neighbourhood…participate in it.
What is the texture, ethos or spirit of your neighbourhood?
What is going on with:
People: Marriages, Friendships, Families, Groups, Children?
Business types, Public transportation, Gathering spaces/places, Housing , Community league,
Community groups or clubs, Social service agencies, Schools, Religious groups that meet in your neighbourhood, Parks or other common spaces?
Name 2 strengths of your neighbourhood:
Identify 2 issues or needs present in your neighbourhood:
Name “celebration” initiatives taking place in your neighbourhood (e.g. block parties, festivals, barbeques, holy days).
Name “service” initiatives taking place in your neighbourhood (e.g. clean ups, kids or youth programs, International initiatives, senior care, block watch or parents).
Is there a story you can share that describes yourself or other neighbours participating in God’s dream for your neighbourhood?
In the next year, what do you think it would look like if God’s dream for you neighbourhood was advanced, what would change?
4. Support and be supported…be together.
How are you connected to the “Body of Christ”?
Do you have other people who support you as you are sent to your neighbourhood?
What influences have led you to embark on loving your neighbour/hood?
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