Become a community theologian.

Local life together matters to God.

Love does no wrong to a neighbour.

Do You Care Enough to Act?

Small acts done with great love can have huge consequences.

Covet your neighbour's humility.

A bad neighbour is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing. (Hesiod)

Light the Fire of Relationships

Don't get too busy that the life leaves your friendships.

Take time to really connect.

Does your church have a ‘Neighbouring 101’ course?

You can observe a lot by watching.

Take some to notice what is actually happening in your neighbourhood.

Become aware.

Are you cultivating a culture of hope where you live?

What we know is far less than the great hope we feel. JMArguedas

Help make your neighbourhood an Abundant Community! (HLawrence)

I grew up in a small town, where my mom knew everyone and everyone knew my mom. It wasn’t until several years ago however that I realized that, in this abundance of “knowing,” my mom had a very important job in our town.

It was hard to see her job because she wasn’t paid for it and no one really commented on it. Most people like me, hadn’t even realized that there was a job category for what she did. That is, until I read a book by Malcolm Gladwell, called The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference.

According to Gladwell, there are people with a special gift for the world together, people he calls “connectors.” “They are the kinds of people who know everyone. All of us know someone like this. But I don‘t think that we spend a lot of time thinking about the importance of these kinds of people,” says Gladwell.

Connectors usually know people across an array of social, cultural, professional and economic circles, and make a habit of introducing people who work or live in different circles. They are people who “link us up” with each other, with our neighbours and with our community. Gladwell characterizes them as, “People with a truly extraordinary knack… (for) making friends and acquaintances.” He attributes the social success of connectors to the fact that “their ability to span many different worlds is a function of something intrinsic to their personality, some combination of curiosity, self-confidence, sociability, and energy.”

We all understand the concept of networking when it comes to business, but we don’t equate the same concept with our personal or neighbourhood lives. I know my mom didn’t, and she truly was, one of these people who just knew who to connect with who. More than just a connector She had no agenda to advance her social or economic standing, in fact, her role as a “connecter” often took her to both ends of society, and it was always amusing to see her introduce people of vastly different social worlds to each other.

Of course, at the time, I didn’t understand the importance of what she did for the various people, or for our small town. I don’t think she did either, she just knew they had some passion or interest in common.

Long before Gladwell defined and valued the Connector, a sociologist named John McKnight, who, while working among struggling neighbourhoods, observed the way in which neighbourhoods were transformed when certain people who he called “Community Connectors” were set free to do their work.

After reading this, I realized that my mom was much more than a connector. She was a community connector! McKnight believes that such community connectors are “gift-centered” people. They see the “full half” in everyone. They are connected themselves, active in social and civic life. And, they know the ways of the neighbourhood. They believe in the people in the community. They are not cynical, doubting observers of local residents. They know that the community is rich in people resources. And they are people who get joy from connecting and inviting people to come together. They are not seeking to lead people; they just understand the good that comes by bringing the right people together. They are hospitable and willing contributors to their neighbours and the neighbourhood.

This was so my mom!

Sitting at a small coffee shop in another community the other day, I couldn’t help but overhear two young women speaking. It appeared that they had just moved to the city and had just met each other. One of the girls exclaimed to the other, “It’s great. We have so much in common.”

The other went on to say, “It’s hard to meet people here in Edmonton; in Vermillion, it was easy.”

As I listened to what they were saying, I couldn’t help thinking about my mom or about the many people right here in the ‘Hood, who would have been that welcomed passport to their community that these girls needed.

ARE YOU WILLING TO BE A CONNECTOR IN YOUR OWN NEIGHBOURHOOD?!

An 'uncommon way' of life...

We have redefined "neighbour" to mean anyone except my actual neighbour.

Who is your neighbour?

Church of the neighbourhood

Where families flourish and God’s shalom is present.

Always there...

The church in the neighbourhood.

Don't buy the house, buy the neighbourhood.

Knowing someone's story changes everything.

Share Commonalities: Create opportunities to share commonalities. 

Hobbies such as golf, book club, poker night, or a running/fitness group can all bring people together. 

Socialize and Make Holidays Special: Enjoy your neighbourhood recreational areas. Participate in garage sales and barbeques. Attend or host neighbourhood holiday parties.

You were sent not to be served but TO SERVE.

Serve While You’re Outside: Turn lawn chores into opportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc. 

Serve In Times of Need: Visit when a neighbour passes away or has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals with other neighbours.

BLESS: Eat

Enjoy a Meal Together | Invite a neighbour (or two) for a BBQ, order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share. 

Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays | Bake cupcakes for birthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmas cookies.

Listen to your neighbours.

Listen to your neighbours.

Ask open-ended questions: How long have you lived in ___? What line of work are you in? What do you like to do for fun?

Ask Follow-up Questions: How did that test go? Are you feeling better? How was your holiday?

Pray for & with your neighbours.

Pray with your Family  | Remember your neighbours by name during mealtime and bedtime prayers. 

Prayer Walk | Walk by yourself or with family, roommates, and other neighbours who are believers. Pray over each home by name as you pass and ask God to provide opportunities with your neighbours.