The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door

by Jay Pathak

But as we have mentioned, working with others is the best and smartest way to move forward. You can start small—just invite one person or one household into the process with you. And the neighbors you invite to join you don’t all have to be Christians. There may be someone in your neighborhood who has a completely different spiritual orientation than you but knows way more about neighboring. Whether it’s the Hindu family down the street, the agnostic couple behind you, or the friendly woman who can walk up to anyone and strike up a conversation, enlist these people to join your neighboring team. Remember, all truth is still God’s truth, and God will honor the actions of anyone who is trying to be a good neighbor. This, after all, aligns with God’s purposes. It can be discouraging to try to draw the neighborhood together, but if just one other person is committed to the process, you won’t feel so alone. At least one other person will be there when you throw a block party. You can encourage each other if you feel like you’re constantly reaching out to others and getting no response. Don’t tell yourself you’re too busy or too shy or don’t know where to start. Just identify a neighbor you think would be a good partner and ask him or her to join you in this neighboring journey.