Don’t Miss this Great Resource: The Art of Neighboring
I’ve been working my way through The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door. Written by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon, The Art of Neighboring was prompted by a joint church movement developed in Denver in response to a comment made by Arvada, Colorado mayor Bob Frie. When asked, “How can we as churches best work together to serve the city?” Frie said,
“The majority of the issues that our city is facing would be eliminated or drastically reduced if we could just figure out a way to become a community of great neighbors.”
Can you imagine being in that meeting? What would you have said in response to the mayor? It must have been quite a moment when after the mayor left, Pathak blurted out, “Am I the only one here who is a little embarrassed? I mean, here we are asking the mayor how we can best serve the city, and he basically tells us that it would be great if we could just get our people to obey the second half of the Great Commandment.”
What was born of that comment was a very intentional effort that impacted a city. Seriously…what a concept!
The Art of Neighboring is an easy read and at the same time very inspiring. Packed with stories and great application of scripture, you’ll also find plenty of practical ideas and the learnings that underpin what could be a movement in your city too.
A study guide is included in the book, making The Art of Neighboring a resource that could be used by groups looking for ways to serve together. Each chapter of the book is supported with an accompanying set of study questions.
I have to tell you…I love The Art of Neighboring and the idea of a community of great neighbors! I want to encourage you to check it out. And don’t miss the website: www.artofneighboring.com. Very good stuff and just might impact your city!
