We Almost Had A Block Party

We almost had a block party this weekend! I know it sounds weird to be excited about a party that almost happened, but I am. It marks real progress for us in developing relationships in our neighborhood, something we've tried to be a lot more intentional about since moving to Magnolia Creek earlier this year. So when my wife Elizabeth said that she and two other ladies on our street discussed having a block party this weekend...well, that alone was reason enough to celebrate, even if the party isn't going to happen this weekend after all.


Neighborhood life is an essential part of life at the Springs. We believe that close proximity and regularity of contact are crucial to the kinds of relationships we see modeled and taught in Scripture. We are currently launching groups organized by intermediate school area because we are small and need a larger geographical area to achieve critical mass; but while we're meeting together weekly as a Victory Lakes intermediate group, participant families like ours will also be developing community at closer range. It is my personal hope that we'll have a neighborhood group by early next year, and that there will be groups in the other neighborhoods that filter into Victory Lakes intermediate also.

Here is how my family is going about it. We're relatively new in our neighborhood, so we're just being intentional about getting to know people. We try not to hole ourselves up in the house; we've met neighbors on the sidewalk and at the mailbox, and from the kids on the street all playing together. We've accepted every invitation from neighbors to come over for a party or a meal, or for the kids to play together. It's not complicated, but it's amazing how few people do it. I'd say our block is about 50/50, where half the families are social in the neighborhood, and the other half just drive into the garage and the door closes behind them. After 6 months, I still haven't met one of my next-door neighbors. Another neighbor only comes out of the house after dark to go to the mailbox. I noticed this, so one night I waited until after dark to get my own mail, and waited to see him come out with his dog like he does every night (O my gosh, I sound like a stalker!). I approached him, stuck out my hand, and introduced myself. He graciously shook my hand and asked me which house I lived in...and that was it. He didn't tell me his name. So now I've met the guy with the dog who lives 4 houses down on the left. I'm not discouraged by this, it's actually fun! It takes time--with some people it may take a long time, maybe years--but it's worth it.

Here's what we're shooting for: neighborhood relationships where we're living out the 4 functions of neighborhood life together: belong, grow, serve, and play. Right now we're just meeting people mostly, but some belong is starting to happen, and some play. We invited a couple of families to serve with us when we did a shoe drive for orphans this summer, and we'll do it again with a Habitat for Humanity project this Fall. When the block party happens (probably Halloween--now I'm a stalker and a heretic), we'll be on the way toward belong and play. We now know some other people on the street who are Christians, and we hope to develop real community with them and begin to serve our neighborhood together as the Body of Christ. Jump in and try it for yourself! Here's how to get started:

• Pray that God will give you a missionary's mindset for your neighborhood, and that He'll show you opportunities to get to know people on your block--then watch out! One creative way to do this is to walk around your neighborhood while you pray (keep your eyes open); you get some exercise, you can pray house to house as you go, and you may get to meet some people.
• Be in your neighborhood! Actually being at home is important. This may require some lifestyle adjustment on your part. DO IT! You probably need to offload some other activities anyway, so I'm giving you a good reason. Eat at home, be in your yard in the evenings, take walks in your neighborhood, etc.
• The intermediate group should help you here; host the group at your house, and invite a friend or two from the neighborhood to come also. Have a party where you invite intermediate group members as well as neighbors. This way, you don't (and shouldn't) feel like the Lone Ranger out there trying to develop neighborhood life.
• As you get to know people, you will be able to identify other Christians on your block. Pursue Neighborhood Life with them first--commitment to the 4 functions and regular involvement in each other's lives. What "church" each of you attends is not necessarily relevant, and the goal is not to get anyone to change church attendance. We will resource you with ideas and helps for each of the 4 functions.
• Christians living the 4 functions together in a neighborhood is powerful. When this happens, you will start having a major impact on your neighborhood. Opportunities to serve others in your neighborhood will arise, and your community will expand. God will use this in your life: you will grow better, serve more often and more personally, have a sense of belonging as well as provide it for others, and have fun!

I've told some of my stories. I'll save others for another day. Let me hear some of yours! If you have a story about developing relationships in your neighborhood, leave it as a comment. Questions or other comments are also welcome.