Do you find it difficult to love your neighbor when you don’t really know your neighbor?
So how can you breakthrough and find out more about the family next door without being pushy or nosy? To many, getting to know neighbors seems as daunting as doing taxes.
The family next door seems to spend time out back, not in front of the house. Most likely they attend a different church than you do and work across town. They probably value their privacy.
Even with obstacles, you can reach out to your neighbors. Look at the things you have in common. Maybe your kids go to the same school. Maybe you cheer for the same sports teams. Perhaps you’re from the same hometown. Do they participate in your block’s Neighborhood Watch program? Look for ways to connect.
A good way to start would be organizing a party.
- Invite everyone. This will make the get-together inclusive and ensure a higher probability of success.
- Print flyers. Make it seem like a big deal. The flyers will give the occasion a special feel.
- Pick a day when everyone’s free. That’s hard to find, but try Sunday after 1:30 p.m. People have fewer commitments on Sundays and likely will stay longer.
- Listen closely to conversations. Learn about them and what they like to do.
- Remember wives and kids’ names.
- Involve as many neighbors as possible. Make it a potluck to get them fully invested.
Getting to know neighbors helps you and them. On the other side of the fence, you might find an opportunity to share Christ or offer support in times of crisis.
30-Day Challenge
If you could do ONE THING and know that it would make a significant, lasting, possibly life-changing difference in your life, would you do it? Dr. Carlson shares the power of ONE THING and why you should get started doing your ONE THING today.
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