NEIGHBORHOOD EVANGELISM STRATEGY
We live in Northeast Louisiana and worship at First West, but we want to expand our reach into our neighborhoods. We can be a light by praying and learning to intentionally care for the families in our neighborhoods, especially as we walk through this current crisis. As we come together as a church family and begin to model biblical servant-hood where we live, it will lead to opportunities to share the hope of the gospel and walk with our neighbors on their spiritual journey.
Sign up to be a light in your neighborhood. You will receive a list of your neighbors and daily emails with prayer prompts. Then, check out the resources below and discover simple ways to make a difference in your neighborhood. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” -Matthew 5:14 .
PRAYER
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR
We are called to “love our neighbor” and we can’t do this if we don’t know our neighbor. Choose the 8 to 10 houses nearest to you to pray for, connect with, and minister to. Get to know their names, their kid’s names, their pet’s names, where they work, etc.
PRAY FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS BY NAME
Commit to praying for each of your neighbors. Walk the neighborhood and ask God to open opportunities to talk to them about Spiritual things. Pray for their protection and for their children.
CARE
INTENTIONALLY REACH OUT MONTHLY
Try to do something for each of them once a month. Bake them some cookies, mow their yard, or just send a text asking how life is going. This just shows them you care about them, and you’re available if they need anything.
BE PRESENT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Play in the front yard instead of the backyard with your kids. Sit on your front porch when you see neighbors outside. Join them for a walk. This opens opportunities to get to know them better and share truth with them.
HOST OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
The church will help resource you with these ideas, but it’s up to you to own them in your neighborhood. Examples are Neighborhood VBS, Block Parties, Super Bowl Parties, Egg Hunts and Fall Festivals. This is a great time to partner with other First West families in your own neighborhood.
SHARE
INVITE THEM TO CHURCH/LIFEGROUP
Some people would not think of attending a church service but would gladly go to a LifeGroup meeting where you were either leading or attending. If they are already active in a local church, affirm them. If they are not, those are the neighbors you should invite!
KNOW THE GOSPEL AND BE INTENTIONAL
The aim of hospitality is to forge relationships strong enough to bear the weight of truth. Know how to share your testimony and the Gospel (we recommend the 3 circles). Be ready to do so and look for these opportunities.
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