5. Leader: Neighboring

As we discovered in ‘Gospel Identity’, our true identity empowers us to reveal God’s kingdom wherever we are. In this session, we’re going to explore how this applies to where we live, through neighboring. 

 

What is neighboring?

The art of viewing those people around whom you live, work and socialize through the lens of the gospel.

 

What do they see? 

1. Discuss with your apprentice about life in their neighborhood.

• What do they see?
• What is it like to live there?
• What drew them to and keeps them in their neighborhood?
• Is there any sense of community?

2. Ask your apprentice to take a moment to write down the names of a few neighbors in their neighborhood or apartment complex. Ask them to list two or three things about them.

• Married?
• Kids?
• Jobs?
• Personalities?
• Interests?

 3. If they are new to their neighborhood then have them write down a few things they have noticed about the people who live there.  

• Are they home often?
• Have you ever spoken?
• What were they like?

 

Application 

Encourage your apprentice to build a rhythm of prayer-walking their neighborhood, once a week. This is tithing their time into the neighborhood for which God cares! For married couples, make sure both are aware.

If they have not developed a ‘Prayer Circle’ yet be sure to encourage them to get started. Demonstrate your belief in this principle by sharing your ‘Prayer Circle’ with them.

Schedule a time to have your apprentice(s) over for dinner one evening and show them your neighborhood. Walk them around it and tell them stories of how you met your neighbors. Be honest about the difficulties and as you are doing this, look for opportunities to introduce your apprentice to your neighbors