The Village ILWIDIot
By Walt Wiltschek
In real estate, the
catchphrase is always “Location, location, location!” Whatever other factors
might be in play for a house, you can’t change its physical setting—not easily,
anyhow. It encompasses things like proximity to schools or work, demographics, nearby
parks or a great view, and potential resale value.
At a conference I attended in Seattle last month, speakers from the Parish
Collective said churches should be focusing on that same attribute—but for very
different reasons. Think about your congregation’s location: What sort of
neighborhood is around it? Has it changed over the years? Is it primarily
residential, or rural, or are you near a commercial area? What makes it unique?
Paul Sparks, one of the organization’s founders, says that churches have to see
their ministry through “the lens of their neighborhoods.” We’re often good at
sending money to other organizations, whether in our towns or around the world,
but how well do we really know the places where our church buildings sit?
If you haven’t done so lately, consider talking a walk around the area within a
square mile of your building; or, if you’re in a more rural location, take a
drive through the surrounding area or the nearest town. If there are people you
have seen but haven’t met, stop to say hello. Start a conversation. Maybe small
gifts or greetings could be left at homes in way of introduction, or a
community event could be held on the church grounds.
Think about any needs
that might exist that aren’t being met or, better yet, talk to people about
what they would find helpful. Don’t think of it as a means of getting more
people in the church doors. Instead, just ponder how can the church be a better
and more involved neighbor. And, of course, pray for those neighbors—perhaps in
your prayer time in worship.
We often say that God puts us in certain places for a reason. Why might your
congregation be in the location that it calls home?
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