Keeping It Simple

Dave Runyon is co-author of the ground-breaking book, "The Art of Neighboring." This book was published in 2011 and continues to have an impact even today. Dave recently shared some sage advice about building support for neighboring efforts in your church. He said: "Keep it simple and say it over and over and over."

Here was his point: North American churches expect pastors to say something smart, academic, and new every week, which is why many pastors are hesitant to talk about neighbor outreach weekly. "My advice is to say something simple, but say it over and over and over. Eventually, some members will pick up on it and take action," said Dave. To the churches worried about neighboring not being evangelistic enough, he adds, "Remind them that neighboring is front-yard ministry. That is as basic as evangelism can be!"

Dave is encouraged because being a good neighbor seems to be a “felt need.” Lots of people say that they want that now, we just need to give them small things to get started. Cities and governments seem to be seeing a revival of their interest in neighbors. Perhaps this is how a revival or great awakening begins. We certainly need to rediscover a theology of place!

Our efforts generate more fruit than what we see immediately. Dave said he has had people read his book or hear him speak and come back five, six, even seven years later and say it made a difference, but they are just now making changes. “Plant the seeds. The fruit comes later, but it will come,” he said.

For more information on neighboring, visit David Burton’s blog at www.we-are-neighbors.blogspot.com.