Friday 11 December 2015

Engaging with the community

Tim Keller (borrowing from Tim Chester) lists several ways in which we can engage with the community we live in:

Engaging neighbours

  • Take regular walks in your neighbourhood to meet others who are out and about. Keep a regular schedule. Go to the same places at the same time for groceries, haircuts, coffee, shopping. this is one of the main ways you get to know those who live geographically near.
  • Find ways to get to know others in your building or neighbourhood - through a common laundry area, at resident meetings, and in numerous other ways.
  • Find an avocation or hobby you can do with others in the city. For example, don't form a Christian backpacking club; join an existing one.
  • Look for ways to play organised amateur sports in the city.
  • Volunteer alongside other neighbourhood residents at nonprofits and with other programs.
  • If you have children, be involved at the school and get to know other parents.
  • Participate in city events - fund raisers, festivals, cleanups, summer shows, concerts etc.
  • Serve in your neighbourhood. Visit the community board meeting. Pick up litter regularly. Get involved in neighbourhood associations. Find individual neighbours (especially elderly ones) and find ways of serving them.
  • Be hospitable to neighbours - when and where appropriate, invite them over for a meal or a movie, etc.
Engaging colleagues, coworkers and friends
  • Do recreational activities with them - watch sports (live or on TV at home or in a nightspot): go to a theatre show, museum exhibit, art gallery exhibit, etc.
  • Invite them to jin a sports league with you.
  • Invite them to work out with you at a gym.
  • Put together a movie night.
  • Go out of your way to eat with them as often as possible. Invite people over for a meal in your apartment or home or just invite them out to try a new restaurant.
  • Plan trips or outings - a trip to a beach, a historical site, etc.
  • If the person has a skill or interest, ask them (sincerely!) to educate you.
  • Organise a discussion group on something - politics, books, etc. inviting mainly non-Christians.

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