Some fascinating statistics about believers and the unchurched:
- 42% of unchurched people believe the church is good for society and only 6% see it as harmful. The rest are basically neutral having never explored church.
- 47% of unchurched people admire or share their Christian friends’ faith. Only 1.5% give Christian friends a hard time about their faith.
- 34% of unchurched people strongly agree with this statement: “If a friend of mine really values their faith, I don’t mind them talking about it.” Another 45% somewhat agreed with the statement. The other 18% were not sure and only 3% strongly disagreed.
What does this mean? To me it means our neighbors are far, far more open to our building a relationship with them than we might have imagined. Oh, and taking our faith along with us - if we build a relationship of trust - will be positively received by most! Can you say “Game changer”? What is keeping you from engaging with your neighbors?
Information gleaned from: You Found Me, Rick Richardson, pages 54-59.
How can we be a neighbor in March and beyond?
- Those who have had both Covid shots and are living in places like Westminster and University Place, may soon find restrictions lessening, so:
- What about having a small March Madness watch party?
- Invite neighbors and friends to join you as you view Covenant’s worship service. Remember, if you have a relationship with them and they trust you, they may say “yes.”
- Invite a neighbor to take a walk with you as the weather warms.
- Visit a neighbor who is recently widowed and just be with them, listening and loving.
- Start a book club. Choose the book together.
- Be creative. You know your neighborhood better than I do.
- The same is true of all others who have had both shots, just be wise.
- March Madness
- Walks in the neighborhood or a nearby park
- Talks at the mailbox
- Lunch together
- Tea and crumpets
- Bake something and deliver it to your neighbor
- Have a movie night
- Share yard work
- Start a book club for April
- Plan a field trip
And for the rest of us?
- Look at the lists above. Much of the lists can be done at a safe distance, so be creative. Come up with something better, more tailored to your neighbors and neighborhood, and your comfort level.
- Choose to do something. Take one step, just one, and stick with it. Build on it. Move as God moves. Have fun with this.
Tom Johnson
tjohnson@covenantepc.org
