During the COVID-19 Season
This is a season like no other we’ve been through, and there are indications that this is creating new spiritual opportunities around us. In a study of self-identified non-Christians, 21.5% said the crisis is causing them to start reading the Bible, to search for Bible teaching online, or to have more spiritual conversations with family and friends. People around you may be more ready than you realize for a spiritual invitation! And even among those without an obvious spiritual interest, there is upsurge in interest in connecting with those who live nearby.
We believe that this is an unprecedented time for followers of Christ to take steps to initiate socially and spiritually. As social restrictions are beginning to loosen, we believe there is a pent-up desire for people to connect. We want our Doxology family to be prepared to take the simple step to initiate gatherings on their streets. We're confident you can do this in a way that is both fun and sensitive to the cultural moment we're in.
Reaching out is easier than you might think, and small intentional gestures go farther than you might think... Click "Read More" to get started.
Read moreFirst, look over your Block Map and touch base with every neighbor in the 8 houses nearest you. (If you haven’t filled out your Block Map you can download one below.) Call, text, knock on the door, or leave a note for each neighbor. Ask, “Is there any way that I can help you or pray for you?” In this uncertain time, people may be more receptive than ever to an offer to pray.
You can also utilize your NextDoor app or a neighborhood Facebook group to connect with and become aware of other needs around you. On all social media, be a strong positive influence for hope and faith.
And finally, get outside and take a prayer walk around your neighborhood. Prayer-walking is simply talking with God as you walk –asking Him to work in the lives of the people who live around you. Smile, wave, and try to stop and talk (with proper social distance of course) with neighbors that you see. And as you have opportunity ask if there is anything you can pray for.
Reaching out is easier than you might think, and small intentional gestures go farther than you might think... Click "Read More" to get started.
Read moreFirst, look over your Block Map and touch base with every neighbor in the 8 houses nearest you. (If you haven’t filled out your Block Map you can download one below.) Call, text, knock on the door, or leave a note for each neighbor. Ask, “Is there any way that I can help you or pray for you?” In this uncertain time, people may be more receptive than ever to an offer to pray.
You can also utilize your NextDoor app or a neighborhood Facebook group to connect with and become aware of other needs around you. On all social media, be a strong positive influence for hope and faith.
And finally, get outside and take a prayer walk around your neighborhood. Prayer-walking is simply talking with God as you walk –asking Him to work in the lives of the people who live around you. Smile, wave, and try to stop and talk (with proper social distance of course) with neighbors that you see. And as you have opportunity ask if there is anything you can pray for.
Figuring out ways to engage our neighbors can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into simple steps is an easy way to take the edge off!
Read moreWe are finally starting to meet some neighbors, but what should we do next to get to know neighbors a little better?
Read moreShort texts can go a long way in building relationships. As you have met neighbors, don’t miss the opportunities to follow up. Through a text or brief phone call, you can engage in simple but meaningful ways.
Make the front yard your place to hang out, or to play with your kids. And have a few simple questions ready to ask that go beyond a greeting. How are you and your family holding up? What have you found to do to keep your kids busy? What have y’all been doing for fun during this time?
Set up a game night on Zoom. Some folks are looking for an alternative to another night of Netflix, and relationships thrive when people laugh and play together. You can try Boggle, Yahtzee, Pictionary, and more!
Ask questions to engage more deeply:
Ask how you can pray for them. More people than ever are open to this question. Be sure to follow up a few days later and ask about what you prayed for.
Ask meaningful open-ended questions that go past the superficial.
Ask for help. The strongest relationships are MUTUAL --where both people give and receive. Look for ways to sincerely seek out assistance, advice, support from a neighbor.
We are finally starting to meet some neighbors, but what should we do next to get to know neighbors a little better?
Read moreShort texts can go a long way in building relationships. As you have met neighbors, don’t miss the opportunities to follow up. Through a text or brief phone call, you can engage in simple but meaningful ways.
Make the front yard your place to hang out, or to play with your kids. And have a few simple questions ready to ask that go beyond a greeting. How are you and your family holding up? What have you found to do to keep your kids busy? What have y’all been doing for fun during this time?
Set up a game night on Zoom. Some folks are looking for an alternative to another night of Netflix, and relationships thrive when people laugh and play together. You can try Boggle, Yahtzee, Pictionary, and more!
Ask questions to engage more deeply:
Ask how you can pray for them. More people than ever are open to this question. Be sure to follow up a few days later and ask about what you prayed for.
Ask meaningful open-ended questions that go past the superficial.
Ask for help. The strongest relationships are MUTUAL --where both people give and receive. Look for ways to sincerely seek out assistance, advice, support from a neighbor.
Here are a few tips to keep your gatherings fun and safe!
Read moreDoxology folks can be the best neighbors on the street and be the ones to initiate a gathering. We are not recommending big festivals with bounce houses and no social distancing. Instead we believe that people will be ready for simple opportunities to enjoy some good conversation.
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