A Guide To Gospel Neighboring
Gospel Neighboring? We’ve all heard of being a good neighbor and know it is important, but what exactly is Gospel Neighboring? In this 6 lesson online course, the folks at Redeemer City-to-City walk us through the mandate for being a Gospel neighbor, the magnitude, the motivation, and the method. Building on the Bible’s clear and strong teachings on justice and shalom (as in restored relationships with God, self, others, and creation), we learn that the Gospel and being a good neighbor to all go hand in hand.
Designed for individuals to complete on their own, for small groups, or for a group of church leaders, the course is a combination of readings, videos, Bible study, and practical next steps. Timothy Keller, Bryan Stevenson, Paul David Tripp, Andy Crouch, Al Santino, and others take us through a detailed explanation of Biblical justice, shalom, the power of proximity, as well as an opportunity to examine the motivations of our heart in practicing justice. Throughout the lessons, it is made clear that practicing justice without the Gospel at the center is just another way of playing god and will ultimately lead to defeat.
Each lesson is followed by practice: a community prayer walk, discussions with community institutions and organizations, conversations with community members, and an inventory of church and/or personal ministry assets. You can do the practice activity on you own, but you will gain the most insight by doing them with as group.
What will you and your church gain by using this course? First, you will be connected to your actual neighbors in new and deeper ways. You’ll learn what is important to them and what they already, or could, contribute to their community. You will also find that you prayer life is deeper and you better understand God’s mission for your neighborhood and for the world. Working through this course as a group will also create a sound, Biblical foundation for mercy ministry at your church.
The course is free. Each of the 6 lessons takes between 1-3 hours including the practice activity. Entirely online, groups can work through the lessons together sharing notes and discussion along the way.