This clip is part of a two-part series on neighboring. The second clip in the series can be found here.
30 pastors in northwest Denver will be preaching similar sermons the next 3 weekends. The theme: being a good neighbor (or neighboring). As cliché as it sounds, this group of pastors from various denominations think that being good neighbors is the best way to make a difference in their community. I think they’re on to something.
About a year ago the group invited their mayor to speak at one of their meetings. They wanted to know how their churches could best help the community. After outlining the expected laundry list of problems (unemployment, education, safety, etc.) the mayor said something unexpected. He said, “The majority of these issues could be drastically reduced if we could just become a community of good neighbors.” The pastors were surprised and a bit embarrassed that they’d come looking for a new program or initiative and the mayor essentially told them to go follow what Jesus said was the greatest commandment! It didn’t help when the assistant city manager followed that up by saying “From the city’s perspective, there isn’t a difference between how Christians and non-Christians neighbor.” The group immediately knew what they needed to do. They needed to help their congregations become good neighbors. The next three weeks mark the start of that journey.
I had the privilege of producing a few videos that will be shown as part of that sermon series and thought it’d be a nice change of pace to show those here on Recycle Your Faith the next few weeks. If you’re interested in learning more about what these churches are doing, I’ve also posted a video about the back story and the promo video on a separate page.
Updating…
How beautiful! I try to do this in each neighborhood that the Army moves us to. I used to think it was impossible with everyone coming and going but I now see it as all in God’s perfect time. I love how this couple is ‘seeing past the mess’. We all have some sort ‘mess’ that we hope people will look past.
very commendable indeed. I’ve heard of the issues in the Denver area.. but am concerned this is merely another whitewashing attempt.. like when they gathered all the homeless up and put them in some place out of the way with big screens, while a political convention was in town.. my experience of Colorado, not to say it’s much different than other states.. is it’s a seriously twisted state.. with gun totin radical tea baggers in the south.. a wierd faux uso feel to the airport that reminds me of a disneyized cold war russia.. huge drug and police on the take issues … but ok.. let’s “love” the Earls and the Clampetts… it definately is a huge step from we’ve gotta tolerate them.. to seein what we can do.. i only hope that the “relationship” step doesn’t feel like it does with many Mormons.. this stressed i’ve gotta earn my way to Zion sorta thing.. all the while comin off more creepy than lovin
Clint,
have you experienced a creepy sort of religious love from your neighbors in the past?
dude, i’ve lived enough.. and i’ve experienced it all over, neighbors, different churches of dif denoms.. we are a freaky culture in churchianity… it’s not like i’ve been effected.. it’s like we don’t seem to really think and feel how creepy we’re comin off.. i know “we’re not of this world” . but do we really have to be THAT out of touch.. even the latest vid here.. god bless em… that couple thinkin.. oh my… we have a gay couple… i mean really.. so ya were livin in a barn for a while.. and.. ya know..
Clint,
I love this phrase of yours: “We don’t seem to really think and feel how creepy we’re comin’ off.”
It made me smile.
I am not a Christian, and I’m not really all that devoted a Pastafarian either, but I know I also come off a bit creepy to people sometimes. This makes me grin. I’m okay with people thinking I’m a little creepy =). Hopefully they’ll tell me about it, so we can talk it out =).
i hear ya.. but i think you might be more of the essence of truer christianity than you realize.. it’s just that some are so enamoured with da labels.. I went to a nice little Sikh service the other night.. where some getting in touch mantra’s were done… though I enjoyed.. I really gel-led with their desire and needs.. and felt compassion.. as I hope they did for me.. as one of Kings X new songs states.. if you do truly believe.. then pray for me.. anyway.. glad I could bring a smile.. we need more of those.. Pleasure and contentment be yours a little more too this day