Session 1: The Art of Neighboring

What if the solution to many of our community's deepest challenges lies not in grand programs or complex strategies, but in something as simple as knowing our neighbors' names? This gathering explores the profound truth that Jesus gave us two inseparable commandments: love God with everything we have, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Drawing from Matthew 22:37-40, we're challenged to see that these aren't separate instructions but intertwined realities—we cannot truly love God without loving the people He's placed right next door to us. The session confronts our tendency to make 'neighbor' a comfortable metaphor rather than a literal call to action. We're invited to examine the 'chart of shame'—a simple exercise revealing how few of us can name even eight neighbors surrounding our homes. Yet there's no condemnation here, only invitation. Statistics show only 10% of people know all their immediate neighbors' names, and just 1% know their neighbors' hopes and dreams. The beauty is that neighboring doesn't require perfection or programs—it starts with a smile, a wave, recognition that the people living around us aren't accidents but divine appointments. When we begin seeing our neighbors, we create space for Jesus to work through ordinary moments of connection.

Jesus said that loving God and loving our neighbor are equally important and summarize all 613 commandments in the law. How does this challenge our tendency to prioritize vertical worship over horizontal relationships?

The religious expert asked 'Who is my neighbor?' to justify himself and find a loophole. In what ways do we still ask this question today to limit our responsibility to others?

Only 10% of people could name all eight neighbors surrounding their home, and just 1% knew deeper personal information about them. What does this statistic reveal about the state of community in modern society?

Kristi suggested that asking 'To whom can I be a neighbor?' is better than asking 'Who is my neighbor?' How does this shift in perspective change our approach to loving others?

The story of the neighbor who called the city on someone with an unkempt yard, only to discover she was caring for her dying mother, illustrates the danger of assumptions. How can we create space for conversation before judgment in our own neighborhoods?

Fear, isolation, and misunderstanding are described as negative outcomes of not following the great commandment. Which of these three do you see most prevalent in your own community, and why?

The mayor said that most community issues would be eliminated or drastically reduced if people just became great neighbors. Do you believe this is true, and what might prevent us from testing this hypothesis?

We're told that God purposefully placed us in our specific neighborhoods and that our neighbors are not accidents. How does viewing your living situation as a divine assignment rather than coincidence change your sense of responsibility?

Kristi mentions that loving 'everybody' as our neighbor can feel overwhelming and become merely metaphorical, while loving specific people next door is actionable. How can we balance the universal call to love with practical, tangible neighboring?

Kristi admits to making up stories about her neighbors based on limited information, like the man who plays guitar by his mailbox. What stories have you created about people you don't know, and how might those narratives be preventing genuine connection?