Like a Good Neighbor

Last night Renee and I went to the Homeowners Association meeting for our subdivision. Now we are the chairman’s of the Social Committee. J

When Renee and I moved to Greenville, SC we were intentional about buying a home where we would be in a neighborhood and interact with those who lived around us. Since moving here we’ve connected with just about every family on our street. We have also begun a friendship with the family who lives directly behind us. Our yards back up to each other and our dogs like to play together. We often find ourselves standing in the yard talking anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hours.

Being a part of the Social Committee now gives us an opportunity to connect with the people who live in the 190 homes of our subdivision. We only need to plan a few events a year and I get a budget. J

This may seem like a little thing but I am excited. We have been in ministry for 20 years. One of my pet-peeves as a church leader is that we can stay so buy doing “church” stuff that we forget to be the church. I know pastors who have no relationships with people outside their church. This is very unhealthy. I value having relationships outside the church. This is one of the reasons I am effective in ministry. I am refreshed by relationships that are not based on me being their pastor but being the guy down the street. This doesn’t minimize my calling…it maximizes it.

If church work keeps you so busy you cannot build relationships with your neighbors….then you are too busy!! Stop it! Right now! Say no to some things so you can yes to others.

What do you think? Have you found yourself craving relationships with people outside your church? What did you change to make this happen in your life? What needs to change so you can?

Oh yea….what do you think about a 4^th of July picnic with fireworks by the community pool?

Real Men Have Lap Dogs

This week our Pug turned 7 years old. Her name is Meika and she was a gift given to me by students of The Mission, when I was director of the ministry in Washington, DC. Like most Pugs, she has lots of personality. She is not much of a guard dog. She only does one thing well. She lies around. If Renee and I are busy or not at home, Meika just lies on the couch looking out the window. But if either one of us sit down, Meika is quick to come lay down on us. She is faithful and always there. I’ve grown to appreciate this about her. When Renee temporarily relocated to South Carolina last year, Meika and I spent a lot of time alone. Despite the fact that my son was in a medical crisis and my wife was so far way, Meika was comfort. It was the ministry of presence.

The ministry of presence, what is that? It is the ministry of “being there.” Sometimes being a good friend means you are just there. You don’t try to solve all the problems. You don’t talk endlessly. You just hang. I’ve wondered this week if I’m effective in serving in the ministry of presence. Sadly, I learned I could take some notes from Meika. I am in a situation right now where being there for someone special to me is very important. I am praying I will learn from Meika and just be there. I’ve been in situations where all I’ve needed was someone “being there.” Now I need to be the person who is “there.” Meika has taught me a great lesson. Real men have lap dogs.

Have you ever had a friend who served you with the ministry of presence? Have you been the person who was just “there”? How did this impact your life?