The congregation that wants to learn about the neighbourhood
Listen first and then show what is on offer
Who are the people who live near the church and what are their needs? This model starts with a ‘neighbourhood market research,’ to find out exactly what the needs are of the neighbourhood, the village. All pioneering churches start with the context and they are often thorough in their research.
Would it not be very exciting to visit all the people in the neighbourhood, not with attitude of: I have got something to give you (the Gospel), but with the attitude: I want you to give me something (your story). Who are you, tell me! Please tell me your story!’
A number of suggestions
- Suppose there is a working group that is having a detailed look at the neighbourhood. It would be helpful to talk with GP’s, social workers, teachers and the police who often know what is going on and what is important to people. Local free door-to-door newspapers provide an impression of the local community. Just go for a walk in the neighbourhood: what do you see? Go to the local council and ask for census details about age, professions etc. All of this information will help to put you in the picture.
- You can also go further and interview people that live in the neighbourhood or the village with the help of questionnaires. Such a conversation would ideally be announced beforehand by letter and would make explicit that your congregation do not want to ‘offer’ anything, but to ‘get’ something: answers to your questions. Such a consultation will provide lots of helpful information which can be linked to what the congregation has to offer. Will it lead to new connections? If you broaden your consultation your stream of information will become wider too.
- In Apeldoorn Peter Hendriks developed a programme called ‘Faith can be found in the street’. He too went out with groups of visitors and started conversations with people in the neighbourhood, starting with people on the periphery of church life. Visitors were trained first and then they asked someone to participate in a conversation which lasted approximately an hour. During this time they ask people what preoccupies and worries them, questions about life, meaning and values etc. What are the answers people are looking for and where are they looking for them? On the basis of these conversations follow-up possibilities are given, to which the participants are invited.
At all times it is important to remember the rule: start with asking and listening before you start offering something.
Possible approach for the church
- In the church leaders meeting think about your immediate environment. What do we know about our village and neighbourhood? What do we think we know? Has there been much change in the past years?
- If it seems appropriate to follow this up in more detail select a working method. One method is more intensive than others, so do your research well!
- Appoint a working group whose members are willing to get involved. Take time and plan how you will use the results to undertake new activity based on your research. Ask yourself as a congregation ”What will happen next?”
