I would like some nice idea's in how to minister to my neighbor's. Like Should I start a cookie ministry, making cookies for my neighbor's to get to know them better? Or is their another way to get to know them better. How would you like to be ministered to by your Christian neighbor?
2006-10-22 15:19:05 · 14 answers · asked by jrealitytv 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A minister I know said he would rather SEE a sermon, than
HEAR a sermon any day.
Set an example with your actions. Talk is cheap!
2006-10-22 15:27:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, with any luck they'll be kind toward you. Heck - maybe they're already Christian. :) Cookies are always a nice gesture. Inviting them for dinner is good. Just chatting with them when you're both outside.
Now on to the second question - I do not want to be ministered to by my Christian neighbor. If they invite me to their bible study (another nice idea) or whatnot - I politely decline. I don't even mind a brief theological discussion (What church do you attend? None.) as long as they drop it once they realize I have no interest. So as long as you're not pushy - I think you'll be fine.
Otherwise, you'll scare them and every time they see you they'll run. And you don't really want that, either.
2006-10-23 12:44:54 · answer #2 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think people are best ministered to by someone being a friend first, and being open to what they have to say about their own beliefs. Have you thought about offering to get their mail or mowing their lawn for them if they go on vacation, or getting their phone number to help with a "neighborhood watch" if you see suspicious activity around their house? Just some thoughts for starters.
2006-10-22 22:23:36 · answer #3 · answered by ccrider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at the individual person. Sometimes, just time is the best way. To sit and listen to someone will minister to them more than anything else.
2006-10-22 22:34:19 · answer #4 · answered by 2ndchhapteracts 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I love my neighbors. I know their names, and their children's names, and their pets names. I care about what is going on in their lives. I look out for their property the same as I do my own. I am involved in community happenings. I talk to them when I go on walks. I also pray for them as I walk. I care about them, their needs, their dreams, their successes. I am patient with them, and hope they will be patient with me also.
Building healthy relationships with ones neighbors does not happen over night. This is a process that I have been working on for over 20 years.
2006-10-22 22:34:13 · answer #5 · answered by leila 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be a "good neighbor." Spend time to talk to them, to get to know them. Look for ways to help them. Show them by your words and deeds that you are truly interested in them. And, of course, pray for them.
Perhaps your church has activities that a non-Christian would not feel threatened in.
2006-10-22 22:25:51 · answer #6 · answered by David S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here are the 4 steps(that I learned) to minister:
relate
create
convict
reveal
Let's say for example that you are on the bus and the person sitting next to you is listening to nonChristian music. Ask, them what they're listening to and tell them who's your favorite(Christian) artists. ask them if they think they are a good person. Most likely they will say yes. Ask them if they have ever stolen. Let them answer, then ask if they have ever lusted after someone. Let them answer, than ask if they've ever lied. Let them answer. Then tell them "You're a good person who committed adultery(lust), lied and stolen?" At this point they should be speechless because you've convicted and revealed to them that they are not a good person and that they need Jesus in their life. Reveal to them that if they want to receive the joy of salvation, repent and ask Jesus to save them. Reveal to them that if they do God's work, and obey Him, when they die they will be with Him rather than burning in Hell eternally.
2006-10-22 22:42:21 · answer #7 · answered by Sofa P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many are called but few are choose
Just ask them if they would like to get to know God if they could, mention the gospel to them than if they reject it remember:
1 Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
2006-10-22 22:35:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be genuine in finding out who they are, what interests they have and if you have some common interests to develop that. Helping them with lawn mowing, walk shovelling etc are ways to be a help to them. Inviitng them in and pinch hit babysitting if it is required are ways to let them know you care. A friend says people don't care how much you know unitl they know how much you care.
2006-10-22 22:54:00 · answer #9 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Write them a letter, or simply inviting them over for dinner one night. I wouldn't start a cookie ministiry, I would think that would be creepy. No, I would definitely go with inviting them over for dinner.
2006-10-22 22:21:33 · answer #10 · answered by Kiara 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋