Neighboring Initiative

Loving Our Neighbors — Literally

At St. Pete First United Methodist, part of our Vision is to be the "heart of the city." Located right downtown, we want our central location to inspire us to truly love our city, and to be a place where people are transformed into disciples by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Our mission also calls us to meet the unmet needs in our community.

But we can't Love St. Pete if we don't know St. Pete, and we can't meet unmet needs if we don't know what they are!

Our Neighboring Initiative helps us take the Great Commandment seriously by loving our neighbors as ourselves — literally. Using The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon, we're engaged in an ongoing, congregation-wide effort to build meaningful relationships, starting with the people who live closest to us. The goal isn't just to invite them to church; it's to live into the call to love our neighbors. As we grow in relationship with those around us, we'll better understand how to authentically serve them and show them the love of Christ.

How It Started

The initiative began with a three-week sermon series based on The Art of Neighboring:

"Taking the Great Commandment Literally" by loving our neighbors (Luke 10:25-37; Acts 17:26-27 NIV)
"The Time Barrier" - busting the myth that we don't have time to love our neighbors (Luke 10:38-42 NLT)
"The Fear Factor - moving past fear of people we don't yet know (Luke 7:37-50 NLT)

Watch the sermon series

The series included a churchwide self-assessment of how well we know our immediate neighbors, based on the block map from The Art of Neighboring. It was paired with a four-week interactive workshop, plus handouts with ideas for connecting with neighbors and other helpful resources.

Where We're Going

When we asked how we could best support you in connecting with your neighbors, you told us: keep the reminders, encouragement, and prayer coming, and share each other's stories! So throughout the year, watch for simple ideas to try, practical resources, and stories from church members who are getting to know their neighbors.

Start Neighboring Today

Whether you joined us for the series or you're just getting started, these resources will help you get to know the people who live closest to you:

Who Is My Neighbor? Block Map— Do you know who your neighbors are? Use this simple map to find out how well you know the people living right around you.
10 Easy Ways to Love Your Neighbors — Neighboring doesn't have to be complicated! Small, simple ideas like learning a name, spending time out front, and welcoming new neighbors can lead to meaningful relationships.
Neighborhood Prayer Walk — Love St. Pete by praying for the people God has placed around you. This simple guide will help you slow down, notice your neighbors and your neighborhood, and pray for the people and places already in your life. Imagine the impact on our city if each of us said these intentional prayers over our neighborhoods!

Neighboring Challenge

Front Porch Challenge: Spend at least one hour each week outside your home to see who you meet. Don't have a front porch? Set up in your driveway or yard. Live in an apartment or condo? Spend your hour in a common space or shared area in your complex! Find some time to make yourself visible and available for casual conversations with passing neighbors. You never know who you might meet! Here are some simple ways to participate:
- Move daily activities outside! Drink your morning coffee, read a book, let the kids play, or eat a meal in front of your home instead of inside or in the backyard.
- Prepare a place. Bring out a couple of chairs or lawn chairs where they're clearly visible and inviting.
- Keep regular hours. Pick a consistent time — like Front Porch Friday — to sit outside and make yourself available to chat with anyone passing by.
- Wave and say hello! Make eye contact, wave, and if you get the chance, introduce yourself to anyone walking a dog or passing your yard.

Want to Get Involved?

Reach out to Pastor Carey to learn more!