20 FALL 2018
CULTURE
THE IDEA OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH IS MAKING A COMEBACK
IN AMERICA. A NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH IS SIMPLY A CHURCH
THAT ENDEAVORS TO MINISTER STRICTLY TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO
OCCUPY THE SURROUNDING AREA OF A CHURCH BUILDING. THIS MAY
ENCOMPASS A ONE- OR TWO-MILE RADIUS AND INCLUDES HOMES,
BUSINESSES, AND CIVIC INSTITUTIONS. TALK OF REACHING "THE
WHOLE CITY" OR BUILDING A NATIONAL NETWORK OF INFLUENCE IS
FOREIGN TO THE CONCEPT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH, WHERE
CONGREGANTS WALK TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS BECAUSE THEY LIVE
WHERE THEY WORSHIP.
Millennials and Generation Z are interested in
living, working, and playing all in the same
space. They want to shop and eat local and
invest in companies that are not "box chains"
or multinational conglomerates. This mindset
also applies to the church. Christians in this
demographic want to attend and participate in
churches that make a tangible, positive impact
in their neighborhood. They want to see the hope
they find in the Resurrection spring forth in
the dark and dingy corners of their community.
They want this same hope to mark and mold
the cultural influencers of their neighborhood.
Younger generations are pushing for the
The Neighborhood Church
Makes a Comeback
Chad E. Graham, MA
abadonian/iStock
