Knock, Knock

Depending on your personality, passing out your Neighborhood Café invitations might not bother you in the least. Or, the thought of knocking on your neighbor’s doors might make your knees knock! Both reactions are completely normal.

With your gift in hand, what can you expect when you go knocking on your neighbor’s doors? Thankfully, Jesus Himself gives us some very helpful advice in Matthew 10, as He was sending the disciples to do the very same thing I am asking of you.

Jesus had just traveled through the towns and villages, not unlike your very own neighborhood. The people were harassed and helpless, confused and aimless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Do you know any one like this?

Do you know a family who tries every fun distraction looking for that ultimate fulfillment? Do you know a woman harassed by bill collectors or boyfriends who doesn’t know where to turn? Do you know anyone who doesn’t know that the God of the universe knows her by name?

Jesus was so moved with compassion for these people, His neighbors, that He asked His followers to pray that the Lord would send someone to help them.

Then Jesus stopped praying and did something about it.

He called together the twelve closest disciples and said, “You – yes, you. You are the ones who I’m sending into these neighborhoods to drive out evil and heal every disease and sickness. Let me show you how.”

Let’s use modern language for our modern assignment and read Matthew 10 from The Message translation, starting at verse 5:

Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers.

You can witness right where you are.

“And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons.

Start at home, with the people I placed around you. They need Me.

“You have been treated generously, so live generously.

Remember how I transformed you? It’s time to share the power of My lovingkindness with your neighbors.

“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.

You don’t have to make a big production out of this. Just have a few women over for coffee. Get to know each other. Don’t stress over it, enjoy it. I will give you everything you need to do what I ask.

“When you enter a town or village, don’t insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave.

I don’t care what your living room looks like – it’s good enough for this assignment. Appreciate the home I gave you and use it to invite My people in.

“When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting.

Knock. Smile. Speak. It’s that simple! Tell them who you are and where you live. Let them know you’re a neighbor, not a salesperson or a con artist.

“If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation.

Be considerate, gentle and kind. If she is open to you, be open to her.

“If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.

Be sensitive to her reaction. If she takes a step back, you take a step back.

“You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now.

This is a big deal, with big consequences. I’ll handle eternity, you just think about today.

“Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.

Leave a good impression. Be remembered for your kindness, not contention. You are not here to prove a point or win a battle. You are here out of submission and obedience to Me.

“Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news!

When you speak for Me, some people will speak against you. Expect it. I can handle it…

And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.” (Matthew 10:5-20, The Message)

… and I’ll help you handle it, too. The words will come when you’re tuned in to Me.

Come on, let’s go talk to your neighbors!

Ding dong!

You’ve prayed with every step, now you’re ready to ring your first doorbell. As the door chimes, you and your neighbor both take a big gulp. We don’t even answer our telephones unless we know who’s calling, let alone talk to strangers at the front door. We don’t know how to answer the door anymore.

“Hello?” she asks. It’s a question. She means, “Who are you? What do you want? Why are you here?”

“My name is Amy and I live right over there (pointing), on the corner of Rosewood and Longwood Drive. I’d like to give this to you.”

Offer her your gift.

“It’s an invitation to come for coffee next Friday. I’ve lived here for almost nine years, yet I don’t know many of the women who live practically next door to me. So I’m having an Open House to get to know my neighbors. There will be coffee and tea and food, and you’ll be invited to a neighborhood Bible study I’ll be hosting in my home. Are you free on Friday mornings?”

It is not likely your neighbor will answer your invitation on the spot, and that’s fine. This open-ended question doesn’t put her on the spot.

Here are several different reactions you might receive and how you might respond:

A warm smile as she opens the door wide. Elaborate on what you’re doing and why, ask if she knows any of the women nearby whom you could also invite.
A guarded expression and barely outstretched hand. Be brief. Don’t make her feel uncomfortable or threatened. Let her end the conversation when she wants. Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated or discouraged.
“I already have a church.” That’s wonderful! Ask where she attends church. Never say anything negative about any denomination. Assure her that you are inviting women who live near each other regardless of where they attend church. A Neighborhood Café is multi-denominational and shouldn’t address “disputable differences.”
“I work on Friday mornings.” Ask if another day or time would work better for her in case you have another Open House. Invite her to come anytime or to stop by the next time she’s taking a walk.

Keep in mind…

Take a good, godly girlfriend with you! Co-hosting a Neighborhood Café is a great way to share the prayer, responsibility and joy.
If a male answers, tell him you’re a neighbor, then ask to speak to his wife or mother. You can also ask for “the lady of the house.”
Use common sense and street smarts when approaching a stranger’s home. Don’t go inside if you feel uncomfortable in any way, and do not go inside unless the wife or woman is home.

The first house is the hardest. By the fourth or fifth house, you’ll get your groove on.