we’ve talked about community before, and the effect it can have on a bible college students life and way of thinking, but until right now, we’ve not talked about the implication of their forever changed ecclesiology.
re-neighboring.
by definition, this phenomenon is moving from one neighborhood to another for the sole purpose of building community in that area. there’s something noble about that, no?
but what makes the bible college student different than any other human on the planet, will be a “multiple re-neighboring.” moving from one end of the city to another ten times within a year is not uncommon for these noncommittal theologians. they immerse themselves in the neighborhood, and its culture, and hightail it outta there when they find out another neighborhood is “more legit.”
so how do you find a “more legit” neighborhood? well, luckily you have 6MOB to help you with that decision.
how to find a “more legit” neighborhood:
1. not too many people similar you
it’s important to find a community group, or neighborhood group, that doesn’t have many people like you in it. if you’re a college student, make sure you move to an area with lots of old folks. if you have a family, move to an area where all the singles gravitate. this is important for a “more legit” group. the more people you have different than you, the more bragging rights you gave with your fellow bible college students.
2. close to a school
it’s great if you can back your house up against a school and flood them with service days and projects. the more you can do things for that school, the more leverage you have with getting out of other ministries commitments. “oh, i can’t make it to class today, i’m just so emotionally drained from tutoring 300 students all by myself yesterday… can i have an extension in my paper? i think we’re scrubbing the gym with toothbrushes tomorrow.”
3. no other bible college students in the neighborhood
if there’s any bible college student in your neighborhood, run. it’s important that you are the only college aged person within shouting distance that has any real bible education. if you plan to stay in that group, you can either submit to them, because they were there first, or plot an overthrow.
4. poor families
nothing says “community group outreach” like a bunch of poor families in the neighborhood. if there are any, jackpot! you’re a thriving bible college student in america, and they need your help! …learning the levitical laws.
well bible college students, go out and re-neighbor, again, and check out the criteria for a “more legit” neighborhood before settling for your 2 month stint.
The number of typos in this post is appalling.
The content is incredibly well-written, though. =D
Holy Helpful Hints:
“back you house” “can;t” “emotionally trained”