As a member of the Local Outreach Team at College Park Church, I’ve witnessed firsthand how one of our greatest callings—to love our neighbors as ourselves—comes to life in beautiful ways.
In April 2024, I had the joy of seeing this love in action during our Lunch on Us event, where over 750+ families and kids from a neighboring elementary school came for the fun, but also experienced the love of the local church.
The parking lot transformed into a festival of joy with cotton candy, popcorn, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, live music, and of course, lunch. This wasn’t just about providing food—it was about creating meaningful connections with our neighbors in a place where they are comfortable.
Through this incredible experience, I’ve learned three essential ways we can truly care for our neighbors:
- Pray with Purpose – I’ve discovered that prayer isn’t just a preliminary step—it’s the foundation of meaningful neighborhood relationships. When we choose to faithfully pray for our neighbors, co-workers, and teachers, God begins opening doors we never imagined possible. In my own experience, I’ve seen how intentional prayer helps us look at our neighbors differently. We begin to see opportunities to know them more deeply, to impact their homes and families, and to eventually invite them into our church family. Prayer isn’t passive; it’s our active first step in caring for those around us.
- Connect with Intention – Prayer naturally leads to opportunities, but I’ve learned that we need to be ready when these moments arise. Having an action plan, thoughtful next steps, and conversation points is crucial. I challenge you, just as I challenge myself, to take bold steps in connecting with neighbors. Whether it’s extending an invitation for lunch, dinner, or even a simple cup of coffee, these intentional connections matter. I’ve seen how investing in people opens doors to walk alongside them during life’s toughest moments and share truth when it matters most.
- Serve with Love – At College Park Church, serving is a key component of our discipleship pathway. When we serve our community, we’re not just providing a meal or organizing activities—we’re creating bridges of grace that bear the weight of truth. Through serving, I’ve watched barriers dissolve and genuine relationships form across diverse backgrounds and cultures. It’s amazing how putting ourselves out there in service can multiply into even more opportunities to share Christ’s love.
Get Involved!
I want to challenge you, just as I challenge myself: take bold steps to build bridges of grace with the people who live right next door to you and across Indianapolis. Start today by praying for our upcoming Lunch on Us event, connecting with your neighbors, and preparing your heart to serve. After all, loving our neighbors isn’t just something we do once a year at an event—it’s a command from Jesus that transforms both us and our community.
