Neighborhood Initiatives
Why Neighbourhood and not Community?
For many years we have called outward facing church based activity ‘community ministries’. It is easy to think of this as something only for those called to it. However, we are all ‘neighbours’ and all of us are called to find ways of connecting with the lives of those we live amongst. Thus we talk of ‘neighbourhood initiatives’, as those activities both personal and church based, which impact our local area with good works and good news.
Ways we are able to support our churches
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Tools to help your leaders, volunteers and neighbours engage together on various topics.
STORIES
What others are doing and learning in their local neighbourhoods.
STORIES
FINANCIAL BACKING
Where does the money come from? Seven ways to financially back your initiative.
EVENTS
The what, why and how of church based neighbourhood engagement.
Baptist churches have programmes and activities designed to help connect and build relationships within their local area. Through this active community involvement they are able to transform communities and bring positive change for the individuals who live within them.
These local initiatives vary from church to church and include such projects as: early childhood services, food banks, budgeting services, community housing projects, children’s and youth work, older adult care services, and work amongst new immigrants.
The Neighbourhood & Justice Initiatives team is committed to equipping Baptist churches in these efforts. They do this through a range of activities that include:
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Establishing regional and national networks
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Developing and providing excellent resources
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Identifying and developing opportunities for training
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Encouraging and supporting effective partnerships
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Advocating on behalf of communities
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Supporting transformational change
Ruby Duncan
National Leader Neighbourhood and Justice Initiatives
E: Ruby.Duncan@baptist.org.nz
P: +64 9 526 7956
