Neighborhoods Reimagined: How the Beatitudes Inspire our Call to be Good Neighbors

by Chris McKinney, Elizabeth McKinney

Genres: Christian Living, Church, Nonfiction, Christianity, Evangelism

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2024

Reviews

[Brianna Smith Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read on how the beatitudes can help shape the way we live among our literal neighbors. The McKinney’s are engaging writers and, alongside spiritual and biblical insight, provide really practical tips on how to engage with your neighborhood in a way that honors the Lord and his call to holy living. I’m feeling inspired!

*I received a copy of this book for free but was not required to give a positive review.

[Ashley Chabrecek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian would do well to read this book. We don’t have to go across the world to share about Jesus (although across the world does need Jesus too). We can start with going across the street. God did not intend for us to live isolated lives. The world would be a better place if Christians got to know their neighbors. Eternity would be changed for many too.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gives a totally new perspective on what it means to be a loving, Christian neighbor. Loved this as a thought provoking topic.

[Artis Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do i begin? This book was one that i couldn’t put down. It changed the way i view being a neighbor and has inspired me to live out the gospel deeply in the community i live in. The McKinley’s wrote an excellent book using the beatitudes to teach us how to live as good gospel focused neighbors. I highly reccomend this book.

1. “It starts with thinking about where we live and the people around us.”
2. God had a thing for weak ones.”
3. “Good works taste good to both us and our neighbors.”
4. “Mercy moves us;it is touched by needs, gaps, and vulnerabilities. It’s softened by lack, limits, bruises, and bumps.”
5. “If we could hand-pick the peopel around us, would we choose like-minded neighbors or contrary ones?”

Great read that will challenge us all in how we live out his kingdom on earth i the now. Will you love your neighbor well even the neediest ones? We don’t get to choose our neighbors but we are called to love them.

[Bailey T. Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the writing, the storytelling, the heart and ideas to care for and befriend my neighbors with the love of Jesus. Practical and well explained Beattitudes and how they relate to being a good neighbor.

[Joy Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved diving into the beatitudes with the perspective of neighbors. This book left me with a lot to think about. Although there were some practical suggestions, I do wish there were more. Sometimes I feel stuck taking important Biblical truth and applying it to the day to day.

[David Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Neighborhoods Reimagined: How the Beatitudes Inspire Our Call to Be Good Neighbors” by Chris and Elizabeth McKinney is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of how the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount can inform and transform our approach to community and neighborliness. The McKinneys, seasoned in community development and social advocacy, use this spiritual framework to reimagine what it means to engage with our neighbors and build thriving communities.

The book is structured around a detailed examination of each Beatitude and its application to modern-day neighborly interactions. By interpreting these ancient principles through the lens of contemporary community needs, the McKinneys offer a fresh perspective on what it means to be a good neighbor. For instance, they explore how the Beatitude “Blessed are the meek” can inspire acts of humility and service within a community, and how “Blessed are the peacemakers” can guide efforts towards conflict resolution and reconciliation.

One of the strengths of “Neighborhoods Reimagined” is its blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice. Each chapter delves into a specific Beatitude and includes practical strategies for embodying its spirit in everyday interactions. The McKinneys also share a range of real-life stories from their own experiences and from various communities that have embraced these principles. These narratives not only illustrate the applicability of the Beatitudes but also provide readers with tangible examples of how to implement these ideas in their own neighborhoods.

The book’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex theological concepts understandable and relevant to a broad audience. The McKinneys’ passion for community building and their deep understanding of the Beatitudes shine through, creating a compelling case for why these ancient teachings are still relevant today.

Some readers might find the book’s focus on religious teachings somewhat limiting, particularly if they are looking for a more secular approach to community building.

Overall, “Neighborhoods Reimagined” offers a unique and inspiring perspective on community engagement, rooted in spiritual wisdom. The McKinneys provide a hopeful and actionable framework for individuals seeking to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships within their neighborhoods. For those open to integrating faith-based principles into their community efforts, this book serves as a valuable guide and source of inspiration.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring look at loving our neighbors through the lens of the beatitudes. Each chapter examines a beatitude in the light of what Jesus says vs. what the world tells us:

In self-sufficient neighborhoods, we're called to be poor in spirit.
In numbed-our neighborhoods, we're called to mourn.
In me-first neighborhoods, we're called to meekness.
In soul-starved neighborhoods, we're called to righteousness.
In karma-driven neighborhoods, we're called to be pure in heart.
In contentious neighborhoods, we're called to make peace.

And like a cherry on top, Jesus adds the blessing of the kingdom of heaven for those who are displaced and driven out because of their faith.

Most certainly we can all see our own homes/apartments and neighborhoods in the quote above. This book includes spaces to write out reflections and prayers on each chapter as well as discussion questions. Would make a fantastic study for small groups.

A big thank you to 10Publishing and The Gospel Coalition for gifting me with a copy of this valuable book at the TGC Women's Conference this past June. No review was required, but I am thrilled to share this book hoping many others will get a chance to read it and apply the principles in their own neighborhood.

[Len Templeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book “Neighborhoods Reimagined” by Chris and Elizabeth McKinney. Their stories of what they have learned from their experiences of neighboring and how they have related these experiences to The Beatitudes is compelling and helpful. It is an easy read and the way they back everything up with Scripture is wonderful. This is a practical guide to help us apply the lessons in the Sermon on the Mount to our daily lives and how we relate to those who live closest to us. The McKinney’s point out that where we live is not an accident and we need to be intentional in showing Christ’s love to our neighbors.
This book is a great guidebook for helping us to be a beacon of light in our neighborhoods, by being more Christ like. I would highly recommend it. It has inspired us to get to know our neighbors better by inviting them to neighborhood events, engaging them in conversations, and praying for them.
This should be a must read for everyone.

[Bob Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met and talked with the McKinneys after the publication of their first book. Later we had additional conversations as they expanded their network and began a podcast. When I learned they were working on this book, I could not wait to dive into it - and it has surpassed my expectations!

With a warm, personable writing style, Chris and Elizabeth invite the reader to pull up a chair and join them on their journey of living out the Beatitudes in their neighborhood, warts and all. I found the end of chapter Reflection and Discussion sections helpful to really let the content sink in and work out how I might apply it in my own neighboring journey.

If you are ready to have your neighborhood turned upside down, by all means let Chris and Elizabeth come alongside of you through "Neighborhoods Reimagined".

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book give away at a conference, so I decided to read it. It was okay. The premise is good; we should be lights in our neighborhoods, and use the beatitudes to do so. However, the book wasn't very well-written. The language is a little too casual and there are a LOT of illustrations. Some that fit, and some that make you wonder why they are in the book. The major problem with the book is that they have the second beatitude wrong - "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." This is not grief because of losses in our lives, but rather mourning for our sin. The entire chapter was based upon grieving pain or loss in our lives and how our society doesn't mourn right. I believe that this couple who wrote the book, are faithful Christians who are spreading the gospel in their neighborhood, but the book just didn't have strong doctrine, and wasn't well-written.

[Jerry Baum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skeptical going into this book, suspicious that this might be a long-form version of a poorly written sermon on the beatitudes pulling some hermeneutical gymnastics. I was wrong. This book was full of way more Bible references than I was expecting and way more cultural references that I actually understood. This book is incredibly practical. It has already transformed the way I think about how I can grow in both attitude and perspective as a neighbor and is a book I will heavily consider revisiting and using in a local church setting (it has great discussion questions at the end of each chapter!).

[Jay King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book on neighboring, though I wish it had more about figuring out how to meet neighbors you rarely see (how did they get the contact info for all their neighbors in the first place?). So I was more or less imagining a neighborhood where I see neighbors. I think they also mentioned this as a common issue early on, but didn’t get into breaking the ice very much except for welcoming those who move in after you. Some of the examples given also seemed a bit particular to suburban neighborhoods with space, though of course the principles are still great and need to be applied in every circumstance. A great read for those thinking through how to engage the neighbors they know.

[Carol Ghattas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this insightful book to applying the Beatitudes to service in our neighborhoods. The Beatitudes have been interpreted in many different ways, and I was intrigued with how Chris and Elizabeth McKinney dug deep into each of the verses and put them into practice. Their attitudes toward their neighbors changed as a result of their study, and thus their actions toward them bore fruit for the Kingdom.

It's a great book for small group study and a conversation-starter for sharpening each other to promote love and good works among our neighbors.

A recommended read.

[Jess Etheridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book written by my friend Elizabeth and her husband Chris. They take the beatitudes- Jesus’s teaching of the “blessed life”- and put this upside down way of living into the practical context of your 2024 neighborhood. Avonlea even makes a tiny appearance in one of the chapters! 😉 This book will challenge how you love people and can transform your neighborhood!!

[Megan Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris & Elizabeth’s first book, Placed for a Purpose, is what inspired me to want to buy a house when I moved to Nashville and learn to be a good neighbor. This second book is the most interesting teaching on the Beatitudes I’ve read. It shows how each of the Beatitudes play out in our relationships with neighbors.

[Londa Crigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really thought-provoking. Lots of good biblical principles and challenges to consider in relation to how I treat my neighbors—how I reach out and care for them. The authors have had more neighbors than I can comprehend! Wow!

[Abigail Leick · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Honestly, I didn't really buy the premise. studying the beatitudes is always great, but didn't feel particularly applicable to neighborhoods. The whole thesis felt like a bit of a stretch, and I didn't enjoy the tone of the writing.

[Alexa Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels like ‘sent’ but specific to neighboring. Looks at living out being an image bearer to your neighbors specifically through the beatitudes. A lot of it is really counter cultural. I loved it. Would recommend. But read sent first (;

[Lilly White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for free at a conference and it really challenged me to engage with my next door neighbor. The authors are personable and engaging. They make sharing the gospel by the way of our actions and then our words seem attainable.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book.

[Julie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished just in the nick of time to count for 2024. Interesting book about being a neighbor and love the people you live near.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique look at the Beatitudes from the perspective of how to be a good neighbor.

The book is so timely as we live in a society that is busy and more focused on digital engagement rather than in-person engagement. We live in a society where many of us do not know our neighbors.

The authors encourage you to step outside and really “see” your neighbors as Christ sees them in order to build deep connections with them - even if you don’t see eye-to-eye on political or religious issues.

Here are a few favorite quotes from the book:

“…these beatitude renderings are not only the roadway Jesus gives for our flourishing, but for living as salt and light in our dark and flavorless world.”

“As we mull over Jesus’ upside-down kingdom, watch him live out each beatitude, and save us from our inability to do them ourselves, we will be transformed into new kinds of neighbors.”

I highly recommend this book as a deep dive into the meaning of the beatitudes and how we can apply them in our neighborhoods as we strive to live peaceably and intentionally with our neighbors.

5 stars