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Next Door as It Is in Heaven: Living Out God's Kingdom in Your Neighborhood
There was a time when neighbors knew each other's names, when small children and the old and infirm alike had more than their families looking out for them. There was a time when our neighborhoods were our closest communities.No more. Neighborhoods have become the place where nobody knows your name. Into this neighborhood crisis the words of Jesus still ring true: Second only to the command to love God is the command to "love your neighbor as yourself."In "Next Door as It Is in Heaven, " Lance Ford and Brad Brisco offer first principles and best practices to make our neighborhoods into places where compassion and care are once again part of the culture, where good news is once again more than words, and where the love of God can be once again rooted and established.
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2016
26 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 24, 2016
There was a time when we would know all of our neighbours names. Where we would look out for the old and the young. Now we don't know some of our neighbours names.
The authors offers us principles and practices where compassion and care are part of our culture again. Where the love of God can be established.
This is quite an insight on how we could all live peacefully like it is in heaven.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Tyndale House Publishers and the authors Lance Ford and Brad Brisco for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The authors offers us principles and practices where compassion and care are part of our culture again. Where the love of God can be established.
This is quite an insight on how we could all live peacefully like it is in heaven.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Tyndale House Publishers and the authors Lance Ford and Brad Brisco for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
After I realized how long I'd lived in my neighborhood and how few of the neighbors I actually knew, either to wave to or by name, I wanted to get to know the others, but even NextDoor.com didn't help as much as I'd hoped. This has given me encouragement, as well as some ways to get started - always the hardest part! I hope this also brings a revival in the art of neighboring.
The introduction, explaining how our neighborhoods have changed over the last few decades, clarified a shadowy thought of mine: that they are now designed for cars, and that we move through our areas in a sort of bubble. (I'm a rarity in that I walk to work, and do get to see people.) Although it's clearly written for an American audience, I can assure you that UK residents have the same issue.
It's not light and fluffy. There is real sociological insight (complete with references, if you want them). The authors carefully give you the setting, describe the problem, and then start showing you small actions you can take to change it, with real-life examples and references as well as some incentives, and all with the right attitude.
Although written from a Christian standpoint, non-believers can also benefit. You can skip the bits that explain why God wants us to change our attitudes of "home", if you want; this is about being a good neighbor, not about proselytizing. If you're interested in bringing neighbors together for a party, or creating a tool library or a babysitting co-op, or even just knowing who's around if you need help, you'll find resources, ideas and good reasons for doing it.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The introduction, explaining how our neighborhoods have changed over the last few decades, clarified a shadowy thought of mine: that they are now designed for cars, and that we move through our areas in a sort of bubble. (I'm a rarity in that I walk to work, and do get to see people.) Although it's clearly written for an American audience, I can assure you that UK residents have the same issue.
It's not light and fluffy. There is real sociological insight (complete with references, if you want them). The authors carefully give you the setting, describe the problem, and then start showing you small actions you can take to change it, with real-life examples and references as well as some incentives, and all with the right attitude.
Although written from a Christian standpoint, non-believers can also benefit. You can skip the bits that explain why God wants us to change our attitudes of "home", if you want; this is about being a good neighbor, not about proselytizing. If you're interested in bringing neighbors together for a party, or creating a tool library or a babysitting co-op, or even just knowing who's around if you need help, you'll find resources, ideas and good reasons for doing it.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 2, 2020Eye opening, inspiring, convicting, practical, and well worth the time I spent reading this book. Plus I found the statistics and evolution of the American culture relating to community fascinating.
In a lot of ways, I won't be able to put into practice many of the ideas put forth in this book because of the very rural area I live in (v. city, suburban etc. living). On the other hand, I learned so much and want to implement hospitality outside and inside my home on a higher scale than I currently am.
In a lot of ways, I won't be able to put into practice many of the ideas put forth in this book because of the very rural area I live in (v. city, suburban etc. living). On the other hand, I learned so much and want to implement hospitality outside and inside my home on a higher scale than I currently am.
July 7, 2025
Community building, being a good neighbor, Bible passages to support, I was familiar. The last third of the book gave many helpful, specific ideas.
The book is out of print so check your used book store or ask me to loan it to you.
The book is out of print so check your used book store or ask me to loan it to you.
June 25, 2022
3.5⭐️ I found this book had many good tips and made me think. The history at the beginning is really interesting. There were a few things that were irrelevant to our current housing situation, and parts that I didn’t agree with. However there were also some really biblically solid and convicting aspects that I want to put into practice.
October 1, 2016
The authors describe a time “When neighbors knew each other’s names, when small children and the old and infirm a like had more than their families looking out for them. There was a time when our neighbors were our closest community.”
They talk about how we have compartmentalized the different communities in our lives.. “Our work”, “our church”, “our schools” none of them intersect.”
The authors then describe a movie titled Avalon that shows the breakdown of close communities. They say, “Avalon begins as a portrait of a robust, relationally rich extended family. Life is lived with others, both in times of shared joy and periods of struggles and hardships. People are connected. Conversations are many. Common meals are the norm. Life is rooted not only in relationships with others but also in relationship to place.”
“Three forces are introduced into the life of Avalon that fragment their relationship connectedness. But once the family fully embraces the modern American way of living there is no possibility of holding the pieces together.”
1. Creation of Suburbs
2. The Rise of the Automobile
3. The popularization of television.
“The Suburbs was viewed as a better place to live.” “Automobile took every day fathers away. They were able to relocate their families to the suburbs without giving up their jobs in Avalon. Every day they would drive out of the neighborhood, alone, to work in a place that was no longer home.”
“Change in our culture - Jesus went to masses. Embraced people. Talked about who our neighbor are and how Jesus saw community.”
I found it fascinating to learn about how exciting innovations to help improve life degraded our sense of community. I always wondered about how we’d gotten to a place where we do not know our neighbors names and they don’t know ours. I wondered how we’ve become so isolated and compartmentalized while we are a society that is more connected than ever.
This was an eye opening read showing how we’ve lost our unity with each other – the sense of belonging. How we’ve become isolated and compartmentalized. It helps to explain about how we’ve gotten this way relationally. I liked how these authors showed what Jesus did to connect with people. How he created community no matter where he was. I also liked that they gave examples and urged readers to reach out to their neighbors. “Take hold of the heavenly vision and run with it. If we do this “you and your neighbors can experience life next door as it is in heaven.”
Can you imagine how life could be if we all gave this a try?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
They talk about how we have compartmentalized the different communities in our lives.. “Our work”, “our church”, “our schools” none of them intersect.”
The authors then describe a movie titled Avalon that shows the breakdown of close communities. They say, “Avalon begins as a portrait of a robust, relationally rich extended family. Life is lived with others, both in times of shared joy and periods of struggles and hardships. People are connected. Conversations are many. Common meals are the norm. Life is rooted not only in relationships with others but also in relationship to place.”
“Three forces are introduced into the life of Avalon that fragment their relationship connectedness. But once the family fully embraces the modern American way of living there is no possibility of holding the pieces together.”
1. Creation of Suburbs
2. The Rise of the Automobile
3. The popularization of television.
“The Suburbs was viewed as a better place to live.” “Automobile took every day fathers away. They were able to relocate their families to the suburbs without giving up their jobs in Avalon. Every day they would drive out of the neighborhood, alone, to work in a place that was no longer home.”
“Change in our culture - Jesus went to masses. Embraced people. Talked about who our neighbor are and how Jesus saw community.”
I found it fascinating to learn about how exciting innovations to help improve life degraded our sense of community. I always wondered about how we’d gotten to a place where we do not know our neighbors names and they don’t know ours. I wondered how we’ve become so isolated and compartmentalized while we are a society that is more connected than ever.
This was an eye opening read showing how we’ve lost our unity with each other – the sense of belonging. How we’ve become isolated and compartmentalized. It helps to explain about how we’ve gotten this way relationally. I liked how these authors showed what Jesus did to connect with people. How he created community no matter where he was. I also liked that they gave examples and urged readers to reach out to their neighbors. “Take hold of the heavenly vision and run with it. If we do this “you and your neighbors can experience life next door as it is in heaven.”
Can you imagine how life could be if we all gave this a try?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
August 3, 2016
https://joemcfadden.org/2016/08/03/ne...
I was excited to see this book come out and could not wait to read it. The book was definitely a worthwhile read and one that I really enjoyed. I thoroughly believe that God created us as social, relational beings. We are made to be in relationship both with our Creator and with other people . We have been formed with an innate need to know and be known. Yet the current way of life in our culture is greatly reducing the quantity and quality of our relationships. We live in a society that is increasingly lonely where most of our connections come from digital space and are more superficial than meaningful. Our neighborhoods are not usually a place of genuine community but a place for us to retreat from those around us. Our relationships rarely overlap between the various spaces of relationships we form between church, work, shops and other places we frequent.
This is a book that is both convicting and compelling. It will move the reader to envision a life that is more integrated with their community and neighbors and challenge presumptions we all make as well as barriers from allowing this type of connection to occur. At the same time it is not just a book you read and forget about but one that is geared toward action and motivating the reader to live out and put into practice much of what is contained in it. Each chapter ends with reflective questions to help the reader wrestle through the content of each chapter prompting steps toward action.
There are many challenges that come with living in a manner Brisco and Ford espouses. We have an increasing need to feel safe and distrust those around us. We also have less relational margin and capacity in our lives on an ongoing basis. To live out some of the practices and principles in this book for many will take an intentional shift. Along with it will require a new way of viewing others and practicing hospitality. All of these are topics the authors tackle head-on to help the reader understand more clearly how to integrate these habits into their lives. With tons of practical stories to illustrate what this can look like in your own life; it is easy to begin to envision ways of adopting these habits into your own life and neighborhood.
I encourage you to grab a copy and allow yourself and be challenged in the ways you “love your neighbor as yourself”. All with the understanding that we have not come to save our neighborhoods. And we don’t bring the Savior to our neighborhoods. We come alongside the Savior who is already at work in our neighborhoods.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. The views expressed here are my own!
I was excited to see this book come out and could not wait to read it. The book was definitely a worthwhile read and one that I really enjoyed. I thoroughly believe that God created us as social, relational beings. We are made to be in relationship both with our Creator and with other people . We have been formed with an innate need to know and be known. Yet the current way of life in our culture is greatly reducing the quantity and quality of our relationships. We live in a society that is increasingly lonely where most of our connections come from digital space and are more superficial than meaningful. Our neighborhoods are not usually a place of genuine community but a place for us to retreat from those around us. Our relationships rarely overlap between the various spaces of relationships we form between church, work, shops and other places we frequent.
This is a book that is both convicting and compelling. It will move the reader to envision a life that is more integrated with their community and neighbors and challenge presumptions we all make as well as barriers from allowing this type of connection to occur. At the same time it is not just a book you read and forget about but one that is geared toward action and motivating the reader to live out and put into practice much of what is contained in it. Each chapter ends with reflective questions to help the reader wrestle through the content of each chapter prompting steps toward action.
There are many challenges that come with living in a manner Brisco and Ford espouses. We have an increasing need to feel safe and distrust those around us. We also have less relational margin and capacity in our lives on an ongoing basis. To live out some of the practices and principles in this book for many will take an intentional shift. Along with it will require a new way of viewing others and practicing hospitality. All of these are topics the authors tackle head-on to help the reader understand more clearly how to integrate these habits into their lives. With tons of practical stories to illustrate what this can look like in your own life; it is easy to begin to envision ways of adopting these habits into your own life and neighborhood.
I encourage you to grab a copy and allow yourself and be challenged in the ways you “love your neighbor as yourself”. All with the understanding that we have not come to save our neighborhoods. And we don’t bring the Savior to our neighborhoods. We come alongside the Savior who is already at work in our neighborhoods.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. The views expressed here are my own!
August 5, 2016
About the Book:
There was a time when neighbors knew each other's names, when small children and the old and infirm alike had more than their families looking out for them. There was a time when our neighborhoods were our closest communities.No more. Neighborhoods have become the place where nobody knows your name. Into this neighborhood crisis the words of Jesus still ring true: Second only to the command to love God is the command to "love your neighbor as yourself."In "Next Door as It Is in Heaven, " Lance Ford and Brad Brisco offer first principles and best practices to make our neighborhoods into places where compassion and care are once again part of the culture, where good news is once again more than words, and where the love of God can be once again rooted and established.
My Review:
Along with technological advances came many other things in my generation. We no longer spend time with those around us and barely even our families. We are even more separated from God's choices and desires for our lives the more technology advances. We need to get back to His rules and standards for our lives because this world is quickly losing Jesus in the process and madness of all of this.
The authors of Next Door As It Is In Heaven, give us some great ideas, suggestions and priciples in order to win the heart of our neighbors and those around us just as Jesus instructed us to do. we need to get back in the swing of things where we use to go out of our way to help a neighbor or encourage them. Times are hard these days and you never know how much a kind gesture or sweet word could brighten someone's day.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
There was a time when neighbors knew each other's names, when small children and the old and infirm alike had more than their families looking out for them. There was a time when our neighborhoods were our closest communities.No more. Neighborhoods have become the place where nobody knows your name. Into this neighborhood crisis the words of Jesus still ring true: Second only to the command to love God is the command to "love your neighbor as yourself."In "Next Door as It Is in Heaven, " Lance Ford and Brad Brisco offer first principles and best practices to make our neighborhoods into places where compassion and care are once again part of the culture, where good news is once again more than words, and where the love of God can be once again rooted and established.
My Review:
Along with technological advances came many other things in my generation. We no longer spend time with those around us and barely even our families. We are even more separated from God's choices and desires for our lives the more technology advances. We need to get back to His rules and standards for our lives because this world is quickly losing Jesus in the process and madness of all of this.
The authors of Next Door As It Is In Heaven, give us some great ideas, suggestions and priciples in order to win the heart of our neighbors and those around us just as Jesus instructed us to do. we need to get back in the swing of things where we use to go out of our way to help a neighbor or encourage them. Times are hard these days and you never know how much a kind gesture or sweet word could brighten someone's day.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
October 29, 2016
3.5 stars
Next Door As It Is In Heaven discusses how we can join God in His work in our neighborhoods. Much of the book is spent explaining why we need to better get to know our (actual) neighbors and develop roots in our communities.
There are various personal anecdotes throughout the book and the last chapter, in particular, has many practical ideas on how to get started in this type of missional living. I liked how the authors explained that much of what God calls His people to is ordinary: growing and preparing food, building houses and living in them, marrying, raising children, etc.
At the end of each chapter is a section titled "Reflection and Preparation" with thought-provoking questions and actions to take to begin investing in your community. This section can certainly be used by individuals, but I think it will be especially useful for church groups looking to grow together in neighborliness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Next Door As It Is In Heaven discusses how we can join God in His work in our neighborhoods. Much of the book is spent explaining why we need to better get to know our (actual) neighbors and develop roots in our communities.
There are various personal anecdotes throughout the book and the last chapter, in particular, has many practical ideas on how to get started in this type of missional living. I liked how the authors explained that much of what God calls His people to is ordinary: growing and preparing food, building houses and living in them, marrying, raising children, etc.
At the end of each chapter is a section titled "Reflection and Preparation" with thought-provoking questions and actions to take to begin investing in your community. This section can certainly be used by individuals, but I think it will be especially useful for church groups looking to grow together in neighborliness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
April 12, 2017
Full disclosure: I received a free e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ford and Brisco write about living intentional and relational lives with their neighbors. They tell of moving to neighborhoods to reach people where they live. Community outreach and neighborhood improvements can make more of difference in people's lives than waiting for the community to enter through the church doors.
Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with Christianity collections.
Ford and Brisco write about living intentional and relational lives with their neighbors. They tell of moving to neighborhoods to reach people where they live. Community outreach and neighborhood improvements can make more of difference in people's lives than waiting for the community to enter through the church doors.
Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with Christianity collections.
August 9, 2017
Well done friends. Lance and Brad have written numerous books that are exceptional in their own way. They are not earth shattering, scholarly discoveries that will change any theologians mind... but they are down to earth practical insights into he way we are supposed to live out our kingdom life with God on Mission.
This book was full of stories and insights that would encourage anyone to become obedient and join God at work in the neighbourhood. I would give this to anyone in my church - it was very helpful.
This book was full of stories and insights that would encourage anyone to become obedient and join God at work in the neighbourhood. I would give this to anyone in my church - it was very helpful.
February 28, 2018
This book discouraged me because it reminded me of how poorly I have done (and currently do) at reaching out to the people in my immediate community: my neighborhood
This book challenged me with the mission of Christ to further his Kingdom in all my areas of life, specifically in the context where I live every day.
This book encouraged me with the promises of God and with practical, helpful suggestions for how improve the community of my neighborhood for the benefit of the group and the glory of God.
This book challenged me with the mission of Christ to further his Kingdom in all my areas of life, specifically in the context where I live every day.
This book encouraged me with the promises of God and with practical, helpful suggestions for how improve the community of my neighborhood for the benefit of the group and the glory of God.
November 2, 2019
Short enough, easy to read, practical yet conceptual enough to be applied in your own context, inspiring and encouraging. I'm grateful for this read and am excited to put some of these concepts to use in my own neighborhood.
I haven't read other books that are specific to neighboring and I wonder how much of the content would be repetitive, but I was very much inspired and fully convinced that this kind of neighboring is what Jesus calls His followers to. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
I haven't read other books that are specific to neighboring and I wonder how much of the content would be repetitive, but I was very much inspired and fully convinced that this kind of neighboring is what Jesus calls His followers to. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
March 18, 2024
Practical in mission
The authors give a clear understanding of why we should focus on our neighborhoods in such a way that would demonstrate Jesus to those around us while building relationships. They lay out clear examples and helpful suggestions for how to make this happen wherever you live.
The authors give a clear understanding of why we should focus on our neighborhoods in such a way that would demonstrate Jesus to those around us while building relationships. They lay out clear examples and helpful suggestions for how to make this happen wherever you live.
April 10, 2019
Imagine the what kind of community you could be a part of if you lived life with your actual neighbors. What you could learn from one another, how you could care for each other and the influence you could have on those closest in proximity to you? I am inspired to make some positive changes.
March 19, 2020
This book was ehhh ok...
I like to take the good out of what I read. This book did encourage me to get know my neighbors by name in order to pray for them by name. The rest however was not that great. It was however super easy to read. Overall this book didn’t challenge me or convict me.
I like to take the good out of what I read. This book did encourage me to get know my neighbors by name in order to pray for them by name. The rest however was not that great. It was however super easy to read. Overall this book didn’t challenge me or convict me.
December 14, 2017
A very good book for our day. It challenged me to get to know my neighbors.
May 2, 2018
There were some wonderful new ways of seeing things in this book. Also some great ideas ...not all are possible for us, but they have led to some exciting plans and possibilities!
July 15, 2018
Fantastic book on evangelizing. Loved!
December 13, 2016
This was a good book, guys.
There wasnt too much that differed with my beliefs. The book focused on the idea that technology has driven us apart and that this is a problem.
No longer do we have neighborhood shops, schools, and churches.
Now we have Tv's, phones, all sorts of different items to keep us occupied in our suburian homes.
Strong points:
I liked that they exposed some faults in our American churches:
25% of Americans say they have no one to talk to. This is up from 8% in 1985.
Generally, people have few confidants and feel lonely :(
Also, the immediate family of most people doesnt provide much support.
My favorite page of the book can be paraphrased:
Dont be against culture, dont be isolated from, dont be absorbed into, but shine within it.
Weak points:
The book opened by reflecting on old neighborhood communities and I think, to some extent, its wrong to expect we can go back to a culture that existed generations ago. I dont think that this is what the authors intended but it was still odd.
Also throughout there was an extrememe amount of facts and figures thrown in, like the authors wanted to prove that they did their research and beat you over the head with it. The message is solid but there are many references I dont understand at all. For example, I am to young for I love Lucy.
This confused me because I thought that the book was written for a younger audience. However, if the authors were writing to people in their own (older) generation, wouldnt they know of I Love Lucy?
They presented the book as if us younger people have never been taught how to have a community, as if we are limited by technology and cars and different modern things that we need to learn from the past. However, if the men are writing to their peers, the problem is not that they have never experienced small connected neighborhoods, but something else, like laziness or arrogance. These are not addressed in the book.
Also, they translation-hop. there is a time and a place to study verses in different translations but here they almost seem to twist them to their needs. One chapter uses ESV, the next The Message.
I understand that some people prefer different translations, however I dont like it when you search and search until you find one you can twist to agree with your perspective.
The authors quote many similar books and that was a bit annoying for me. It would have been much easier to share a list of references and be doen with it. Here is where the answers are
In some ways I really like this book, but I dont think I can give it 5 stars. Its not even that the bad parts severely outweighed the good but just that ther was more to say.
Again, to me, the target audience seems to be younger people, hovever as I write this I am questioning whether it might be older people instead....
If you are still trying to order some family or friends a book, this wouldnt be a bad one. I do want to make that clear.
- See more at: http://majesticgoldenrose.weebly.com/...
February 11, 2025
Book Review: Next Door as It Is in Heaven by Lance Ford
Lance Ford’s book, Next Door as It Is in Heaven: Living Out God's Kingdom in Your Neighborhood, is an inspiring and practical guide on how to build real relationships with the people who live closest to us—our neighbors. In a world where people are often too busy or disconnected, this book reminds us that being a good neighbor is not just about being friendly but about truly living out our faith in everyday life.
One of the biggest lessons in this book is that small, everyday actions can have a big impact on creating a sense of community. Ford encourages readers to slow down and take the time to know the people around them. He explains that instead of thinking of ministry as something that happens only at church, we should see our own neighborhoods as a place where God’s love can be shared. This means making an effort to talk to neighbors, help them when they are in need, and celebrate life’s moments together.
Another important lesson is that hospitality matters. Ford talks about how inviting people into our homes, sharing meals, and simply being present can help break down barriers. He shares stories of people who have transformed their neighborhoods just by being intentional about showing kindness. He also challenges us to move past our fears and excuses, reminding us that we don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers—just being available and willing to listen makes a difference.
The book also highlights how strong communities bring joy and security to everyone. When people know and care for each other, neighborhoods become better places to live. Ford explains that this is part of God’s design for us—to live in connection with others, not in isolation. He encourages us to think of our homes not just as private spaces but as places where others can feel welcome.
Overall, Next Door as It Is in Heaven is a powerful book that challenges and encourages readers to love their neighbors in real and meaningful ways. Ford’s writing is easy to understand, and his message is both inspiring and practical. Whether you’re someone who already knows your neighbors well or you’re looking for ways to start connecting, this book offers valuable insights and encouragement. It reminds us that changing the world starts with something as simple as saying hello to the person next door.
Lance Ford’s book, Next Door as It Is in Heaven: Living Out God's Kingdom in Your Neighborhood, is an inspiring and practical guide on how to build real relationships with the people who live closest to us—our neighbors. In a world where people are often too busy or disconnected, this book reminds us that being a good neighbor is not just about being friendly but about truly living out our faith in everyday life.
One of the biggest lessons in this book is that small, everyday actions can have a big impact on creating a sense of community. Ford encourages readers to slow down and take the time to know the people around them. He explains that instead of thinking of ministry as something that happens only at church, we should see our own neighborhoods as a place where God’s love can be shared. This means making an effort to talk to neighbors, help them when they are in need, and celebrate life’s moments together.
Another important lesson is that hospitality matters. Ford talks about how inviting people into our homes, sharing meals, and simply being present can help break down barriers. He shares stories of people who have transformed their neighborhoods just by being intentional about showing kindness. He also challenges us to move past our fears and excuses, reminding us that we don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers—just being available and willing to listen makes a difference.
The book also highlights how strong communities bring joy and security to everyone. When people know and care for each other, neighborhoods become better places to live. Ford explains that this is part of God’s design for us—to live in connection with others, not in isolation. He encourages us to think of our homes not just as private spaces but as places where others can feel welcome.
Overall, Next Door as It Is in Heaven is a powerful book that challenges and encourages readers to love their neighbors in real and meaningful ways. Ford’s writing is easy to understand, and his message is both inspiring and practical. Whether you’re someone who already knows your neighbors well or you’re looking for ways to start connecting, this book offers valuable insights and encouragement. It reminds us that changing the world starts with something as simple as saying hello to the person next door.
September 20, 2016
If you have read books on missional living and incarnational living this will not be new stuff. But these guys put it all together in one place (quoting many other authors) and focus missional living to the neighborhood in which you live.
They give you reasons for the the who and why, and give you options and ideas for the what and where and how. They are inspiring and challenging and leave you with the desire to get to work getting to know the people in your neighborhood.
The authors talk a lot about using meals to spend time with others building relationships. They mention that "A primary (maybe the primary) venue for evangelism in Jesus' life was the meal. Eating and drinking with others is a constant theme throughout the biblical history of how and what Jesus did during his earthly ministry. Churches are most often found meeting. Jesus was most often found eating. If you were to bump into him on the streets of Jerusalem, he would have been more likely to invite you to a barbecue than to a Bible study."
"Christians should see their calling as missionaries to their neighborhoods as being every bit as high of a calling as the calling to preach in a pulpit." The authors are big advocates of the front porch. We should set aside time in our lives to get to know our neighbors, spend time with them, and be available to them. "If you have a front porch, use it!", they write.
This book will be an inspiration to all who read it. I highly recommend it.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of review.
They give you reasons for the the who and why, and give you options and ideas for the what and where and how. They are inspiring and challenging and leave you with the desire to get to work getting to know the people in your neighborhood.
The authors talk a lot about using meals to spend time with others building relationships. They mention that "A primary (maybe the primary) venue for evangelism in Jesus' life was the meal. Eating and drinking with others is a constant theme throughout the biblical history of how and what Jesus did during his earthly ministry. Churches are most often found meeting. Jesus was most often found eating. If you were to bump into him on the streets of Jerusalem, he would have been more likely to invite you to a barbecue than to a Bible study."
"Christians should see their calling as missionaries to their neighborhoods as being every bit as high of a calling as the calling to preach in a pulpit." The authors are big advocates of the front porch. We should set aside time in our lives to get to know our neighbors, spend time with them, and be available to them. "If you have a front porch, use it!", they write.
This book will be an inspiration to all who read it. I highly recommend it.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of review.
July 25, 2016
-What did you like about the book and why? I like how the authors found a way to bring God back into the community. I enjoy the topic.
- What did you not like about the book and why? I feel in today's world it is not safe to allow my family to bond with the community, there are too many people who are not responsive to religion and wish only to do harm. If a teen or middle school child read this book and started to randomly go door to door with the word of God, they could get hurt. Some of my neighbors are even sex offenders, so I do not feel this was a well thought out book.
- What did you learn? That the authors think this world is safe and want everyone to bond, but do not think about all the negativity and violence in the world and how placing the wrong people together could bring pain and suffering.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? Spiritual leaders, people of the church and anyone old enough to understand the safer ways to use the knowledge and facts presented.
I recevied a complimentary copy.
September 12, 2016
This is an excellent book. It is very practical. If you read it, it will challenge you to be a more Godly neighbor.
September 20, 2016
Challenging. Inspiring. Every church member should read this.
February 18, 2017
Wonderful book! Would sure love to have this kind of close community within my neighborhood. Hmm...
Read it! Own it!
Read it! Own it!
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