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Neighborliness: Love Like Jesus. Cross Dividing Lines. Transform Your Community.
Do you want to love your neighbor as yourself but don’t know where to start? This practical, accessible guide to bridging the dividing lines of politics, race, and economics, both individually and as the church, will help you amplify Jesus in your community and build God’s kingdom. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus gave a two-part “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” and also “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love God. Love others. Jesus’ simple command to love your neighbor can feel overwhelming when your neighbor looks, lives, and votes differently than you do. Racial and economic tensions across the country have resulted in deep dividing lines that seem really intimidating to cross. Docusen breaks down these lines in approachable chapters, including topics like Neighborliness is a practical guide to bridging those dividing lines and learning to recognize and amplify the beauty of God in our communities. Backed by David’s speaking and training through the Neighborliness Center, this book will help individuals and churches reach out to their neighbors, love them through Christ, and build God’s kingdom.
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2022
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May 30, 2022
“Who is my neighbor?”
That is the question the rich young ruler asked Jesus as a means of justifying himself. And in response, Jesus told the story of a very unlikely person being a very unlikely neighbor. For two thousand years, followers of Jesus have been trying to justify themselves by negotiating the meaning of “neighbor,” defining and redefining it until it means the kind of people just like whoever is asking the question. In Neighborliness, David Docusen seeks to rediscover the radical neighboring of Jesus, one that crosses dividing lines and transforms communities.
Part-memoir, part-blueprint, part-conversation, Neighborliness is a practical, insight guide on how to be a good neighbor as both an individual and a community. Docusen is particularly considered about a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community of neighbors, so his immediate focus is on tearing down systems of supremacy and engaging in the hard work of reconciliation and building legacies that are transmitted one generation to the next.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on learning to lament. In the white evangelical church, in particular, the concept of lament has been lost to a theology of celebration. For much of the church, lament is a foreign concept entirely. Most Christians would pay lip service to reconciliation and be actively engaged in trying to create other elements of community, but the idea of lament is a crucial element of engaging with hurting communities. “Mourn with those who mourn,” Scripture says.
Each chapter ends with questions for discussion and reflection. I really like this aspect of the book because it invites community. While you can wrestle through these questions alone, they’re really meant to be worked over with a group, engaging in community as you grow and build community. That is, Neighborliness is part of the process it recommends, encouraging readers to engage in community with others.
Neighborliness is a good start. It’s a beginner’s book in the art of neighboring. There are any number of books that go down deeper when it comes to racial reconciliation, building multi-generational communities, engaging in lament, and so on. Docusen points you in the right direction, giving you the hunger to learn more as you see how implementing this neighborliness of Jesus will impact your communities—both your faith communities and the secular communities in which you reside.
That is the question the rich young ruler asked Jesus as a means of justifying himself. And in response, Jesus told the story of a very unlikely person being a very unlikely neighbor. For two thousand years, followers of Jesus have been trying to justify themselves by negotiating the meaning of “neighbor,” defining and redefining it until it means the kind of people just like whoever is asking the question. In Neighborliness, David Docusen seeks to rediscover the radical neighboring of Jesus, one that crosses dividing lines and transforms communities.
Part-memoir, part-blueprint, part-conversation, Neighborliness is a practical, insight guide on how to be a good neighbor as both an individual and a community. Docusen is particularly considered about a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community of neighbors, so his immediate focus is on tearing down systems of supremacy and engaging in the hard work of reconciliation and building legacies that are transmitted one generation to the next.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on learning to lament. In the white evangelical church, in particular, the concept of lament has been lost to a theology of celebration. For much of the church, lament is a foreign concept entirely. Most Christians would pay lip service to reconciliation and be actively engaged in trying to create other elements of community, but the idea of lament is a crucial element of engaging with hurting communities. “Mourn with those who mourn,” Scripture says.
Each chapter ends with questions for discussion and reflection. I really like this aspect of the book because it invites community. While you can wrestle through these questions alone, they’re really meant to be worked over with a group, engaging in community as you grow and build community. That is, Neighborliness is part of the process it recommends, encouraging readers to engage in community with others.
Neighborliness is a good start. It’s a beginner’s book in the art of neighboring. There are any number of books that go down deeper when it comes to racial reconciliation, building multi-generational communities, engaging in lament, and so on. Docusen points you in the right direction, giving you the hunger to learn more as you see how implementing this neighborliness of Jesus will impact your communities—both your faith communities and the secular communities in which you reside.
March 20, 2022
“Jaques Ellul said, ‘When we see someone as our neighbor, we see a person to whom we are responsible.’ We feed the hungry, we speak for the voiceless, we care for the sick, because when we do so, we care for our brothers and sisters and we represent the love of Jesus. We belong to one another.”
Neighborliness is the empowering anthem to loving and serving others that we need in 2022. David Docusen walks us through finding commonality with those we don’t think we can connect with, doing internal work to learn about our inattentional blindness, implicit bias, and aversion to discomfort, and learning to humble ourselves and listen to those in communities around us. This book is incredible because it’s so practical, sharing how we not only have to figure out what’s going on within ourselves, but we need to educate ourselves, lament with other communities, see how changing people can change systems, and learn to build relationships. Done are the days of toxic charity - Neighborliness is the guide we need to reframe what it looks like to be someone’s neighbor and rebuild and restore communities.
Thank you so much to Frontgate Media for the copy of this book.
Neighborliness is the empowering anthem to loving and serving others that we need in 2022. David Docusen walks us through finding commonality with those we don’t think we can connect with, doing internal work to learn about our inattentional blindness, implicit bias, and aversion to discomfort, and learning to humble ourselves and listen to those in communities around us. This book is incredible because it’s so practical, sharing how we not only have to figure out what’s going on within ourselves, but we need to educate ourselves, lament with other communities, see how changing people can change systems, and learn to build relationships. Done are the days of toxic charity - Neighborliness is the guide we need to reframe what it looks like to be someone’s neighbor and rebuild and restore communities.
Thank you so much to Frontgate Media for the copy of this book.
July 30, 2023
Perfect for helping Christians to get back to what matters: love God and love people. This book really focuses on racial and economic justice through the lens of neighborliness. I know a lot of Christians don't want to talk about that. But...here's a ladder 🪜 to help you get over and talk about it anyway.
This book hurt my feelings several times (just as it should!). I will be returning to this book again to continue to keep learning.
Tons of great resources for further reading. I've already added several to my TBR list.
This book hurt my feelings several times (just as it should!). I will be returning to this book again to continue to keep learning.
Tons of great resources for further reading. I've already added several to my TBR list.
November 25, 2024
Genuinely disappointed by this book. Docusen has some good things to say, but he tries to cover way too much ground that he never goes deep into any one topic. It seems like he took his three years of PhD research (which he references constantly) and simply dumped the high-level, tweetable summaries of the books and concepts. Reads a bit more like a memoir/journal of him processing his journey, but not quite a publishable/usable guide. Not practical at all.
May 26, 2022
Timely and important. As someone who has spent a lot of their adult life in churches and ministry situations and seen several different approaches to celebrating diversity and inclusion (some not so great), this was a good read with actual insight on how to best be a daggone good neighbor to those around you, which- surprise surprise- means simply loving them well and in a way that honors both them and Jesus.
May 21, 2022
I'm a little biased because I worked on this book, but I think David's a great writer and advocate. His practical insights are backed up with experience, and he is honest about his missteps and struggles. His passion is evident on every page, and he was a joy to work with!
March 6, 2024
Love your neighbor as yourself; thus God commanded Israel in Leviticus 19:18, and Jesus affirmed the full import of this command in His Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
But have Christians duly and well represented love of neighbor?
In Neighborliness: Love Like Jesus. Cross Divided Lines. Transform Your Community. (galley received by early review program), David Docusen described his own journey in attempting to prove to be a better neighbor in his part of Charlotte, North Carolina.
He noticed the church plant he had established represented his white, middle-class demographic, and was representative of only about half the area. In this book he describes the commitment to become part of a predominantly Black adjacent neighborhood: the vision for the church, the invariable loss of those who were not in support, the opening of many eyes, and the work done to develop relationships within the new community. The author also described his own journey in terms of local business and non-profit collaboration to accomplish substantive good.
The goal of neighborliness proves excellent; the desire to overcome historic and systemic divisions is commendable.
At the end the author speaks of how he now is attempting to work full-time with a startup non-profit to cultivate and develop this kind of neighborliness. It sort of makes the whole work seem like a kind of advertisement.
My biggest critique would be systemic to the Evangelical Publishing/Industrial Complex: this book makes way too much of the author, and not nearly enough about everyone else involved. I don’t actually think that was the intention of the author. But I have a feeling that if the author did more to focus on others and less on his own journey, the book idea would have received less traction, and may not have sold as well. Katelyn Beaty’s book and observations on the Evangelical celebrity pastor complex seems relevant to this discussion.
But yes, go and prove to be the neighbor to the people around you. Especially those who do not look and act like you.
But have Christians duly and well represented love of neighbor?
In Neighborliness: Love Like Jesus. Cross Divided Lines. Transform Your Community. (galley received by early review program), David Docusen described his own journey in attempting to prove to be a better neighbor in his part of Charlotte, North Carolina.
He noticed the church plant he had established represented his white, middle-class demographic, and was representative of only about half the area. In this book he describes the commitment to become part of a predominantly Black adjacent neighborhood: the vision for the church, the invariable loss of those who were not in support, the opening of many eyes, and the work done to develop relationships within the new community. The author also described his own journey in terms of local business and non-profit collaboration to accomplish substantive good.
The goal of neighborliness proves excellent; the desire to overcome historic and systemic divisions is commendable.
At the end the author speaks of how he now is attempting to work full-time with a startup non-profit to cultivate and develop this kind of neighborliness. It sort of makes the whole work seem like a kind of advertisement.
My biggest critique would be systemic to the Evangelical Publishing/Industrial Complex: this book makes way too much of the author, and not nearly enough about everyone else involved. I don’t actually think that was the intention of the author. But I have a feeling that if the author did more to focus on others and less on his own journey, the book idea would have received less traction, and may not have sold as well. Katelyn Beaty’s book and observations on the Evangelical celebrity pastor complex seems relevant to this discussion.
But yes, go and prove to be the neighbor to the people around you. Especially those who do not look and act like you.
Read
August 7, 2024[Unrated because I know the author.]
Docusen provides a peek into his own racial awakening and unlearning as he traces how his life and ministry have changed since understanding what racial (re-)conciliation truly means. Part memoir, part self-improvement, part workbook.
Docusen provides a peek into his own racial awakening and unlearning as he traces how his life and ministry have changed since understanding what racial (re-)conciliation truly means. Part memoir, part self-improvement, part workbook.
February 12, 2025
David Docusen's Neighborliness: Love Like Jesus. Cross Dividing Lines. Transform Your Community. is a compelling and timely exploration of what it means to truly love our neighbors in a diverse and often divided world. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical principles, Docusen challenges readers to move beyond superficial interactions and engage deeply with those around them, especially those who are different from themselves.
Three Lessons from the Book
Recognizing and Overcoming Implicit Biases
Docusen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our own implicit biases that can hinder genuine relationships. He writes, "We all have blind spots that keep us from seeing people as God sees them." By becoming aware of these biases, we can begin to dismantle the barriers they create and foster authentic connections with others.
The Power of Intentional Listening
The author underscores the significance of listening as a foundational aspect of neighborliness. He states, "Listening is an act of love that opens the door to understanding." Through intentional listening, we can learn about the experiences, struggles, and joys of our neighbors, leading to deeper empathy and solidarity.
Embracing Discomfort for Growth
Docusen encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones, asserting that true neighborliness often involves discomfort. He notes, "Growth happens when we embrace the uncomfortable and allow it to transform us." By engaging with people and situations that challenge us, we can grow in our capacity to love and serve others.
Positive Observation
One of the book's strengths is its practical application. Docusen doesn't just present theoretical concepts; he provides actionable steps for readers to implement in their daily lives. For instance, he suggests hosting neighborhood gatherings, participating in local community events, and intentionally seeking out relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. These tangible actions empower readers to live out the principles discussed in the book.
Negative Observation
While Neighborliness offers profound insights, some readers might find that the book could delve deeper into systemic issues that contribute to societal divisions. Although Docusen touches upon these topics, a more comprehensive exploration could provide readers with a broader understanding of the challenges at hand and how to address them on both personal and systemic levels.
Conclusion
In Neighborliness, David Docusen presents a heartfelt and convicting call to embody the love of Jesus by engaging authentically with those around us. His blend of personal narrative, scriptural insights, and practical advice makes this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to bridge divides and transform their community through genuine neighborly love.
Three Lessons from the Book
Recognizing and Overcoming Implicit Biases
Docusen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our own implicit biases that can hinder genuine relationships. He writes, "We all have blind spots that keep us from seeing people as God sees them." By becoming aware of these biases, we can begin to dismantle the barriers they create and foster authentic connections with others.
The Power of Intentional Listening
The author underscores the significance of listening as a foundational aspect of neighborliness. He states, "Listening is an act of love that opens the door to understanding." Through intentional listening, we can learn about the experiences, struggles, and joys of our neighbors, leading to deeper empathy and solidarity.
Embracing Discomfort for Growth
Docusen encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones, asserting that true neighborliness often involves discomfort. He notes, "Growth happens when we embrace the uncomfortable and allow it to transform us." By engaging with people and situations that challenge us, we can grow in our capacity to love and serve others.
Positive Observation
One of the book's strengths is its practical application. Docusen doesn't just present theoretical concepts; he provides actionable steps for readers to implement in their daily lives. For instance, he suggests hosting neighborhood gatherings, participating in local community events, and intentionally seeking out relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. These tangible actions empower readers to live out the principles discussed in the book.
Negative Observation
While Neighborliness offers profound insights, some readers might find that the book could delve deeper into systemic issues that contribute to societal divisions. Although Docusen touches upon these topics, a more comprehensive exploration could provide readers with a broader understanding of the challenges at hand and how to address them on both personal and systemic levels.
Conclusion
In Neighborliness, David Docusen presents a heartfelt and convicting call to embody the love of Jesus by engaging authentically with those around us. His blend of personal narrative, scriptural insights, and practical advice makes this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to bridge divides and transform their community through genuine neighborly love.
June 20, 2022
Neighborliness starts with a simple premise: what does it mean to obey Jesus' commands to love your neighbor? From that simple question, Docusen takes the reader through chapters that are practically written in order to lead to a proper understanding of equity, justice, and (most importantly) loving neighbor.
The strength of this work is that it is very simply written. It communicates well what it's trying to educate the reader about. Docusen also weaves personal stories throughout the chapters to give real-life examples of the education he's seeking to bring about. It is clear he is passionate about these issues and wants to help others address these matters in their own contexts.
And that is the difficult in this work as well. Because these matters have to be contextualized so heavily, there's not much the reader will walk away from that is easily implementable. There's no clearly defined "next steps" for the reader to take other than further education on the systemic problems in their communities. Of course, that is a logical next step, and Docusen is quick to point out that there are no quick fixes or silver bullets. He consistently points to the value of openness, humility, and the desire to learn. In that sense, the call to further education and exploration fits in with Docusen's purpose for the book.
Cards on the table, I am a white, male, theologically-conservative Baptist. But because of the introductory nature of the book, I am not able to assess the theological or hermeneutical issues at play in the book. I do not doubt that Docusen has a robust understanding of the issues at play or that he has a biblically and theologically informed view. Whether or not I agree with that foundation is a different question; it is clear he is appealing to scripture and a theologically-informed practice. The problem is the work is too introductory to assess that foundation adequately.
If the reader wants an introduction to the ideas of Christian social justice, this is a good place to start. However, if the reader is looking for a theologically or biblically-grounded answer to the questions churches are asking about these topics, this is not the book for them. It merely introduces the subject and provides the reader with basic vocabulary to enter those discussions.
The strength of this work is that it is very simply written. It communicates well what it's trying to educate the reader about. Docusen also weaves personal stories throughout the chapters to give real-life examples of the education he's seeking to bring about. It is clear he is passionate about these issues and wants to help others address these matters in their own contexts.
And that is the difficult in this work as well. Because these matters have to be contextualized so heavily, there's not much the reader will walk away from that is easily implementable. There's no clearly defined "next steps" for the reader to take other than further education on the systemic problems in their communities. Of course, that is a logical next step, and Docusen is quick to point out that there are no quick fixes or silver bullets. He consistently points to the value of openness, humility, and the desire to learn. In that sense, the call to further education and exploration fits in with Docusen's purpose for the book.
Cards on the table, I am a white, male, theologically-conservative Baptist. But because of the introductory nature of the book, I am not able to assess the theological or hermeneutical issues at play in the book. I do not doubt that Docusen has a robust understanding of the issues at play or that he has a biblically and theologically informed view. Whether or not I agree with that foundation is a different question; it is clear he is appealing to scripture and a theologically-informed practice. The problem is the work is too introductory to assess that foundation adequately.
If the reader wants an introduction to the ideas of Christian social justice, this is a good place to start. However, if the reader is looking for a theologically or biblically-grounded answer to the questions churches are asking about these topics, this is not the book for them. It merely introduces the subject and provides the reader with basic vocabulary to enter those discussions.
August 11, 2024
I was immediately drawn to this book when I first saw its title and especially the subtitles. But I wanted to wait until I had the time to read it.
This is the kind of book you need time to digest section by section, not read from front to back.
Rev Docusen realized one morning that his middle-class, white church needed to be more than that. He moved within the city of Charlotte, North Carolina to the border between "white" and "black" neighborhoods. His church was immediately across the street from a traditionally black neighborhood with its own churches. He took the time to meet people and other clergy, understand the differences, and work with his neighbors toward a better situation.
He made a point of meeting fellow clergy and community leaders to discuss what needed to be done to help the depressed that neighborhood. He worked with them on programs for kids and adults in the area.
The chapter that struck closest to home was a something I had experienced when I was an intern in a wealthy white suburban church.
Once David and his colleagues had a program working for a number of kids in the neighborhood, the wealthy white churches would bring a group for just a day who would impose their own program without asking for what was needed. David stopped them from coming with they weren't willing to work within the program goals, such as better reading, better attention, etc. It was an example he discussed with some wealthy donors.
This book is about 200 pages long and well-written. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions and "Next Step" suggestions for reading.
This much I know. I'm a retired pastor. We have a situation in my county—too many homeless kids just trying to get all the way through high school. We will be looking for how we can help.
This is the kind of book you need time to digest section by section, not read from front to back.
Rev Docusen realized one morning that his middle-class, white church needed to be more than that. He moved within the city of Charlotte, North Carolina to the border between "white" and "black" neighborhoods. His church was immediately across the street from a traditionally black neighborhood with its own churches. He took the time to meet people and other clergy, understand the differences, and work with his neighbors toward a better situation.
He made a point of meeting fellow clergy and community leaders to discuss what needed to be done to help the depressed that neighborhood. He worked with them on programs for kids and adults in the area.
The chapter that struck closest to home was a something I had experienced when I was an intern in a wealthy white suburban church.
Once David and his colleagues had a program working for a number of kids in the neighborhood, the wealthy white churches would bring a group for just a day who would impose their own program without asking for what was needed. David stopped them from coming with they weren't willing to work within the program goals, such as better reading, better attention, etc. It was an example he discussed with some wealthy donors.
This book is about 200 pages long and well-written. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions and "Next Step" suggestions for reading.
This much I know. I'm a retired pastor. We have a situation in my county—too many homeless kids just trying to get all the way through high school. We will be looking for how we can help.
March 24, 2022
When I first saw this book pop up I was instantly excited for it. It's something that's vitally important to reaching those around us with the message of Christ. While there really was a lot of good thought-provoking content, it also fell a bit short for me. While yes, it's important to address outreach to people who may not look like you--- that's not the only scenario to consider when looking to our neighbors. I was expecting to see sin issues and different worldviews addressed in ways that hopefully wouldn't instantly raise defenses. I was hoping for a call to getting out and becoming an active member in the community and loving on others to show the love of Christ. As Christians we truly do need to do a better job at loving our neighbors. Sadly because of the narrow focus it fell short for me. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely a great book with a lot of thought-provoking and challenging encouragement to reaching out to others, but I think the blurb needed to be more specific to sharpen expectations. Because the book I was expecting is definitely still needed. We like people who are like us, but in order to reach the lost we need to step out of our comfort zones and seek out those who are different. There was a lot of good advice in this book and ideals to think about. I still consider it well worth the read.
*I received a copy of this book through FrontGate Media. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
*I received a copy of this book through FrontGate Media. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
May 31, 2022
This book has the power to change all of us — how we think, how we love, and how we neighbor. It is thoughtful and humbly calls us to see and live with more intention. It shows us that to understand the world around us, we must look at it through the lens of what we believe in God. When we cross dividing lines with the proper lens, we learn to be a good neighbor and bring healing and understanding with an open heart. Even though many topics in this book may be uncomfortable and are often topics that we avoid because they are minefields, this book was a great reminder of why love is the core of tackling real solutions that last for an eternity. It’s the kindness of Jesus that leads us to understand the world around us so that we can enter into the beauty of God and change our hearts and then our community.
This book will have you stopping chapter after chapter to check and reflect on your own heart, reconcile with God and reflect on who He wants you to be. This is a great book to guide you on a journey to understand the greatest commandment in a tangible, practical, and hopeful way – “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Many thanks to FrontGate Media for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
This book will have you stopping chapter after chapter to check and reflect on your own heart, reconcile with God and reflect on who He wants you to be. This is a great book to guide you on a journey to understand the greatest commandment in a tangible, practical, and hopeful way – “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Many thanks to FrontGate Media for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
July 3, 2023
David Docusen writes from a genuine, heartfelt place of love for God and for people. It is easy to feel the love through his words when you’ve seen his heart for people in action, and our family has been blessed recipients of his family’s authentic neighborliness during a very brief time our lives intertwined.
His words are a convicting and overwhelming call to action, but also give great pause for understanding and learning. I’ve never felt more moved to action by words that simultaneously make me freeze in uncertainty of what that action should look like. And I believe that was exactly his intent.
Docusen expresses well, how crossing those cultural and economic dividing lines is so much more than a physical action. There is so much to be learned, and so much hurt to be healed.
Neighborliness would make an excellent Bible Study with all its conversational prompts and thought provoking questions which end each chapter. It would also make a great resource for high school curriculum involving cultural diversity instruction as well as service requirement courses for teens. It provides structure for those willing to learn and understand where and when their service is most needed.
His words are a convicting and overwhelming call to action, but also give great pause for understanding and learning. I’ve never felt more moved to action by words that simultaneously make me freeze in uncertainty of what that action should look like. And I believe that was exactly his intent.
Docusen expresses well, how crossing those cultural and economic dividing lines is so much more than a physical action. There is so much to be learned, and so much hurt to be healed.
Neighborliness would make an excellent Bible Study with all its conversational prompts and thought provoking questions which end each chapter. It would also make a great resource for high school curriculum involving cultural diversity instruction as well as service requirement courses for teens. It provides structure for those willing to learn and understand where and when their service is most needed.
May 26, 2022
I’ve recommended this book to several people, before I ever finished reading it. My basic assessment was that it is a top quality book that speaks to “love thy neighbor” in very literal ways. Theological books that touch racial reconciliation either spend the entire time justifying behaviors, or are so deep and heavy they’re too difficult to get through.
The author does a great job of story telling and giving incredibly practical things to do to open up your mind, heart, and life to people who don’t look like us.
He also does an incredible job of raising the reader’s awareness to not necessarily dive in to “fixing” a certain neighborhood or group of people. But to instead build relationships. From there, the Lord will allow for the ability for us to learn and grow in our understanding of what needs can be met.
Anyone who wants a safe, healthy book to read on the church and racial reconciliation, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Anyone who wants a safe, healthy book to read on practical steps to take in diversifying your life, friend group, neighborhood, or work space, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The author does a great job of story telling and giving incredibly practical things to do to open up your mind, heart, and life to people who don’t look like us.
He also does an incredible job of raising the reader’s awareness to not necessarily dive in to “fixing” a certain neighborhood or group of people. But to instead build relationships. From there, the Lord will allow for the ability for us to learn and grow in our understanding of what needs can be met.
Anyone who wants a safe, healthy book to read on the church and racial reconciliation, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Anyone who wants a safe, healthy book to read on practical steps to take in diversifying your life, friend group, neighborhood, or work space, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
March 17, 2022
In David Docusen's book, "Neighborliness," he teaches how to walk in the fullness of Jesus' commandment to love our neighbors. Our neighbors aren't just the ones in our neighborhood. We need to step outside our comfort zone and fulfill the commandment by reaching out to those who come from different backgrounds. We start with new relationships-get to really know them-their needs and culture.
We need to also learn to have honest conversations about tough topics-learn to love like Jesus. We are each given the commandment as children of God and with each of us showing love towards others, we can change our world.
David also reminds us we can't love God and be lovers of money. God has to come first in our lives. If we submit to HIS will for our life, we can walk in fullness and have peace and unity.
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
We need to also learn to have honest conversations about tough topics-learn to love like Jesus. We are each given the commandment as children of God and with each of us showing love towards others, we can change our world.
David also reminds us we can't love God and be lovers of money. God has to come first in our lives. If we submit to HIS will for our life, we can walk in fullness and have peace and unity.
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2022
I am humbled and honestly lucky to call David a friend and to know a bit of his heart for biblical justice. I had the honor to hear him speak about this for a few years now and I am SO grateful he finally turned all of that knowledge into a book which came out at a time we truly NEED this wisdom.
In the book he not only teaches about what loving your neighbors really looks like, he actually gives us practical steps to take so we can BE better neighbors to ALL.
As much as I miss him speak on Sundays from the pulpit I know God has a big plan for this message and so the only thing I can do is to help spread the word. Go get the book. Read it. Mediate and dwell on what you read. Ask God to show you what areas of your heart and mind need a bit of transformation and go out there expressing your love for God by loving your neighbors well, deeply and authentically.
July 4, 2022
This book was a great read. Although I feel like some of it was out of my context as I’m not a leader in a church and am just getting back into going to a church, it is not out of application. This applies to daily life, especially in the world today. After reading this book, I’m looking forward to using some of the strategies to become more curious and cross dividing lines so that I can be a better neighbor as Jesus calls me to do so.
May 21, 2022
David Docusen approaches this topic with humility acknowledging that he doesn’t have it all figured out. That’s what stood out more than anything. In a conversation that requires a lot of empathy, he writes about issues he cares about while letting the conversation evolve.
May 26, 2022
Have read Neighborliness and met the author. He is for real and has captured what so many of us have learned by listening and collaborating within the greater community for so many years. If you are desiring to learn but need a road map, Neighborliness is written to you!!
June 18, 2022
I thought this book was well written and had some good ideas for breaking down barriers. I was hoping that there would be more "small" steps that people can take to start moving in the right direction. There are some first steps mentioned, but it quickly moves onto bigger projects.
August 23, 2023
Decent book overall, pretty basic if you have done any studying on missions or outreach. There were a few great points and takeaways - good place to start if you’re learning how to expand your reach in the community.
March 15, 2022
David really did well with this book. You should read it
March 15, 2022
This has to be the most empowering read of all time. I am inspired to be neighborly and i highly recommend this book.
March 19, 2022
Such a great book and an easy read! Taking one simple tenet, "to love they neighbour", and using it to create a blueprint for living your best and kindest life.
April 19, 2022
I love this book - it is vulnerable, scriptural, and powerful. If the church wants to transform their community - we must learn to cross dividing lines in a healthy way. A must-read!
May 26, 2022
Great book!
Please read this book….
Please read this book….
September 19, 2022
What I learned: implicit bias consistently grows when unchallenged. Routine examination of this is vital for a healthy worldview.
January 25, 2023
One of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Absolutely incredible. Will read over and over again.
So important for all people to read!
So important for all people to read!
April 6, 2024
This book is about so much more than being friendly. Thought-provoking and influencing, Docusen isn’t shy of asking hard questions to get to the root of any conscious or subconscious prejudice we may hold. Identifying our preconceptions and graciously correcting them, breaking down our stereotypes so we cannot judge any book by its cover, and reminding us we all have more to learn… this book will convict and challenge you. It would be easy for anyone to put this book down, but if you press in, it could spark a lot of great discussion. Neighborliness makes for an exceptional group study - though your conversations may not be comfortable. Come willing, come receptive, and I am confident you will walk away loving God and loving others with open hands in a fresh way.
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