I had lived in my neighborhood for several years, yet most of the women who lived nearby were complete strangers. I didn’t know their names or pains, had no one to call to borrow a cup of sugar—and had never told them about Jesus. To reach out to my neighbors, I hosted an Open House then invited women back for Bible study.
I candidly share how I felt knocking on neighbors’ doors while my knees knocked and tell about the friendships that now line the streets of my neighborhood. I created The Neighborhood Café to inspire other women open their homes and hearts to their neighbors. Through my speaking and writing, I equip women to love their neighbors in a whole new way.
I am on staff at Life Church and I’m also a contributing writer at womensministry.net, a ministry of Jennifer Rothschild. I am a 6-time graduate of Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference and the She Speaks Intensive Conference.
My husband of 23 years, David, and I live in Lancaster, Ohio with our teenage daughter, Emma, a very holy dog and an unsaintly cat.
Statement of Faith
Click here to download my Statement of Faith.
About The Neighborhood Cafe
No, it’s not a real Café – it’s just a time to get to know my neighbors over coffee at my kitchen table, the best place for starting new friendships and deepening old ones.
When I had the crazy idea to start a neighborhood Bible study called “The Rosewood Café” after our home on Rosewood Drive, I delayed and disobeyed. I argued with the Lord – I didn’t have time… I wasn’t good enough… The church could do it… What if no one came? What if everyone came?
So in October, 2008 I invited 80 or so neighbors over for coffee. A group of us has been meeting ever since.
As the last person left the first Café, I thought to myself, “I could teach people how to do this.”
I kept notes on what worked well and what failed miserably – and The Neighborhood Café was born! This site is a step-by-step resource based on what I’ve learned in my own neighborhood and from helping dozens of women in their neighborhoods across the country. I want to remove every obstacle so women who are called to do this can say, “I can do that!”
The hardest thing about asking your neighbors to come to a Bible study at your house is opening your mouth!
Seriously, I was so nervous when I started this. What if no one came? What if everyone came? What if I embarrassed myself? I avoided my fear of rejection by stuffing mailboxes with invitations to my Café. Recently, however, I went to about 40 homes and just knocked on the door. Once Bonnie went with me, and we had a great time.
One Sunday I was passing out invitations in my neighborhood. Some people weren’t home so I left a small handmade gift at their door. Others were clearly uninterested so I was brief. Others invited me in. I met an elderly widow who told me noises at night kept her awake, and we prayed together. I met a pastor’s wife. I met women in bathrobes and sweatpants, young and old, friendly and guarded.
The woman I remember most was one I didn’t meet at all. She called me a few minutes after I left an invitation on her unanswered door. “I guess I’m your neighbor,” she said. “I live on Rosewood Drive? I don’t know very many people here. I’ve been sick. I’m waiting for a double lung transplant. I’ve lost a lot of friends because of my illness.” She was in tears as she thanked me for the invitation and said she’d like to come if she feels well.
I believe the Lord will hold me accountable for driving past my neighbor’s pain, walking by her loneliness and ignoring her need.
Acts 17:26-27 says God determined the times set for us and the exact places where we should live. God did this so that women would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.
“Amy, Amy – my beloved Amy.” I hear Him say. “What did you do for my daughter? I placed you within 700 feet of her front door, at the exact time she needed a friend.”
How will you answer?
As you’ve read this, if you’ve had one tiny inkling of a thought that whispered, “I’d like to do that!” – then DO IT! Do it quickly, before you start believing you can’t, you’re not good enough, your house isn’t nice enough. I will help you.
If you thought, “That’s insane,” then maybe this isn’t your bag. That’s fine. But go find another one, like tutoring kids or fixing cars or making meals. Rub shoulders with people. Get to know your neighbors. God put them on your street for a reason.