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Draw an aerial map of the houses you consider to be in your neighborhood, using squares for each house. Put the correct house number by each square, then put your name and the names of your family members in the square representing your house. Also include your phone number. If there are neighbors you already know, put their information in their designated square. Go to these neighbors first, and ask if you can have their permission to include their information on a map that will only be shared with those who add their names.

Pick a good weekend to make the rounds to your other neighbors. Bake lots of fresh chocolate chip cookies to share. At each house, introduce yourself, offer a plate of cookies, and point to the house you live in (so they understand you’re a part of the neighborhood). Tell them you are making a map for the neighborhood; if they will write their information on the map, you’ll make sure they get a copy.

Make your map extra special by adding color photos of each family. Either have families submit their own photos to you, or offer to take a picture of them. You could also invite your neighbors to each include a family biography (include how long they have lived in the neighborhood, where they’re from, where they work, hobbies, and a little about their kids).

Once you have gathered everyone’s information, use your computer to make a clean, easy-to-edit map that you can update as people move in and out of the neighborhood. After the map is complete, go back to your neighbors and deliver the finished product. If your neighborhood has not had a published directory before, you’ll be amazed at how something little like a map can help neighbors feel connected.

Instant Intentions

Use your completed map to begin recording specific prayers and praying for your neighbors. This is an important first step in inviting God into their lives. The map project is really just the beginning step to making sure the good news about Jesus is shared with everyone in your neighborhood. As you pray, watch for God to begin to open doors to deeper relationships with neighbors who show an interest in spiritual things.

Continue to use your completed map to introduce yourself to new neighbors who move into the neighborhood. Every time there is a change to the map, you have an opportunity to talk to your neighbors while delivering an updated version. After they get more comfortable with your visits, you can begin to ask neighbors if there is anything specific you can be praying about for them.

-          From the book, Field Guide to Neighborhood Outreach by Group Publishing, 2007.

Note: Before you begin this project, check with your Neighborhood Watch contact person – they may have maps of the neighborhood already made and that could be a big time saver! Keep this map handy for future outreach efforts. Also, I recently discovered an interesting online service to network with your neighbors – visit www.i-neighbors.org. Let me know if you find this site helpful.