The Synagogue on Your Street - Amy Lively

I looked up the word “invited” from Matthew 25:35 using one of my favorite websites (there’s also an app), www.BlueLetterBible.org. In the original Greek language, the word is synagō, and it’s the root of the word synagogue. It means–

1) to gather together, to gather
  a) to draw together, collect
      1) of fishes
      2) of a net in which they are caught
2) to bring together, assemble, collect
   a) to join together, join in one (those previously separated)
   b) to gather together by convoking
   c) to be gathered i.e. come together, gather, meet
3) to lead with one’s self
   a) into one’s home, i.e. to receive hospitably, to entertain

For years, I wanted to obey Christ’s #2 Command to love my neighbors, but it just wasn’t happening. My neighborhood didn’t have sidewalks where people stop to chat, we didn’t have a corner cafe, we didn’t have a park where kids play (as if my teenager would be at the park anyway). We pretty much keep to ourselves; most of my neighbors were strangers to me.

I wanted the women in my neighborhood to miraculously parade into my home like the animals came to Noah’s ark, but no–it seemed as if I was going to have to initiate something on my own. Double yikes!

So I simply invited them. I drew them together, like fishing for [wo]men. Those who had been previously separated by busy schedules gathered together to meet in the “synagōgē” in my home. I led myself to their front door, raised a trembling hand, and knocked.

Guess what happened? They came!

They brought their own mugs and they came to an Open House, a simple time to meet, greet and treat my neighbors. Some women came back for a Bible Study, others just made my acquaintance. Many became friends.

I hosted dozens of Open Houses! It’s just that easy, and it’s just that hard. Please contact me if you’d like to start a Neighborhood Cafe in your neighborhood. You can do this, I will help you.