Step 2: Build Relationships in Community of Need

Here are a few ways relationships can be built in communities of need:

• Move into the community! Although this is considered by many a radical step, nothing helps a minister build relationships in a community like an incarnational presence—becoming flesh, and dwelling among others. Is God calling you to relocate to a community of need?

• Eat with people. Take time to sit, eat, listen, and talk with people from all walks of life.

• Complete a community asset survey (Resource Available Below)

• Prayer walk the community in small groups (Resource Available Below)

• Identify churches and schools within the community

  • Take time to listen to community members and leaders about what is needed within the community

  • Ask, “Is there something we can join rather than start something new?”

  • Is there potential to work with the school to help with literacy needs?

    • Consider using Arise2Read resources

• Host event(s) that “bless the many.”

  • Send Relief, a national partner of Upside Down, has the following resources available

    • Backpacks

    • Weekend Food Backpacks for Children

    • Home Fire Campaign

    • Mobile Medical and Dental Unit

  • Community Block Party

  • Hot Dog Roast

  • Holiday Outreach Events

    • Thanksgiving Food

    • Christmas Toys

    • Easter Egg Hunt (Resource Available Below—More materials are available. Contact us for more information.)

Resources

**Sample resource materials are branded with Graffiti 2 Community Ministries’ logo and location-specific information. These materials can be reproduced or serve as a starting point in developing materials specific for the local ministry or church**