Picking a place to live is like picking a wedding dress. It has to fit just right, we want it to be beautiful, we want others to see us in it and it has to be the right price point. Those rules still apply when choosing a neighborhood for missional pursuits.
When deciding on a place to live there has to be a reason to move there, just like you buy a wedding dress for your wedding day. It has a specific purpose. Hopefully, you will see a need in a community that God has called you to fill, so that is your specific purpose for moving into that neighborhood.
The neighborhood has to be the right fit. No bride wants to be uncomfortable on what is supposed to be the most important day of their lives. I do admit that I believe there are times in our Christian faith where we are to be uncomfortable I do not believe that we have to dwell uncomfortably. So, the neighborhood should be a comfortable fit for you and your family (if you have a family).
Also, when choosing a neighborhood the budget is key. There is no purpose of moving into a neighborhood that is too expensive. That in my opinion is a waste of money that could be put to better use than keeping up your homeowners association fees.
A wedding dress and a neighborhood. Two very different things with two very different purposes, but very similar in the way they are chosen. So now that you have tried a few on… is this your neighborhood?
–Emily M.
