#9: Host
Walk It Out ChallengeChallenge #9: Host
Welcome back, Neighbor!
If you are joining me from Chapter 9 of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, you have likely already prayed, walked, and given a gift. Now, we are taking the big step: opening the door.
New here? You have stumbled onto Challenge #9 of my neighborhood outreach challenge. We are reclaiming our streets, one prayer (and one open door) at a time. You can get the full 10-challenge framework in my new book, How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, but today, let’s get hospitable.
The Challenge: Host
From the Book:
Open your doors and host your neighbors! This can range from inviting one person over for a glass of iced tea on your deck to hosting a larger “Open House” for your entire street. Don’t worry about fancy catering; store-bought cookies and coffee on paper plates work perfectly. Aim for a gathering that lasts about 60–90 minutes—long enough to connect without straining anyone’s schedule. Personal, face-to-face invitations are the most effective, so use your neighborhood map to decide who to invite and deliver those invitations in person whenever possible.
Go Deeper: Real-World Logistics
The book says “don’t worry about catering,” but what about the timing? Or the turnout? Here are some reality checks and tips to help you plan:
How to invite?
I don’t ask for an RSVP. I want my neighbors to feel like they can stop in even if they haven’t called me—and, besides, I’ve found that people just don’t do it. Check out these free invitations!
Who to invite?
Use your map to determine who you will invite. While a personal invitation is most powerful, you can also post information on your neighborhood Facebook or NextDoor group, or on Meetup.
How many?
Of the 89 neighbors to my first Open House, 18 came. Typically, about one in five of your neighbors will respond to your invitation. Cast a wide net if you want a full house!
When to host?
Pay attention to the traffic patterns in your neighborhood. When are people home? Unfortunately, there’s no perfect time—so just choose the time that works best for you.
How long?
60-90 minutes is enough to get to know one another; much longer than that puts a strain on everyone’s calendar.
The Rules: No Weirdness!
From the Book:
It’s only weird if you make it feel like a high-pressure sales pitch. Keep it casual. Don’t even ask for an RSVP; let your neighbors know they can just stop by. This removes the “commitment anxiety” and makes the invitation feel more like a gift than an obligation. If only a few people show up, remember that quality matters more than quantity. One deep conversation with a neighbor is more valuable than a house full of people you didn’t actually get to talk to.
God’s Way
From the Book:
Hospitality is a central theme of the Christian life. In Matthew 22:9, Jesus tells us to “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.” By hosting, you are literally creating a seat at the table for someone who might be longing for friendship. You don’t need to be Martha Stewart or Billy Graham; you just need to be a willing host. Your home can become a sanctuary where the “second greatest command” is lived out in real-time through shared conversation and simple treats.
The Words: What to Say
The invitation is often the hardest part. You can print the cards from the blog, or simply say this script from the book when you see them:
“I’m having a few neighbors over for coffee and cookies this [Day] from [Time]. I’d love for you to stop by if you’re free—no need to let me know ahead of time, just come as you are!”
Ready for Challenge #10?
You’ve opened your home—now it’s time to bring it all together for the long haul.
In the 10th Anniversary Edition of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, I walk you through the final steps to turn these moments into lasting relationships.
Free Invitations
This is the exact invitation I’ve used in my neighborhood for years! These time-tested and carefully chosen words are welcoming and effective, with space to fill in your name, phone number, address, the date and time of your Open House. There’s also a simple invitation you can use for any event, any time.
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