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In Our Neighborhood as In Heaven

Chris McKinney

Thoughts on a conversation we had with Lance Ford on the Placed for a Purpose Podcast.


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I’ve been reflecting a lot on what it means for God’s kingdom to break through in my neighborhood. One idea that stood out to me is the importance of living with an incarnational presence—being fully present where God has placed us. I loved how Lance framed it: “What would it look like if God’s opinion and promises moved into your neighborhood?” That thought challenges me deeply. Many people don’t realize that how much God loves them, and it’s powerful to think about being someone who helps show them His promises and love.


One of the things I really appreciated was the reminder that we’re sent by God to where we live.

Often, we pick neighborhoods based on what serves us best—how the house looks, its size, or proximity to conveniences. But we rarely ask, “How can I serve this neighborhood?”

Lance encouraged me to shift my perspective and see my home not just as a place for my family, but as a mission field where God has placed me intentionally. Jesus Himself modeled this by living an ordinary, embedded life in Nazareth, fully present in the place where He grew up. That’s the kind of life I want to live in my neighborhood.


One story shared really hit home. When Lance moved to a historic neighborhood in Kansas City, there was a nearby house that everyone avoided. The neighbors referred to the occupant dismissively as “Crazy Don.” Instead of avoiding him, he chose to meet Don with kindness. What he discovered was not someone “crazy” but a lonely, retired professor who had been labeled and misunderstood. By inviting Don into their lives—sharing meals and holidays—they transformed his experience of community. Over time, Don became less isolated, and even other neighbors started to see him differently. That story reminded me of the power of noticing people and treating them with dignity. It’s such a simple yet profound way to live out God’s love.


Hospitality and openness are two practices I want to lean into more. I’ve realized how much our culture values privacy and independence. It’s so easy to retreat behind closed doors, especially with things like garage doors and gated communities. But living incarnationally means choosing to open my life and my home to others, even when it feels uncomfortable. There’s something powerful about inviting people to share a meal. I loved how Lance described breaking bread as a “leveling” act—it’s simple, yet it creates connection and fosters inclusion.


I’ve also been thinking about how cultural detachment keeps us from truly knowing our neighbors. So often, we approach life with a consumer mindset, asking, “What’s in this for me?” But shifting to a servant mindset—asking how I can serve the people around me—can make a huge difference. It’s a way to reflect God’s love and create space for Him to work in my neighborhood.


Ultimately, what stuck with me the most is how ordinary these practices are. Living incarnationally isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up. By listening, opening my life, and prioritizing presence, I can help my neighborhood feel a little more like heaven. That’s a challenge I want to live out every day.


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