Most churches will, at some point, have a felt need to reach out into their neighbourhood. An increasing number are providing community services to help the most vulnerable in society, whether that’s due to government funding shortages or unforeseen needs being identified in their area.

But once a need is recognised, churches can feel overwhelmed about what steps to take to answer the need.

This is where NAYBA helps churches. We offer practical help and resources to equip churches to better love their neighbours and transform their neighbourhoods.

Replicate

One of the ways NAYBA can help churches achieve their goals is through our Replicate programme. You can find out more about Replicate here and how it is empowering churches in their neighbourhoods across the world.

The other way in which NAYBA practically helps churches is by inspiring them through our Stories. These are great local initiatives that meet an immediate need.

While they may not be ready for full replication to churches around the world, we believe these Stories inspire and demonstrate how the church can serve communities in relevant, unique and creative ways.

Stories

There are a wide variety of NAYBA Stories that help inspire churches, and you can find these on our Stories page. But we take a brief look here at three Stories that are making a difference to neighbourhoods across the globe.

• Listening Hubs. Hubs help the local church to provide a listening ear service in the heart of their neighbourhoods. The church develops as a Community Hub, providing a regular space for a range of activities such as a coffee bar, activities for children, well-being courses and more. Volunteers are trained listen to those who are speaking about their worries and cares.

• STEPS. STEPS helps local churches support people who are struggling with unhelpful or addictive behaviours by offering a 12-week course through which people can discover new freedom. The programme also helps the church to create a space where the Christian can grow in discipleship alongside the unchurched person and where the local community can engage with church on an equal basis.

• Edify. Edify helps equip local churches with counselling training resources for addressing mental health needs in our communities. It gives churches practical tools to offer hope to communities struggling with mental health needs.
Other NAYBA Stories include one which is helping poor rural families by providing small tractors so they can work the land; meanwhile, another is providing community to those living with dementia or carers of people with the condition.


What to do next?

As the featured NAYBA Stories highlight, there is a wide range of needs being met by churches across the globe that may be similar to those in your neighbourhood. If you want inspiration for programmes to help your church to show the love of Christ to your neighbours, check out our Stories page or contact us today.