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Multi-Family Housing:  Ideas for Ministry and Evangelism

EVANGELIZING IN MULTI-FAMILY-HOUSING COMMUNITIES

    The phenomenon of persons huddling closer together in apartments, condominiums, townhouses, mobile home parks, retirement high rises, offers one of our greatest opportunities for evangelism in America . The challenge of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with every person in this country mandates a new commitment to these unique communities. Since multifamily housing is becoming the only option available for an increasing number of Americans, we must affirm the positive aspects for witness to persons living in multifamily housing communities.

    Possibilities for effective evangelism are enhanced by a number of factors manifested in multifamily-housing communities. One is the likelihood that residents will share a stronger sense of community than in traditional single-family housing areas. Compact surroundings, the sharing of common halls, playgrounds, recreation areas, washing and mail facilities give residents occasions to become acquainted and feel a part of each other in community.  

    The uniformity of construction, as well as the sharing of common facilities and services, may make problems for some people. The concerns of one resident easily become concerns of other residents. This provides the potential for joint action in addressing these problems. It also enhances the feeling of community for many while others feel privacy is invaded.  

    Evangelism thrives in a strong sense of community where a sensitive Christian witness is shared. In cities with little community and so much alienation, multifamily-housing areas provide unique opportunities for the churches and individual Christians who will thoughtfully and prayerfully share the faith.  

    Another factor, which sets the stage for evangelism in multifamily-housing communities, is the controlled access to residents imposed by management policy. Residents are shielded from the "hit and run" approach of door-to-door salesmen, cultist and others who may not be committed to their best interest. This security shield, which is one of the most promoted benefits of living in these communities, also creates a vacuum devoid of human and spiritual ministries essential for the well-being of individuals and their communities.  

    Christians who really care about demonstrating the love and good news of Jesus Christ can fill this vacuum. They can carefully seek to discover the community needs and mobilize resources of churches to meet those needs. Every place where you find people there are needs to be met.  These needs provide bridges of authentic ministry across which Jesus can be shared.  

    On the other hand, many people seek privacy rather than community. Time, patience and sensitivity are the key words for the Christian desiring to penetrate this shield of privacy. A good approach is to have a committed Christian who is a resident take the initial steps with management. Another is to provide group gatherings and special discussion groups in the apartment complex community room or in a resident’s apartment or condominium.  

    If such an individual isn't available, then a pastor or church representative can contact the apartment manager simply to express interest and availability. Managers in these communities are continually encountering a vast array of human problems. They usually appreciate the individual or group sincerely concerned for people living under their responsibility. Bible clubs, Vacation Bible School , and other children’s activities can minister to children and their families.  Special discussions for parents can include topics such as parenting, tutoring and dealing with time pressures when both parents work.  Support groups for single parents will open many doors for ministry.  

Some approaches used in opening doors for witness in multifamily housing are:

    There are as many approaches for building relationships for ministry as people with needs and people with Christ-inspired creativity and concern.  Before you begin, make sure you are going to stay with the task for the long haul. Equip every person with personal witness skills and lifestyle witness training. Also provide support materials such as: gospel tracts, scripture portions, Bibles, religious periodicals, books. 

    Our Lord is patient and long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish. He is our model as we lay hold of the great opportunities for evangelizing America through reaching people in multifamily-housing communities.  

    For further information contact your local association, or write: Bible Teaching-Reaching (Sunday School) Team, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina , Robert C. Stewart, Team Leader, P.O. Box 1107 / Cary , NC 27512.(800)395-5102 / (919) 467-5100, ext. 420; Fax: (919) 460-1746. E-mail: rstewar@bscnc.org