REGISTER FOR THE FIVE DOLLAR CHALLENGE

 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

 

This challenge is focused on stewarding our treasure. In Matthew 6:19-21, Christ reminds us that our “things” here on earth are temporary - we should store our treasures in heaven. In this same verse, He lets us know that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. Our hearts should be postured to love God, love the church, and love the world. Begin this challenge by reading Matthew 6:19-24. Then, spend $5 to bless someone. Pray and listen to the Holy Spirit to guide you. Don’t forget to have a conversation with the person you decide to bless and begin to cultivate a relationship!

 

Here are some examples of ways you can use your five dollars to bless someone:

 

• Does one of your neighbors or friends have kids? Buy an extra candy bar at the store and give it to them!

• Buy a neighbor some coffee

• If you’re running out for groceries or a meal, ask a neighbor if they need anything - treat them to a snack or some groceries

• Provide waters or snacks to a small maintenance or construction crew in your neighborhood

• Buy a coffee or snack for a first responder 

• Buy flowers for someone 

• Buy a toy for a friend’s child

• Buy ingredients to make some baked goods for someone

• Invite a coworker to lunch with you and then cover some of their meal. 

• Buy a sponge and cleaning supplies, go clean someone’s house

• Buy a cheap shovel rake or garden tools - then help your neighbor do some yard clean up!

• Refill someone’s bird feeder

• Buy a snack or drink for a coworker while out on break or lunch

• Give an extra 5 dollars on your tip when out to dinner

• Spend time browsing the store - buy a small gift for someone who comes to mind and give them the gift with a note of encouragement, making sure they know they were on your mind

• Put extra change in a parking meter about to run out and leave a note of encouragement

 

Sometimes we can be hesitant to bless someone because of their response! “What if they ask why I’m doing this?” “Will they think it’s weird that I’m doing this?” 

 

If someone asks you “why”, consider the following responses: 

 

• “You’re a great neighbor, I just wanted to buy you this because I was thinking of you!”

• “I’ve been blessed and know that it’s a blessing to give.

• “This is just a simple way for me to show I love you and appreciate you.”

• “We’ve been learning at church about living with generosity, so I figured I would show you generosity in a small way because I care about you.”

• “It’s not a big deal - I should really be doing things like this all the time. I’m connected with a group of people at church who challenge each other to be generous to those around them."

• “I’ve been living next to you for 3 years and I’ve never done anything intentionally to make you smile. So I just wanted to make you smile and let you know I care about you.”

 

Of course, if the opportunity presents itself, point the blessing back to Christ. But for now, focus on blessing them and cultivating a relationship with them! 

This challenge is focused on stewarding our time. In Romans 12:13, we are reminded to be ready to help those in need - while some people are in need financially, many need encouragement, prayer, and deeper relationships. For this challenge, we are going to joyfully give someone our time. Consider using this time to cultivate a developing relationship. Be prepared to spend time listening, encouraging, and praying! 

Ideas for stewarding your time: 

• It’s time for spring cleaning - help a friend clean out their garage

• Have a meal together

• Make a free community dinner - open your home for dinner and spend a few hours hosting an “open house”

• Invite someone to dinner or game night

• Take flowers or a meal to a single parent and/or elderly neighbor and spend time encouraging them

• Invite a neighbor out for a walk with you - Spend time listening to them and encouraging them

 

Again…what if they question why I’m suddenly spending time with them? Consider the following prompts:

• “We've lived here for 5 years, and we've never said more than hi to each other!  Let's change that! Our house is a bit crazy, but if you don't mind the mess, join us!"

• “We don’t know one another very well, would you be willing to share a little about yourself?”

• “I would really like to get to know you better, where would be a good place to start?”

Use this opportunity to begin building a relationship with them. The time will come when the Holy Spirit prompts you to share your story, ask them their story, or share of Christ’s love! Just plan on being obedient when this happens!

This challenge is focused on stewarding our talents. In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded that we each have a variety of spiritual gifts, and we should use them to serve one another. What are you gifted in? What are some of your natural abilities? Begin by reading 1 Peter 4:7-11. Then, go serve your neighbor! 

Parents, don't forget to bring your along you child(ren)as you serve. You can help them understand how to listen for the Holy Spirit's prompting. Talk to them about how you are being challenged through this. And it is even okay to admit the fears and apprehensions you are having through this challenge so they know it's okay to be nervous and how to lean on God and His strength. 

Ideas for serving your neighbor:

• Do you love to clean? Wash someone’s car! 

• Are you great with animals? Offer to pet sit for a neighbor? 

• Do you love children? Offer to babysit for a friend! 

• Do you know how to bake? Teach someone how to make a pie.

• Are you good with numbers? Help someone balance their budget.

• Do you love to work on cars? Offer to help someone with an oil change. 

• Are you good at yard work? Mow a neighbor’s lawn or help them clean up their yard. 

• Do you love to shop? Offer to pick up groceries for someone who is unable to leave their home.

• Do you have great style? Help a friend pick out the perfect outfit. 

This challenge is focused on prayer. In Colossians 4:2-6, we are reminded of the importance of devoting ourselves to prayer, and specifically to be watchful as we pray. We should pray for God to use us to meet our neighbors’ needs - tangible, relational, and spiritual needs! 

First, write down the name of someone you are praying for. Commit to praying for them daily. 

In addition to praying for them, write a note of encouragement. As you conclude your note, write out a prayer for them. At the end of the week, connect with them (in person if possible, but by phone if needed) and let them know you’ve been praying for them. If the opportunity presents itself, pray with them in person! 

Parents, remember to talk through this challenge with your child(ren). You can help them understand how to listen for the Holy Spirit's prompting in who they should be praying for. Have them hang that person's name in their bedroom where they will see it often. Or as a family, each write down a name and hang it in a spot in the house you will all see so you can remind each other to be praying for their person. Take time one night to together each write a card to the person you are praying for and walk them to the mailbox together as you pray for them out loud, specifically by name.

Ideas for praying for your neighbor:

• Ask Jesus to tell you what to pray for them! Jesus is good at giving us insight into how to pray for people! Have courage to pray for whatever God puts on your heart!

• Ask God to tell you how to meet their tangible, relational, or spiritual needs. Is there something God wants you to say or do for them? 

• Tell them you’re praying for them! Ask if there is anything specific they want prayer for!

• Find a Scripture that fits your friend’s spiritual journey. Pray that scripture over their life!

• Set a reminder on your phone to pray for them. This will remind you to pray for them daily.

• Spend time thanking God for the people you’ve been able to bless and build relationships with during this challenge. Reflect on the ways God has worked in the lives of your family and friends. Let your neighbors know you’ve been thanking God for what you see Him doing in their lives!

• Text them a prayer or scripture and remind them they’re loved and prayed for!

 

This may be the question running through your mind at the thought of stepping out of your comfort zone and living missionally. "Randomly start a conversation with a neighbor I've never talked to before?" "Won't they think it's weird that I'm showing up with a gift or serving them in a way I never have before?" 

Fear is a very real thing! But, fear builds walls, not bridges. Fear is isolating. Fear causes us to turn around, rather than continue moving forward into the unknown. Fear shuts others out and shuts us in. 

C.S. Lewis wrote these words in The Four Loves - "There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable." 

Yes, stepping out and loving our neighbors can be vulnerable. Some people may question you or even reject you. But, some will also be thankful and accepting of your love. And if you are rejected, have faith that God is all powerful and all knowing, and He can still work, even in rejection. Your step of faith may go unnoticed now, but can have eternal impact. 

If you are afraid, we invite you to: