Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to “exegete the neighborhood,” and how is this different from traditional exegesis of Scripture?
- Why do you think Josh Hayden emphasizes the importance of exegeting both the church and the neighborhood before making plans for success or flourishing?
- How can leaders resist the urge to impose their own solutions before gaining a deep understanding of their context?
- In practical terms, what first steps might a leader take to begin the process of exegeting their neighborhood?
- Tod Bolsinger shares an example about Central Park in New York. What can we learn from spending intentional time in our local gathering spaces?
- What challenges might leaders face when trying to “see the shift before solving the problem,” as discussed in the episode?
- How can prayer walks or other immersive practices help us understand our communities more deeply?
- The episode shares a story about leaders in New Zealand creating a coffee shop to help a neighborhood form its identity. Where have you seen similar creative approaches to community building?
- How might focusing on exegesis (deep understanding) before action lead to more authentic relationships between a church and its neighbors?
- Reflecting on your own context, what are some things you might be missing about your neighborhood or church that could be uncovered by practicing deeper exegesis?
