In this episode of Proximity, Danny sits down with JD Larson, co-pastor of North City Church in Minneapolis, to rediscover what it means to practice The Lost Art of Neighboring. Together, they explore how neighboring is far more than friendly waves or occasional block parties—it’s a deeply spiritual and countercultural approach to life and ministry. JD shares how North City Church has intentionally shaped its rhythms around being present with the people who live closest, creating opportunities for discipleship, shared meals, and neighborhood transformation that start with genuine relationships, not church programs.
The conversation challenges many of the default settings of modern ministry: growth without depth, influence without intimacy, and visibility without vulnerability. Instead, JD and Danny unpack how the future of the church might look smaller, slower, and more personal—where the table replaces the stage, and neighboring becomes a primary way to experience God’s mission.
They reflect on how this approach pushes against the cultural currents of isolation, hurried schedules, and digital disconnection, calling followers of Jesus back to proximity as a way of being present with God and others. Through stories, honest reflections, and practical insights, JD reminds us that the most transformative ministry often happens not in church buildings but on sidewalks, porches, and around dinner tables. This episode invites listeners to imagine what could happen if we all saw our neighborhoods not as places we simply live in but as mission fields where love, hospitality, and faith can take root—one neighbor at a time.
Resources
Primary:
tinyurl.com/2spsc7ke
The agile resource network: agileresourcenetwork.com/
Secondary:
tinyurl.com/zbtervsk
tinyurl.com/3u38czjt
tinyurl.com/29kuvue7
Connect with Mission Church MSP:
Website: missionchurchmsp.org
Instagram: instagram.com/MissionChurchMSP
Facebook: facebook.com/@MissionChurchMSP
YouTube: youtube.com/@MissionChurchMSP
