Celebrating a Milestone: Two Books, Thousands of Conversations, and a Growing Movement for Better Neighboring

 

When I wrote my first book on neighboring, I was trying to help people rediscover something that has always had the power to change lives: being an engaged neighbor.

Today, I’m grateful to celebrate an exciting milestone. Together, my first two books have sold more than 750 copies, reaching readers across Missouri, throughout the United States, and beyond. Every copy represents someone who believes neighborhoods matter and that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference by connecting with those around them.

My first book, Neighborhood Mission Trips for Everyday Christians, encourages Christians to view their own neighborhoods as places where faith can be lived out every day. Rather than waiting for opportunities far from home, the book invites readers to recognize that some of the most meaningful ministry opportunities may exist just across the street.

My second book, The Neighboring Playbook, grew out of years of community development work, research, and the creation of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Along the way, I discovered that many people genuinely want stronger neighborhoods but don’t know where to begin. The book offers practical ideas, stories, and encouragement to help individuals, organizations, and communities take intentional steps toward becoming more connected.

Although the books approach neighboring from different perspectives, they share a common conviction: stronger communities begin with stronger relationships. Whether someone is motivated by civic engagement, community service, or faith, neighboring offers a practical way to reduce loneliness, increase belonging, and create communities where people know and care for one another.

The encouraging response from readers has been deeply rewarding. I’ve heard from neighborhood leaders, pastors, Extension professionals, educators, nonprofit organizations, and everyday residents who have used ideas from the books to organize neighborhood gatherings, launch community initiatives, strengthen local relationships, and simply get to know the people living nearby.

For me, writing has never been the destination. It has been another tool for advancing a mission that has shaped much of my professional and personal life.

As founder of the Engaged Neighbor Project and through my work with University of Missouri Extension, I’ve spent years helping communities strengthen social connections, encourage civic engagement, and create places where people experience a genuine sense of belonging. The books are an extension of that work, offering readers practical resources they can use wherever they live.

This milestone isn’t just about book sales. It’s about conversations started, friendships formed, neighborhoods strengthened, and communities becoming more connected because someone decided to take one small step toward knowing their neighbors.

If you’ve purchased one of my books, recommended it to a friend, invited me to speak, written a review, or encouraged my work in any way, thank you. Your support has helped spread a message that I believe our communities need now more than ever.

And this is only the beginning. There is still much more to write, more communities to serve, and more neighbors to meet.

Amazon Author Page for David Burton

About the Author

David L. Burton is a Community Development Specialist with University of Missouri Extension and founder of the Engaged Neighbor Project. A nationally recognized advocate for stronger neighborhoods, he writes, speaks, and develops educational programs that help individuals, churches, organizations, and communities build meaningful relationships and foster greater belonging. His work includes founding Missouri Good Neighbor Week, developing Neighboring 101, and promoting practical strategies that strengthen communities one neighbor at a time. His books, The Neighboring Playbook and Neighborhood Mission Trips for Everyday Christians, are available through Amazon.