The Power of "Yes, and…"
A Parish Story from Cliff-Cannon, Spokane, WA
By Matt Goldbloom
When people think of Chicago, they might think of the Cubs or deep-dish pizza. But for me [Matt], one of the city's greatest gifts is something entirely different: Second City, the legendary improv theater.
At the heart of improv is one simple rule:
When your scene partner offers an idea, you don't respond with "no." You respond with "Yes, and..."
You accept the invitation and build on it together.
The more I’ve leaned into neighboring, the more I’ve become convinced that this is how God often invites us to participate in the life of our neighborhoods.
God's dream isn't simply looking for people who follow a script. It's looking for people willing to become improv partners, people who receive an invitation and respond, "Yes, and…?"
Here are three scenes from my neighborhood in Spokane that began with that simple posture.
Scene One: A Zipline Between Two Maple Trees
God's invitation to me: Matt, you should find ways to connect more regularly with new neighbors.
My Response: Yes, what a great suggestion for me, a natural introvert.
AND… What if this involved a zipline…
So I stretched a slack line between two old maple trees in front of our house and posted a simple sign inviting neighbors (young and young at heart) to come play.
And God’s Dream responded: “I see your zipline, And…”
Family walks will stop in front of your house for laughs, conversation and new friendships will be formed
Parents of neighbors will tell you that the zipline will be the motivation needed for them to get their kids outside and off screens
Not a day will go by where you don’t smile when you hear the whirr of children (and sometimes adults who don’t think you are looking!) riding the zipline, or get to meet a new neighbor who has discovered a little whimsy between 2 old maple trees on their walk
Scene Two: Pancakes, Pallets, and Plenty of Laughter
God’s Invitation to Our Church Community: Create an open space for connection between neighbors coming out of those lonely winter months and into summer.
Our Response:
Yes, and… what if there was a huge table (made out of pallets) that went across the entire yard…
AND we ate pancakes together with our neighbors...
AND the pancakes that came off the griddle went down a 20 ft “pancake slide” onto the table??"
God’s dream then responded: “Pancake slides are the coolest. AND…”
Neighbors will gather and find new connections
Bellies will be filled because pancakes truly taste better when coming off a slide!
Friendships will begin or be re-discovered as we eat and play
And there will be so many glee-filled laughs…
Scene Three: Writing Stories That Help Kids Find Their Own
God’s Invitation To Me: There are kids in your neighborhood that would benefit from some positive male mentorship
My Response: Yes, I could volunteer at the elementary school in their afterschool drama club with my wife.
AND…
Since I am a theatre nerd and deprived of creative outlets as I slog through my work-from-home corporate job, I could write original scripts they perform! (How about a talent agency in a magical kingdom searching for new characters for the next season of fairytales.)
AND…
4th graders could perform an original dystopian sci-fi comedy about a what a “What If Machine” discovered by kids in the neighborhood.
AND…
3rd graders debuted a star-crossed friends Shakespearean musical as cats and dogs in “Southside Story: The Tail of Romeow and Julie’s Pet.
God’s dream then responded: Those ideas are ridiculous…
AND… the kids will love them.
AND… Not only will these couple hours a week routinely be the best part of your week, but you’ll get front row seats to kids…
Finding a newfound joy for theatre
Discovering a space and a tribe where they belong
Growing from shy whispers to loud performers, skills that they’ll use in life over and over.
AND… (perhaps your greatest joy) you’ll find out from teachers that several of the talented young actors, who come to class excited, engaged and encouraging their peers were some of the kiddos who have struggled with behaviors in the classroom. Behaviors you’ll never see or could even imagine were part of their story.
Becoming God's Improv Partners
Looking back, none of these stories began with elaborate plans or polished strategies.
They began with a simple invitation and response.
"Yes, and…?"
A zipline became a place of friendship.
A pancake breakfast became a neighborhood tradition.
A drama club became a space where children discovered confidence and belonging.
This feels more like what neighboring often looks like. It’s not waiting until we have every detail figured out, but trusting God enough to respond with creativity, curiosity, and courage.
God is still offering invitations.
The question is whether we're willing to join the scene.
Reflection
What invitation might God be extending to you in your neighborhood today?
What would it look like to respond, not with hesitation or certainty, but with two simple words:
Yes, and…
