Countless times, before we moved out here, we were told that Colorado is a “unique culture” and what benefit it would be to us to be on the ground here, living immersed in the culture. From afar, we weren’t sure how to take that, confused as to what it really meant and how largely our “transplant” status may impact our ministry here.
Having been on the ground here in Colorado for a little over six months, transplants from Alabama, I am so thankful we were advised wisely. These months of training as church planting residents are invaluable, of course, but immersion in so many aspects of the culture gives us life on life experience that just isn’t possible from another state. We have found that Colorado is truly a unique culture, but much of that uniqueness is very positive. We appreciate that there isn’t a “status” focus here; most everyone seems open to conversation and friendship, no pressure about personal appearance or socioeconomic standing. Folks here are very genuine, overall, masks off and willing to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’ve been able to share our testimony, or stories, often and love hearing the stories of others. People want to know you really care, see you as genuine. It’s been said that it takes longer to earn the trust of people here, but then the conversation is very open and freeing, in my opinion.
Of course, the Gospel truth never changes, but how we share it must fit those we share it with, in order to be received well. We are so privileged to work with, hang out with, and meet such a wide variety of people here: all ages, different ethnicities, various political views, etc. We know Christians, “dechurched” individuals and families, people from various religious backgrounds, and lost people. One thing we’ve learned we all have in common is life and breath and that everyone who has life and breath has a “spiritual heritage”. When we get a chance to build a relationship here, we find that saying, “Tell me about your spiritual heritage” is met with such a positive response. This gives a person’s story value and doesn’t make Christianity the “right answer” straight out of the gate, which is often a turn off at first. We are loving hearing where our new friends and aquaintances are in life, what they believe, and why. This conversation starter opens the door for the Holy Spirit to speak through us and make Himself known, no matter what the response is. We are forming some deep bonds here, strong friendships with the lost, the very ones God began to break our hearts for before we ever moved. These are the people many of you are praying for, alongside us. We love to talk about God, Jesus, the Word, and what knowing Him has changed in our lives. He is opening ears and softening hearts, we are beginning to see fruits of our heart labor. We can’t wait to celebrate these first fruits. We are trusting God to save these friends. We are so privileged to be a part of the next chapter in the spiritual heritage story of these, and others we are praying for…pray and believe with us that true transformation in Christ will soon be part of many more life stories told here!

Matthew 5:13-16 says, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
What a unique opportunity we have been given to participate in Food For Thought, a program sponsored by the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum. Interestingly, the motto of this program is “Breaking Bread, Building Bridges”. A limited number of applicants are selected each quarter and assigned to a group of people, purposefully diversified in race, political views, and spiritual heritage. Each small group commits to meet 5 times over the next 6 months, and “topics which tend to generate a variety of opinions are discussed with the support of ground rules and a neutral facilitator”, while sharing a meal.
We had an introductory, get acquainted meeting on January 31, hosted by the forum group. Last night was our first of five, or more, discussion dinners. In attendance were 7 group members and 2 facilitators; we were missing 6 or 7 members, who can hopefully join us next time. We met in a conference room at the office of one in our group and enjoyed casual conversation as we dined on lasagna, spicy meatballs, brownies and banana pudding. Participants in our group range in age from college students to senior citizens, representing three different ethnic groups, varied sexual orientations, and raised across a variety of geographical locations.
Our discussion topic last night…achievement gap in education…wasn’t highly controversial amongst our group, but certainly generated some great discussion! Issues contributing to the achievement gap in our nation in K-12 education led to thought provoking discussion, but suggestions for improvement and solutions are more difficult. We adjourned with plans to each come up with some suggested action plans before our next get together.
Communication is very open in our group, was even in introductory gathering. It is no secret in our group that Eric and I are believers who are preparing to plant a church in Denver, but also a bus driver and his wife who love others and want to engage our culture, no matter individual background and beliefs. The group even asked us last night, during casual conversation, if it is scary to start a church from scratch in Denver and we answered honestly; some healthy fear, but big trust and faith as well. Ultimately, in a culture largely turned off to church because of past hurtful experiences, but still open to Jesus and His grace, mercy, and love, we want to exude those qualities of Jesus in us and let genuine love, regardless of differences, be used to draw others to Him. Last night gave us an opportunity to be real and love others, really hearing what they have to say and praising God for the chance to be in our culture, yet still of His Kingdom! Praise be to God for filling us with His light and allowing that light to shine before men. May the Father be glorified!!