Spiritual Heritage

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!