“Challenging the Norm”

Counterculture.

Counterculture is a word that I’ve been contemplating a lot lately. It’s a term that has many interpretations. When you say “counterculture,” some people conjure up the 60’s, drugs, and hippies. I, on the other hand, think it simply means doing the opposite of what everyone is else doing. Going against the norm.

Some may think attending church—being an active part of a church community—is counterculture—not the norm.

Based on stats, the majority of people don’t regularly attend church, though most people say they believe in God.

So where is the breakdown? Why, when Sunday morning rolls around, do more people opt “out” than “in”?

The reasons are different for everyone. Some may have had horrible church experiences in the past; some may feel the pull of other activities and demands (especially in Colorado—with skiing, kids’ sports schedules and the like), some may be fearful of not fitting in or feeling uncomfortable. The list goes on...

Pete and I have been part of Smoky Hill Vineyard for almost nine years now and while we loved it from Day One, it took us a while to really to get in the game. While SHV had much to offer us in terms of learning about Jesus and reaching out to others—our own plans took precedence. We had people to see, stuff to do. When we had a slow weekend, we went to church but did “our” thing the rest of the time.

The irony is, we really wanted to live lives of purpose, lives that make a difference—but in retrospect, we weren’t actively doing much about it.

Then Jesus caught our hearts—I mean really caught them!

Over the years, we have participated in many different outreaches—from helping serve the poor in Denver to heartbroken widows in Chennai, India. Our kids have helped at the food bank and helped clean the house of a military family. Through SHV, we have the opportunity to serve others in ways we never thought possible.

Since we’ve been at SHV, some other stuff has happened, too:

We had a second baby (who is now six!).
We’ve navigated job changes.
Our oldest daughter battled a brain tumor.
I’ve written and published two books.
Our marriage has been strengthened.
We’ve made lifelong friends.

Our lives are better—and blessed—for being a part of the SHV community.

There is so much MORE for all of us. More growth, more friendship, more fun, more LIFE.

When Pete and I were in the “majority” we were missing out on a big chunk of God’s blessing. Now we are challenging the norm—and living the good life—as a part of SHV.

But here's the deal: While I may be contemplating the meaning of counterculture, God doesn't give a hoot about it. He's not into the norm and challenging it. He's into transforming lives!

He's contemplating you... and me... His love... and how to get it to a world in need. And guess what? He's come up with a phenomenal... an awesome idea! It's called the local church.