As we wrap up 2025 at Dayspring, we find ourselves reflecting on our year-long theme: Whatever It Takes. This transition into a new year is more than just a calendar flip; it is a providential opportunity for a fresh start. Whether you would grade your spiritual effort this year as an “A” or a “Pass/Fail,” God is a God of second chances.
As we look forward to 2026, we are tackling one of the most pressing questions pulled from our pews: How do we love people in a culture of confusion?
Understanding the Landscape of Confusion
Our community is currently grappling with massive shifts in how we define gender, sex, marriage, and race. To love people well, we must first acknowledge the reality of the environment we live in. Fort Collins is a vibrant, diverse city, but it is not immune to the “culture of Babel”—a society often defined by pride, self-interest, and a desire to make a name for ourselves rather than honoring God.
Local Context and Demographics
To understand the “culture” we are called to love, we must look at who our neighbors are. In Fort Collins, the demographic breakdown reflects a specific mission field:
-
White (Non-Hispanic): ~78%
-
Hispanic/Latino: ~12%
-
Asian: ~2.5%
-
Black or African American: ~1.2%
-
Two or more races: ~5%
In terms of spiritual affiliation, Larimer County reflects the broader “confused” culture of the West. Approximately 65% of residents identify as religiously unaffiliated (the “nones”), while only about 35% claim a specific religious affiliation. This highlights the importance of our high school youth ministry in Fort Collins, as our students are navigating these statistics every day in their hallways and social circles.
The Value System of Jesus vs. The Culture
Loving people in a culture of confusion does not mean blending in. Jesus was the ultimate model of “counter-cultural” love. He didn’t value what the world valued. To love our neighbors, we must adopt His value system:
| Worldly Value | Jesus’ Kingdom Value |
| Personal Preference | Righteousness (Matthew 3) |
| Physical Comfort | Spiritual Discipline (Matthew 4) |
| Applause of Men | Reward in Heaven (Matthew 6) |
| Protecting Lifestyle | Losing Life to Find It (Matthew 10) |
| Maintaining Status Quo | Helping the Hurting (Matthew 8) |
As a church in Fort Collins, CO, our goal isn’t to change the culture through force, but to stay faithful to the Groom (Christ) while He is away.
What the Gospel Is Not
In a culture of confusion, many “counterfeit gospels” are preached. If we want to offer true hope, we must be clear on what we are not preaching:
-
Not a Gospel of Personal Preference: We cannot call “good” what the Lord identifies as “wicked.” Issues like sex outside of biblical marriage or the confusion of gender roles are not mere preferences; they are spiritual cancers that need the Great Physician.
-
Not a Gospel of New Age Experience: While 28% of practicing Christians now believe all people pray to the same God regardless of the name used, and 28% believe purpose comes from “becoming one with all that is,” the Bible is clear: Jesus is the only way.
-
Not a Gospel of Social Justice Alone: Social relief without the Gospel is eternal distress. We care for the poor because of what Jesus did for us, not as a replacement for His sacrifice.
-
Not a Gospel of Permissive Grace: Offering grace without the need for repentance cuts the legs out from under the Cross. God unconditionally loves, but He does not unconditionally accept all conduct.
Shifting from Enemies to Shepherds
The story of Ira Sankey and the Confederate soldier reminds us that the world tries to make us enemies, but the Gospel makes us sheep and shepherds. On a Christmas Eve boat ride, Sankey’s singing of “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us” saved his life from a sniper who recognized the song from his own mother’s faith.
For our families and our high school youth ministry in Fort Collins:
We don’t set the culture in our sights as an enemy. Instead, we come alongside our neighbors as shepherds who have the truth that sets people free.
How to Live This Out:
-
Work on your own salvation: Remove the planks from your own eyes first.
-
Fear the Lord: What you fear, you will sacrifice for.
-
Do all things without grumbling: Stay positive; the joy of the Lord is our strength.
-
Hold fast to the Word of Life: It is the only weapon that brings true transformation.
If you align with the culture today, we invite you to hear the church out. Our values might not win us applause in this life, but they are the values that save souls for the life to come. Truth hurts, but it also heals.