Actually, no. I’m originally from Alabama, and you’d think that would be sort of the same since we’re both “Southern.” But I always tell people that we’re actually below the Bible belt. It’s a different world once you get south of interstate 10.

For example, in Alabama, the majority of the folks are “evangelical.” Even folks who aren’t active in a church would sort of default to an evangelical mindset, or at least be at ease around evangelical thought. Here, the default is Roman Catholic, and the heritage is French, not English. Only two generations ago, there were children who entered grammar school here without knowing English.

Here’s how that matters: in Alabama, Baptist type folks feel very confident in proclaiming their views b/c the average guy knows that most folks will at least nod when they take the soapbox. Here, that confidence is lacking b/c of the differences. It’s easy to go into a sort of “retreat” mode when you are a serious minority, and if you don’t do that, then you will compromise on your distinctives. (And I’m not talking about views on alcohol or playing bingo when I mention distinctives, just to be clear.)

The biggest thing to realize in this situation, I think, is that it simply takes time. Folks have to get used to you, and it takes time to “get known” in the community. I’m still not where I’d like to be, and there is much that needs to be addressed inside our fellowship as well. So pray for me that I’ll be faithful and find a way to equip our folks to meaningfully interact with the community in order to share the gospel.