Hope Again
Michael Cochren on the Power of Community
Michael Cochren, of Cochren & Co., gives us a look into his heart as he talks about his struggles, rediscovery of faith, and the irreplaceable role of a supportive community in his life.
Raised in a small Indiana town, Michael Cochren grew up immersed in the church. However, like many, he faced a period of disconnection during his adolescence and college years. Reflecting on those times, Michael shares, ” It was a faith community that God used to draw me to Himself. I was raised in the church, walked away for a number of years, for a number of reasons… I just completely disconnected heart and mind from anything biblical or Christlike.”
Rediscovering Faith Through Community
The turning point in Michael’s journey came through a college Bible study group. “Those friends were fun. They were funny. They were kind. They didn’t seem miserable like I was feeling,” Michael recalls. This group exuded a hope that was palpable, drawing Michael back into the family of faith. “They just seemed hopeful. And they just smelled like hope, you know…” he describes.
This newfound community led him to deeper church involvement, eventually finding a church that hired him for their music ministry, despite his initial uncertainties. “I didn’t really know what I was doing, or what I really believed. I just wanted to serve God because I just felt that grace in my life,” Michael admits.
The Role of Church in Personal Development
Church played in his personal and spiritual growth. “That church discipled me. And it was really just an incredible small group, incredible elders that were leading the church,” he says. Having seen both the good and bad sides of church experiences, Michael shares he feels blessed to have witnessed what happens when a church community truly gets it right.
Life, Michael notes, doesn’t necessarily become easier with faith. “Life’s hard. And life, I think, doesn’t get any easier just because you attach your name to Christ,” he states candidly.
It’s necessary to have a supportive faith community.
Community support is vital in maintaining and growing your faith, especially during tough times. “When you’re weak, they’re strong for you. When you come into church and you just can’t sing that day, but you hear them singing, it encourages you all the more,” Michael explains. Michael deeply values this collective strength, which is supported by the biblical principle of not neglecting to meet together and spur each other on.
For many, the pandemic brought a negative impact on community bonds. Many have seen their communities shatter and are questioning the need for such connections. Yet, as Michael shares, community is a thread that has consistently supported and uplifted him.
Balancing Highs and Lows with Community Help
“When you’re low, a great community lifts you up. And when you get a little too high, a great community can be the thing that keeps you humble,” he explains.
The leveling effect of community is something he treasures, keeping him grounded and real. Michael’s personal experiences with community support extend into his music and ministry, illustrating how these relationships have been crucial in his journey.
May Michael’s insights encourage us to seek and value our own faith communities, emphasizing that we are not meant to navigate life’s challenges alone.
We invite you to reflect on your own experiences with faith communities. How have they supported you in your journey? Share your stories with us.
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