Seeking the Cultural Renewal of Seattle (?)

City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We want to see spiritual, social and cultural renewal take place in Seattle.

But, what does that actually look like? This is the second in a series of blogs that will answer that question.

But first, some theological context. God’s ultimate aim is his glory (Mt 6:9, cf 1 Cor 10:31). He makes his glory known through His kingdom (Mt 6:10a), which exists wherever He rules over human hearts submitted to Him by faith. His primary plan for making this invisible kingdom visible is through the Church (Mt 6:10b; Eph 3:10). The Church receives power for this work through the Gospel (Mt 6:11;13; Rom 1:16).

In other words, the glory of God is made known through the invisible kingdom being made visible through the Church, empowered by the Gospel. Therefore, seeking the spiritual, social and cultural renewal of Seattle is nothing more than making the invisible kingdom visible in every sphere of life.

What does a culturally renewed Seattle look like?

Downtown Cornerstone is committed to building a great city, not just a great church.  Yet, these two are not opposed. A great church, comprised of sinners saved by the sheer grace of God in Christ, will build a great city. So, practically speaking, what does it look like to culturally renew Seattle? Not through imperialistic, patronizing, holier-than-thou fundamentalism; but through the faithful presence of Jesus’ followers in the city. What follows are some examples of just that. In a culturally renewed Seattle:

• There are Christians, churches, and ministries actively involved in the arts of Seattle (online, print, ArtWalks, music, etc), adding value, vision and innovation.
• There are Christians, churches and ministries meeting throughout the city to determine how the implications of the gospel effect every sphere of city life (medicine, art, finance, law, journalism, etc)
• There is a decline in corruption and greed (and, subsequently, an increase in integrity and honesty) in business, politics and education throughout the city.
• There is a greater openness to the claims of the gospel, and its implications on learning, at major centers of higher education. (UW, SPU, SU, NSCC, SCCC, etc)
• There are creatives and professionals forming cultural, political, and business projects that reflect the glory of God, while improving the overall quality of life in the city.
• The government views the church as a central ally to the revitalization of the city.
• The church would be deeply missed by the city if it ceased to exist.

This work is beyond the capacity of any single church, including Downtown Cornerstone. It’s for this reason that we don’t exist to merely see our church planted, but a movement of churches planted in Seattle and beyond. We invite you to join us as we embark on this impossible task, following the God of impossibilities (Eph 3:20-21).