City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

As I previously wrote, over the last six months I’ve spent considerable time in the city, speaking with neighbors, baristas, Real Change-sellers, grocery store clerks, artists, street musicians, lawyers, other pastors, and business professionals. One of the questions that I always ask in some form is, “What do you think are the primary obstacles to the Gospel (or the message of Christianity) in Seattle?” To others, I’ve asked, “What do you think of when you hear ‘Gospel’?” As with the last question I wrote a post on, “What do you think are the primary obstacles to the Christian Church in Seattle?”, the responses have been fascinating and telling. In light of this, I’ve compiled the following list of the top ten obstacles to the Gospel in Seattle, according to my unofficial survey.

“My primary obstacle to the message of Christianity is __________” – Average Seattlite

#1 “It’s too exclusive” or “There can’t be just one true religion.”

This was, by far, the most popular objection to the Christian message. The Gospel is seen as exclusive and intolerant. How can any one belief system claim to hold the corner on the market of truth? This, in turn, doesn’t seem to be reconcilable with God being a God of love and grace (see #5).

#2 “I have no idea” or “Good news about Jesus?”

There was also a strong contingency that knew nothing about Christianity. Most, of course, knew of “Jesus” but few knew anything about him. Fewer have an understanding of the Gospel. Of those that do, the Gospel is the good news that Jesus came to show us how to live (which is depressing news, really).

#3 “Doesn’t adequately deal with the problem of evil.”

Some brought up the problem of evil and a belief that Christianity is unable to adequately address it. With all the man-made evil and natural disasters that make daily headlines, how can Christians be audacious enough to call God loving? That’s a great question and one that deserves an answer.

#4 “Just like every other religion” or “all paths lead to the same place.”

Others lumped Christianity into the same pile as all of the other world religions under the assumption that all belief systems are the same and lead to the same place. Many mentioned the ubiquitous and universalistic “ant hill” and “blind man meets an elephant” metaphors.

#5 “Contradictory…how can a God of love send people to hell?”

There were many who brought up their inability to reconcile how a God of love could send people to hell. In addition to this many mentioned contradictions in the Bible, though when pressed few were able to actually name any.

#6 “Based on an old archaic book written for a different people in a different time.”

In general the Bible is seen as an old book with helpful bits of wisdom, like Aesop’s Fables, but definitely not divinely inspired and inerrant. Few that I spoke with have ever read a Bible, but most have heard excerpts read during a church service/wedding/funeral at some point in their life.

#7 “Disproved by science.”

Others give the claims of Christianity little thought as they are fully convinced that science has usurped Christian faith. The problem of violence, humankind’s quest for purpose, various social ills, and the vast host of medical issues can and will be addressed in time through scientific practice and method.

#8 “It is too restricting.”

Some mentioned that the Christian belief system is too restricting and close-minded. Their understanding of the message of the Gospel is that Christians are called to give up what they genuinely love to do in exchange for what is generally boring, uncomfortable and not fun.

#9 “Is a male dominated belief system.”

This is a big issue in Seattle. It seemed that many have a view of a Christianity that is primarily male-dominated and oppressive to women. Those I spoke with pointed to Jesus choosing 12 men as disciples and the Apostle Paul indicating that only men should serve as pastors.

#10 “Does not welcome and affirm alternative lifestyles.”

Another very important issue in Seattle is that of alternate lifestyles (LGBT). This is a major stumbling block for people in this city, which is home to the second highest density of LGBT on the West Coast.

Summary.

There’s nothing surprising here. Many of these objections have been the same objections used throughout the history of the church. But, this does not mean we should simply excuse them. Whether or not these are misconceptions or excuses, as followers of Jesus we have a responsibility to adequately, accurately and humbly answer each of these objections. Together, these form a substantial obstacle to the message of Christianity in Seattle. It’s no wonder Seattle has become a refuge for those seeking to escape it. Clearly, these objections are overly simplistic. However, they are the objections of our great city to our faith that we must consider and engage with intelligent wit and sacrificial love. We are not to withdraw from the city in fear, but to redemptively engage it in word and deed. The Church of Jesus Christ is intended to be a people dedicated to truth and grace, holiness and mercy, creativity and beauty, service and sacrifice, love and joy, passion and relevance (after all, Jesus is reality, Col 1:15-20).

Our hope, as Downtown Cornerstone, is to be part of changing this tide in Seattle for His glory, our ultimate joy and the good of this city. Would you like to join us?

Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We are in a season of simultaneously witnessing two miraculous births.

The First Miraculous Birth.

Five months ago the Sinnett family received the news we would never be able to have children naturally again due to various complications. We received this diagnosis of being infertile the same day as our initial prayer and dessert gathering on May 25th. We were, of course, crushed. After appropriately grieving, we sold most of our baby stuff before moving downtown, spent considerable time sifting through the various fertility options, and ultimately landed on adoption. Then, miraculously and inexplicably, two months ago Jen had a positive pregnancy test. Yes, positive. After being diagnosed infertile by two doctors, we are now expecting a baby mid-April. We couldn’t be more excited, or surprised. To those of you who have been praying, thank you. This is the first miracle.

The Second Miraculous Birth.

This past Sunday we received a glimpse of another miraculous birth in process, the birth of a new church in the heart of downtown Seattle – Downtown Cornerstone. After gathering as a launch community throughout the summer, we had our first preview gathering this past Sunday. God is bringing together a multi-generational, multi-ethnic, multi-life stage, multi-gifted group of people that form this new church. Join us this fall in community or at one of our upcoming preview gatherings as we follow Jesus’ lead in planting a church of forgiven imperfect people worshipping our perfect God, Jesus Christ.

This new church coming to life in the city is just as impossible as a woman diagnosed barren giving birth. We’re witnessing both happen and invite you to share in our joy.

Community, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Prayer is to the Christian life, what air is to breathing. Prayer is our life line to our Father in Heaven. As a young child holds the hand of his dad for stability, direction and relationship, so in prayer we hold the proverbial hand of Our Father for the same (Lk 11:9-13). He knows what we need before we ask him (Matthew 6:8). Yet, he also says we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2). He invites us to humbly, yet boldly, ask of him in faith and it will be ours (Matthew 21:22; Mk 11:24; 1 John 5:14-15). Yet, too often, we overlook it entirely.

As a newly forming church in the heart of the city we are deeply aware that Jesus is the one who builds his church (Matthew 16:18) and he primarily does so through the prayers and lives of his people. Broken people rescued by grace should be a prayerful people.

Would you be willing to pray for us every day over the course of this next year?

Therefore, because planting a healthy, vibrant and God glorifying church in downtown Seattle is impossible apart from Him, we are creating a prayer team of 100 people to pray for us daily for our first year. You will be able to track monthly prayer updates here. You can also subscribe to receive up-to-date prayer requests by giving us your email here. Let us know by subscribing to receive the prayer updates via email or emailing us at info (at) downtowncornerstone.org.

In prayer, you too get to participate in the planting of this church. In prayer, you too get participate in God’s unfolding story in downtown Seattle. In prayer, you will get to see God do things you otherwise would never have notice, let alone imagined. In prayer, you get to be part of lives being changed for all eternity through this new church plant. In prayer, you get to be on the front lines of what Jesus is doing – and is going do to – in this great city we so deeply love. Will you join us?

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Ps 115:1)

Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Over the last six months I’ve spent considerable time in the city, speaking with neighbors, baristas, Real Change-sellers, grocery store clerks, artists, street musicians, lawyers, other pastors, and business professionals. One question that I nearly always ask in some form is, “What do you think are the primary obstacles to the Christian Church in Seattle?” It has been a fascinating exercise and deeply telling. One of the more interesting observations is that Christians tend to blame “secularism” or “postmodernism” for the decline of the Church, while those who don’t follow Christ tend to blame Christians themselves. Therefore, in light of this, I’ve compiled the following list of the top ten obstacles to the Christian Church in Seattle, according to my unofficial poll of Seattle. I’m using “Church” in its broadest meaning. Nothing surprising here, unfortunately.

“The Christian Church is ___________.”

#1 Hypocritical.

This was, by far, the top response. Seattle seems to have noted an observable disconnect between belief and the behavior of the Church. The inconsistency leads many to dismiss the Church.

#2 Irrelevant.

The Church is also seen as irrelevant, having little to do with the rest of life. The Church and its beliefs are seen as having little connection with the every day; though there may be some value for the life to come. Generally speaking, the Church is not cool.

#3 Self-righteous.

Many noted the self-righteous flavor of the Church and those within. There is a perception that the Church positions itself as morally and spiritually superior, and in so doing deepens the irrelevance noted above.

#4 Judgmental.

Relatedly, many feel judged by the Church and therefore unwelcome. I’ve met no one who claims sinlessness. Most clearly understand their sin, yet the perceived judgment from the Church makes it an unlikely place to go for relief from their guilt.

#5 Unloving.

Some noted they felt the Church was cold, sterile, unloving and more concerned with its own self-preservation than genuinely and sacrificially loving the city.  Many felt they need to belong to the Church in order to be loved by the Church.

#6 Unfriendly.

Similar to above, the Church was also described as unfriendly. Those who are part of the Church seem to devote the majority of their time to the Church, leaving little time for others who are not.

#7 Unsympathetic.

The Church is also described as being unsympathetic to the real, genuine struggles of people. The Church is viewed as having quick, superficial answers, but fails to genuinely relate to where people are.

#8 Boring.

Because of its irrelevance, self-righteousness and general lack of friendliness the Church is also seen as boring. The Church is not viewed as a place of joy, vibrancy and life.

#9 Impractical.

The idea of Church is seen as irrelevant because it is viewed as impractical. The teaching and life of the Church is seen as being of little practical use.  Some mentioned that while what the Church believes may be true, it doesn’t appear to work (see point #1).

#10 Enslaving.

Some noted that the Church is enslaving with all of its rules and regulations, rather than freeing and liberating. Many viewed the Church as restrictive and life-taking, rather than life-giving.

Summary.

Together, these form a substantial obstacle to the idea of “Church” in Seattle. Its no wonder Seattle has become a refuge for those seeking to escape it. Whether or not these are misconceptions or excuses, we should view them as genuine obstacles that must be addressed, repented of and deconstructed. The Church described above is not the Church Jesus came to establish. During his earthly ministry, Jesus was “accused” of being a friend of sinners. The moral and spiritual outcast enjoyed his presence, even though he had hard things to say. If we’re following the Jesus of the Bible, this must increasingly become true of us. The Church of Jesus Christ is intended to be a people dedicated to truth and grace, holiness and mercy, creativity and beauty, service and sacrifice, love and joy, passion and relevance (after all, Jesus is reality (Col 1:15-20).

Our hope, as Downtown Cornerstone, is to be part of changing this tide in Seattle for His glory, our ultimate joy and the good of this city. Would you like to join us?

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This fall Downtown Cornerstone is hosting three preview gatherings that form a mini-series, “The City of God”, in which we’ll unpack our core values as a newly forming church in the downtown core of Seattle. You can learn more here. Some have asked, “Why have preview gatherings? Why not just start services?” Those are good questions. The reasons behind this particular strategy are as follows:

First, offering weekly Sunday gatherings requires substantial time, coordination and resources. By offering monthly gatherings we are freed to focus our primary energy on multiplying communities, continuing to build relationships in the city and raising necessary funding.

Second, monthly gatherings allow others to drop-in, learn more about what we’re doing, and consider joining us at the ground level. We’re still in the formative stages as a church, and monthly gatherings will give us an additional channel by which to grow the Downtown Cornerstone launch community.

Third, monthly gatherings will allow us to introduce a new rhythm of gathering corporately into our church life, while also working out inevitable production rough spots. We believe in centrality of the corporate gathering and the power of the preached word.

Fourth, we are not quite ready. If we were to go to a weekly gathering format now, many of our people would be tied up volunteering and unable to participate. This would inevitably lead to burn out and compromise the mission.

Fifth, we know that many folks may not be comfortable joining us in community but would be comfortable joining us in a more public setting. We want to connect with all people of the city.

Sixth, we’re holding all of this very loosely. We are praying and planning to a weekly gathering format by mid-January, but may maintain our monthly gatherings should certain benchmarks not be met.

To be honest, this is much less about strategy than giving this young church ample time to take shape and live on mission with Jesus in the city.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who call you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

We hope you’ll join us as we continue to follow Jesus in building a great city through the gospel for the glory of God, beginning this Sunday (Oct 24th) at 5:00pm. More information here.

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We previously announced that Acts 29 Coffee has chosen Downtown Cornerstone as one of the first church plants they will be supporting in the Northwest. Acts 29 Coffee has now become 29 Coffee. Same coffee, same idea, different name. They offer high-quality, premium roasts at discounted rates on a subscription basis. Every pound of coffee purchased supports the planting of this new gospel work in the heart of Seattle. Whether you’re thinking of your own household or your church, you can do what you’re already doing (i.e. drinking coffee) and now plant churches at the same time. If you’d like to give directly to Downtown Cornerstone you can do that HERE. Thank you!

Community, News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We are four months into this gospel project. This monthly update is coming a little late, but I still want to fill you in on all that happened throughout September. It is incredible to think of everything Jesus has empowered us to accomplish in so little time. We are humbled and excited. September was an important month and a turning point for us. As we’ve done from the start, we focused on cultivating our launch community, wrapped up our study of the Gospel Centered Life and continued to live with gospel intentionality in the city. Some have moved downtown. Others have changed jobs. It has been exhausting and encouraging. To those who have been praying for us: Thank You! If you’re just jumping on board, welcome. You can read our last prayer update HERE. You can also receive email updates of new blog content by entering your email in the “Subscribe to Updates via Email” box in the right column.

Here are some snapshots of the past month:

Official sending by Mars Hill and Acts 29. Sept 19th.
On Sunday, September 19th, Mars Hill Church (via Pastor Steve Tompkins) and the Acts 29 Network (via Pastor Scott Thomas) officially sent us to plant this new gospel work in the heart of downtown Seattle by laying hands and praying over me. The act of laying hands on those being sent on a mission is a sign of approval, support, release and blessing. It’s also symbolic of the nearness and presence of the Holy Spirit who empowers, leads and supports the Jesus’ mission through the church. I am humbled and honored to be simultaneously sent from Mars Hill Church and Acts 29 Network. You can read the original planting announcement (April 2010) posted by Mars Hill Church here.

Vision Sunday, September 26th.
Of course, the highlight of the month was our vision/info gathering we held on September 26th. The purpose of the event was simple: gather skeptics, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or the curious together and share our vision for a new work that Jesus is unfolding. Jesus was gracious to us, giving us a free gathering space, borrowed gear and chairs, and a worship leader just five days before the event (!) We had a great turnout, generous offers of prayer/financial support, and a handful who expressed interest in giving their lives to seeing this church planted.

Acts 29 Boot Camp. Sept 29th & 30th.
The big national Acts 29 Boot Camp in Seattle was held the week following our vision gathering. We had seven guys from Downtown Cornerstone attend, some of which hope to plant a church some day. It was a great time of teaching, praying, and applying what we learned to our immediate context. If you’re not familiar with Acts 29, visit them here at their website. We’ve benefited greatly from being networked, resourced and equipped alongside like-minded churches around the country.

First Thursday Art Walk, Sazerac, and Prayer
Since we first started meeting we’ve had a two-fold strategy that consists of gathering on Sundays (for vision, prayer and worship) and connecting during/throughout the week (for community, mission, and service). It’s been an eventful month from participating in First Thursday at the Seattle Art Museum to happy hour at Sazerac to taking an evening to pray for our city These times have helped shape us as a newly forming community, while providing many opportunities to invite people in. Follow us here at the blog, under events, to find out what’s happening this week.

Two Couples from Brazil.
Back in May I went to Brazil to help with the first Acts 29 Church Planting Foundations conference there. While visiting, I met two couples: Josh & Analice Block and Giulian & Christy Giusti. As God’s providence would have it, Josh and Analice are now in Seattle considering becoming part of Downtown Cornerstone. On top of that, Giulian and Christy flew up and spent a week with us as they too considered whether or not to move to Seattle. They called yesterday to inform me they are! We’re excited to welcome them to the team. I never thought I’d be recruiting for our launch community in Brazil. God works in mysterious ways.

Relationships and Networking.
I’ve been on a networking tear meeting with anyone who loves the city that will talk to me: Christians, not-yet-Christians, businessmen, locals, transplants, friends, baristas, bartenders, grocery store clerks and many neighbors. It has been a joy to be on mission in the city. We feel at home and that we’re supposed to be here. Though critical questions about what we’re doing inevitably arise, we’ve been accepted with Seattle caution. These have been great opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ.

This Fall: The City of God (life as it should, and one day will, be)
This fall we’re going to have three preview gatherings (10/24, 11/21, 12/19) as we unpack “The City of God“ through which we’ll examine what it means to be a people, rescued by the grace of Jesus, who are sent to love, serve, and challenge this city by pointing all who will hear to the God of the city to come. We want to leverage these larger, public gatherings to invite others in, build our communities, continue fundraising and networking, and work on ironing out our production/logistic wrinkles. We hope to build enough momentum through the fall to go to a weekly public gathering format in January.

Family Update
We’ve lived downtown for nearly two months now and are beginning to settle in. Jen and the kids are adapting to our smaller space and feeling right at home. The cardboard boxes are gone – almost. We’ve begun to meet many people in our apartment complex who we’ve already grown to love and befriend. We’ve  managed to be consistent with our family days, visiting the Puyallup Fair and spending considerable time adventuring around Seattle. We hosted numerous friends and family from across the US. I wrapped up physical therapy on my knee. Best of all, Jen is doing well with the pregnancy. There are, miraculously, no complications. Please pray there will be no bed rest required with this pregnancy as there was with Macy. The due date is April 15th!

For October, please pray that:

• We would continue to be a church marked by a deep love for Jesus.
• Jesus would continue to build his church by bringing 100 people to join his mission by December.
• Many souls will be saved and lives transformed through this new gospel work.
• We’d experience favor in Seattle.
• All of our financial needs will be provided for.
• Jesus-loving, talented musicians and artists will join this work (!)
• A central, strategic, well-known, yet inexpensive, gathering location for us would open up (!)
• Seattle would be loved, served, challenged and changed through the gospel.
• Many Gospel-centered Jesus-loving churches would be planted.
• 100 people, outside the church, to pray for us daily.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

The story continues…
In Christ Alone,
Pastor Adam

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

The city is a creation of God, not an invention of man. The city is intended by God to be a place of safety, justice, culture-making, and spiritual seeking. Yet, under sin, it is a place of violence, lawbreaking, pride, and religious pluralism. God intends to fix this.

The world to come is pictured as a perfect city. (Rev 21:1) It is a city in which God is at the center and life is as it should be with no suffering, no tears, and no sin. It is a city of equality, justice, and beauty, centered around Jesus Christ. It is a city where God is with God’s people in God’s place forever. If we’re honest, this is the city we all want and it begins now, in part.

God is already at work creating this new city in our midst by redeeming, forgiving and adopting people by faith in Jesus Christ. Together these people form a new society, an alternate city, a church of broken people rescued by grace. Together, these followers of Jesus are intended by God to serve as a foretaste of the world that is to come, to bring the City of God into the City of Man, by showing the world what life should, and one day will, look like.

JOIN US THIS FALL.

Join us this fall at three preview gatherings as we unpack “The City of God“, examining what it means to be a people rescued by the grace of Jesus who are sent to love, serve, and challenge this city, pointing all who will hear to the God of the city to come.

WHERE:

The Westin Building (note: not the hotel)
2001 Sixth Ave, 33rd floor
Seattle, WA 98121

WHEN:

Sunday, October 24th @ 5pm, “Jesus and the Gospel”
Sunday, November 21st @ 5pm, “The Church and the City”
Sunday, December 19th @ 5pm, “Mission, Renewal & Multiplication”

PARKING:

Parking downtown is free on Sundays, so there is no cost to park. However, do leave allow additional travel time to secure a parking spot on the street.

IS CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PROVIDED?

Yes, Cornerstone Kids will be provided for kids 6 months to 9 years old.

MORE INFO:

For more information on this evening or the preview gatherings through the fall, visit https://www.downtowncornerstone.org/city-of-god/ or email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

On Sunday, September 19th, Mars Hill Church (via Pastor Steve Tompkins) and the Acts 29 Network (via Pastor Scott Thomas) officially sent us to plant this new gospel work in the heart of downtown Seattle. This is much more than a general church planting procedure. Rather, it’s a spiritual practice deeply rooted in the scriptures. In Acts 13, for example, after prayer and fasting the church at Antioch laid hands on Paul and Barnabas to officially send them on their first missionary journey. Acts 13:2-3 records this event as follows, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” The act of laying hands on those being sent on a mission is a sign of approval, support, release and blessing. It’s also symbolic of the nearness and presence of the Holy Spirit who empowers, leads and supports the Jesus’ mission through the church. I am humbled and honored to be simultaneously sent from Mars Hill Church and Acts 29 Network. You can read the original planting announcement (April 2010) posted by Mars Hill Church here.