Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

As a church, we want to plant churches that plant churches. However, to plant churches, we need to identity and develop called and qualified men as pastors. A crucial element of that development is learning how to communicate the goodness of the good news of Jesus and its application to our everyday lives – also called preaching.

An Impossible Task

By itself, preaching is an impossible task: content, style, conviction, delivery, organization, pacing, personality, foreseeing objections, crafting vivid illustrations and offering practical application. There are also ever-changing external factors: the room, the lighting, the seating, the heat, the audio, the shifting dynamic of the gathered church and unsolicited critique. Then, there are the ever-changing personal factors in the life of the preacher: the condition of his heart, his affections for Jesus, his level of tiredness, his degree of preparation, his counseling load, personal stresses and family pressures. In my experience there is nothing more demanding nor humbling. Yet, it is God’s primary method for the heralding of the gospel of Jesus and the instruction of His people in the context of the local church.

A Necessary Task

This is why Paul exhorted Timothy to, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Tim 4:2) Teaching and preaching are gifts that Jesus has given to His church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” (Eph 4:12). It makes sense that He would assign such an important role to preaching because it is through the Bible that we become “competent, equipped for every good work” that He has prepared for us (2 Tim 3:16; Eph 2:10). In other words, we need teachers and preachers of the Bible because it is through the Bible that we learn who He is, who we are, and what it means to live in light of Him – now and forever. As an aside, that is also why it is crucial for our personal discipleship to consistently sit under gospel-centered, Jesus-saturated, Bible-tethered preaching.

A Messy Task

Therefore, to plant churches we need to create space to develop heralds of the gospel within our church; preachers who learn what it means to rightly handle the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15) and lead Jesus’ people to revel in His unsearchable riches (Eph 3:8). Heralds aren’t merely discovered, they’re forged and developed. That task can be complicated and messy. After all, it is hard to discern if you are called to be a herald of the gospel – and to grow as one, if you are – without actually heralding. We are committed to spreading the gospel through church planting, and therefore we are necessarily committed to developing gospel heralds.

A Teaching Hospital

That is why we often describe ourselves as a teaching hospital. Certain hospitals, such as many in our city, are known as teaching hospitals in which medical residents learn the science and practice of medicine. These residents spend long hours (and years) alongside more seasoned doctors learning, growing, and maturing in order to serve others. The residency serves to highlight strengths and weaknesses that can be safely worked out in the context of the teaching hospital. In the same way, our goal is to be a teaching hospital for future gospel heralds as they learn, grow and mature in their ability to declare and apply the infinite excellencies of Jesus. Along the way we will discover that some are not called to preach – their gifts and calling lie elsewhere – while others are.

If you’re new to our church family it is important for you to know that about us. I’m not jealous about the pulpit. When I step out of the pulpit it is not merely to take time off. We want to develop heralds. The process is messy, to be sure, but well worth any inconvenience, awkwardness or confusion experienced along the way. The local church was not instituted by Jesus to be a theatrical performance where only the best actors get on stage. No. The local church was instituted by God to be an outpost where the gospel is declared and and its implications are lived out. So, when I’m not preaching you’re not merely witnessing a “fill in” but a man who is discerning and working out his calling before the living God of the universe in the context of Jesus’ redeemed people. It is a beautiful sight. Let’s pray, encourage, root for and honor such men and ask Jesus to raise up even more.

For Jesus’ fame and the good of all,

Pastor Adam

Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Downtown Cornerstone,

The year is rapidly coming to a close and a new one is before us. This time of year is always bittersweet for me. More sweet than bitter, but still bittersweet. Maybe you too. Sweet as I recall all the ways I’ve seen Jesus as work this year. Sweet as I consider all that the new year may hold. Sweet as I get extra time with family and friends enjoying God’s good gifts of egg nog and epic Marshawn Lynch runs. Yet, there is bitterness intermingled amidst it all. Not bitterness in the form of harbored anger, but bitter as in a sour aftertaste. Bitter as I recall all the ways I didn’t trust the Lord as I hoped to at the outset of the year. Bitter as I consider all of my weaknesses that I didn’t grow out of. Bitter as this year again revealed (surprise) my very real limitations as a human being. What do we do with this bittersweet mixture at the end of the year? Turn our eyes to Jesus. He is all sweet, without an ounce of bitterness – and he even promises to turn that which is bitter in our lives, sweet (see Rom 8:28). That’s just how He is. I love that about Him. Let’s not make this season about self-centered naval-gazing, but about Jesus-centered glory-beholding. He is saying to us, “I really am as good as I say I am. You should let me be that for you.” That is, after all, what this whole season is about: God with us – and for us.

So, as we come to the end of the year, there are a number of noteworthy updates we wanted to communicate:

Christmas Eve Gathering

As you all know by this point, we are on schedule to celebrate Christmas Eve together this Wednesday night at AMC – Pacific Place at 5pm. The gathering will be family-style (i.e. including kids), with our first-ever kids choir, a brief gospel message and music. We should wrap-up in time to catch the “snow” falling in Pacific Place at 6:00pm. Don’t forget that we’re validating parking for all guests, so parking shouldn’t be an obstacle.

DCC Holiday Office Closure

Our office will be closed from Christmas (12/25) through New Years (1/1). In case of emergency, we shouldn’t be hard to find.

Staffing Update

Christmas Eve will mark the last day on staff for Bonnie Martin. She has faithfully and sacrificially served as our administrative whiz for the last year and a half. She is transitioning as she and Pierce are expecting their first baby early in the new year. Thanks, Bonnie! She and Pierce will continue their involvement with Cornerstone Kids. In her place, Laura West is stepping in. Welcome Laura! I am in awe at how Jesus has gifted the local church – and does so at just the right time. Be sure to thank and congratulate both these godly women, as you are able.

Next Two Weeks in the Pulpit

I will be out of the pulpit the next two weeks getting some much-needed quality time with my family. During that time Alan Anderson (12/28) and Pierce Martin (1/4) will be preaching. We’ll be pushing pause on Philippians and Alan will be walking us through Psalm 23 and Pierce will lead us through a portion of 2 Cor 3. I love, trust, and respect both of these men. They are both part of our two-year pastoral residency. Please be praying for them, and for the church, over the next two weeks.

Updated Doctrinal Statement

Prior to our last membership class I took some time to update our doctrinal statement as a church, largely adapting from the statement of The Gospel Coalition. We haven’t changed any of our beliefs, just added further clarification in key areas, including manhood and womanhood, justification, gospel, the important role of works (under “Kingdom”) and more. It is now updated on our website and you can read it here.

Praying for a New Space

As we move into a new year, let’s ask Jesus to go before us and provide us with a new space. He has always shown up at the right time. While we have more room to grow in our primary gathering space, our kids are out of room. Our ultimate hope is not in a building, but it can be a great tool for the cause of the gospel. We have been diligently searching and praying to that end for the last year. While we have some options on the table, nothing has come through yet. Let’s continue to be persistent in our prayers for opportunities and wisdom. He knows our need and His timing is perfect.

End-of-year Giving

Thank you to those that continue to give regularly, sacrificially and joyfully (i.e. not under compulsion). Our giving is an act of worship. We are stewards of all we own and, ultimately, owners of nothing. My prayer is that we would all continue to grow in the grace of giving in the year ahead and continue to steward the resources he has placed in our trust. If you would like to make a year-end gift or catch-up contribution, you can give on Sunday, or visit downtowncornerstone.org/give.

Our Hope

Friends, Jesus is on the throne. Souls are being saved. Lives are being changed. Relationships are being reconciled. Communities are multiplying. Sin is being overcome. Prayers are being answered. Hope is being re-instilled. Marriages are being formed. Kids are being born. People are getting their gospel-awe back. May He stir our affections for Him, in all things, in the year ahead. His promises are true and they cannot fail. He is worthy of us staking our entire lives on Him. As a church, we continue to envision thousands of people, from many churches, from many parts of Seattle united under a new identity in Jesus and sent to love, serve and challenge the city with the gospel. So, as we’re on the cusp of a new year, I again invite you to join us in being part of seeing that vision, by God’s grace, continue to become a reality in the new year. Together, let’s ask Him to do what only He can in 2015. Merry Christmas!

Because the manger is full and the tomb is empty,
Pastor Adam

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Christmas has a way of becoming too familiar. So familiar, in fact, that we easily lose our sense of wonder around the very truths it is intended to point us to: God becoming man to seek and save the lost. It’s news that is so good that it is hard to believe. As Cyril of Alexandria noted a long time ago (378-444 AD):

“Indeed, the mystery of Christ runs the risk of being disbelieved precisely because it is so incredibly wonderful. For God was in humanity. He who was above all creation was in our human condition; the invisible one was made visible in the flesh; he who is from the heavens and from on high was in the likeness of earthly things; the immaterial one could be touched; he who is free in his own nature came in the form of a slave; he who blesses all creation became accursed; he who is all righteousness was numbered among transgressors; life itself came in the appearance of death [on the cross].“

The Christmas story is not merely an irrelevant story of ancient antiquity. It is our story; the story of the world. Its the story of God pursuing those He loves, becoming one of us in order to rescue us. It’s the story of redemption, hope, and salvation. It’s the story of fulfilled promises, changed lives, and amazing grace. Its the story that makes sense of, and gives purpose to, all of our individual stories. Cyril is right, all of this “runs the risk of being disbelieved precisely because it is so incredibly wonderful.” That’s what Christmas is about – this too-good-to-be-true news of Jesus. That is cause for wonder and celebration.

In light of that, I invite you to join us next Wednesday (24th) on Christmas Eve, at 5:00pm (AMC Pacific Place) to celebrate the first arrival of the Savior, God-come-in-the-flesh, and anticipate His return. We’ll sing, pray, and learn from the scriptures. We have a kids choir in the works, all parking will be validated and we’re conveniently located in a mall for your last minute shopping needs (!) The King has come – and is coming again.

Because the manger is full and the tomb is empty,
Pastor Adam

Advent Drive, Foster Care, News, Service | by Pastor David Parker

As we kick off this advent season, we want to demonstrate the love of Christ in action. We are not only here to proclaim the good news of Jesus in our city, but we also want to be good news to our city. In light of that, through the month of December, two things are happening:

COMMUNITY

Our Cornerstone Communities will be looking for ways to love and bless the people and needs that God has placed around them. If you know of a person or family in need, talk to your community lead. [Note: If you are in need of particular help in this season, please let us know by emailing .]

CHURCH

Corporately, we’ve chosen to partner with DSHS this advent season to provide comfortable clothes for foster children entering state care. On any given day there are 1,300 to 1,500 children in foster care in King County. Whether children are picked up from school or removed directly from home, they often don’t have the chance to bring their clothes with them. Consequently, many children come into foster care without coats or sometimes even socks! It can take weeks for DSHS to get foster children these basic winter essentials.

Life in foster care can be extraordinarily challenging and disruptive for kids and teens, both emotionally and developmentally. Having the comfort of warm clothes can go a long way in helping children transition into foster care. The items donated will give DSHS offices a supply of winter items to give out to children as soon as they enter care.

• Donations: Bring in your donations every Sunday at AMC Theaters, now through the end of December. You can also purchase online and have items shipped directly to DCC.
• Details: For a full list of details, including clothing items, Amazon shopping list ideas, and more, visit downtowncornerstone.org/foster-care-drive.
• Flyer: If you would like to place a receptacle in your apartment building or workplace, you can download a promotional flyer HERE. Don’t forget to write your name and phone number on it, so people can follow up with questions!
• Questions: Email 

Whatever you and/or your community ends up doing, get creative, be generous, and ask Jesus to give you a vision for incarnating the love of Christ this season. In Christ we have been given much. By Him and through Him we have much to give.

For the Gospel in this city,
Pastor David

Uncategorized

DCC Family,

This Sunday, December 7th, we’ll be holding our next round of child dedications. If you’ve recently welcomed a baby into your family, or have a child you would like to dedicate (regardless of age), we’d love to give you the opportunity to do so.

As a church we do not baptize children, however we do offer an opportunity for parents to publicly dedicate their children to the Lord before the church and for the church to publicly commit to supporting the families. For more information, read more below. If you would like to dedicate your child this Sunday, please let us know by filling out this form:

Child Dedication Sign-up Form

Why Child Dedications?

1. The practice of child dedication is based on scriptural precedent, rooted in the Old Testament, in which Jesus was presented to the Lord in the Temple as an infant (Luke 2:22-35).
2. It is also based on and acknowledges God’s blessing upon and concern and care for children (Isaiah 54:13; Matt 18:1-5, 10; 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17; Acts 2:39; 1 John 2:12-13).
3. It is you, parents, who are doing the dedicating. It is a commitment you make in your heart before Jesus and agree together to live out in your home. The dedication we perform during the church service is simply a public acknowledgment of that commitment.
4. You acknowledge that your children are a gift given to you by God (Gen 33:5; Psalm 127:3-5). As such they are a blessing, a privilege, and a great source of joy (Prov. 23:24-25)—even though they require much labor. Ultimately we recognize that they have been created by our Father in heaven (Psalm 139:13), and as such belong to Him, yet have been entrusted to you to be reared in Christ (Exodus 13:2, 12).
5. You commit to live your lives as parents by the grace of God in such a way as to be a positive example as a follower of Jesus so your children will find it easy to follow you as you follow Jesus, and that you will not be a stumbling block to your children’s saving faith in Jesus. (Matt. 18:5-6)
6. Your church leadership and community (elders, deacons, and members) commits to support and equip you by the grace of God to fulfill your responsibility, and likewise to be good examples for your children.

Child Dedication is Not:

Baptism: In order to avoid any confusion, it is important to note that dedicating your child is not a “dry” baptism nor a substitute for baptism. As a church, we recognize believer’s baptism (i.e. baptism following the placing of your faith in Jesus) as the biblical model of baptism. For more information go here.

Magic: This likely goes without saying, but it too needs to be said. The practice of dedicating your child is not magic, nor a formula by which to manipulate God, nor does it place any kind of extra-special blessing or protection upon your child, nor does it secure or ensure their immediate or eventual salvation.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email us at:
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We are looking forward to partnering with you to raise your little ones to trust and treasure our King, together. (Eph 6:4)