Community, Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

As we’ve continued to grow and mature as a church we’ve seen an increasing number of people transition from other area churches to join what God is doing among us. Perhaps you’re one of them. We’re so glad you’re with us. There are lots of reasons for changing churches and every story is unique; some motivations are godly and right, while others are neither. However, all told, the vast majority of you have done so thoughtfully, prayerfully, amidst much counsel. Thank you. It’s rarely an easy decision to change churches, no matter the reason. 

Over the last few years, I’ve watched some transition really well while others really struggle. Therefore, I’m writing to offer some help and guidance in how to best navigate this season as you find your place among us as, we hope, your new church family. 

#1 You belong to Jesus.

As a follower of Jesus, first and foremost, you belong to Him (1 Cor 3:3). This is where it starts. One of the Apostle Paul’s favorite terms for Christians was to refer to them as being “in Christ”. In other words, to be a Christian is to belong to Jesus, to be hidden in Him (Col 3:3). We are not our own but have been bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19). By nature of belonging to Jesus, we are justified, adopted, forgiven, declared righteous, made new creations and more. Stunning. So, our status before Jesus is deeply personal, yet not only personal. 

#2 To belong to Jesus is to belong to His people, the church.

We are saved by God, in Jesus, to not only belong to Him but to His people. This isn’t an abstract “I’m-part-of-the-invisible-universal-church” type of belonging, but belonging to a real, flesh-and-blood, imperfect, local community of fellow believers. There are no examples of followers of Jesus in the Bible that lived separate from the local church. In fact, over and over again, the scriptures use various metaphors to highlight that our relationship to Jesus is not merely individual but corporate (e.g. citizens of the same kingdom, parts of the same body, stones of the same temple, members of the same family, etc). God chose these metaphors to describe a brand new people. In other words, the Christian life was never intended by God to be lived alone, but in real, vital, committed relationship with other followers of Christ in the context of a local church. Because of these profound realities, we should be committed to our church through thick-and-thin. 

#3 However, there are good reasons to change churches.

While every Christian is called by God to be passionately committed to a specific local church, there are reasons to consider changing churches. In some cases, the change is simply due to (1) moving, or (2) feeling called to participate in a different gospel work, or  (3) personal theological convictions. In other cases, the change is to due sin within the church, where (1) maybe the pastors and/or leaders have morally disqualified themselves (1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) or (2) fallen into false teaching. In most cases, I would encourage you hang in there, be patient, talk to the leadership, pray and extend grace. I hope you would do that for us. But if, after doing so, there is no change, it may be best to leave. 

#4 You’ll fit right in, no matter where you are. 

I know the timidity and awkwardness that comes with trying to find a new church family. Its easy to feel like an outsider and often difficult to know exactly where you fit. Where do I fit if I’m not a Christian and still exploring Jesus’ claims? Where do I fit if I’m a new Christian or have just come back to Jesus? Where do I fit if I’ve been walking with Jesus for decades? What are these people thinking about me? Do I have a place here? The church is one of the few places on the planet where you should fit in, no matter where you are. 

As a church, we not only want to see new conversions, we want to see everyone mature in Christ. The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 1:28-29, says it this way: “Him we proclaim, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” What was he about? What did he toil after? How did he channel his energy? What was his goal? What got him out of bed in the morning? Did you see it? Presenting everyone – everyone – mature in Christ. New conversions? Absolutely. Growing baby Christians? Yes. Awakening sleepy Christians? Please. Maturing mature Christians? For sure.

That means the heart of God is for everyone – believers and non-believers – to grow in knowledge of him, through faith in Jesus. We’re not just about reaching non-believers. We’re not just about reaching believers. We’re about presenting “everyone mature in Christ” – whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or recently transitioned. In other words, we’re not only about the Spirit’s regeneration (i.e. new conversions) of individuals. We’re ultimately about the Spirit’s final glorification (i.e. ultimate maturity in Christ) of individuals – to that end we toil, pray, evangelize, preach and disciple. So, if you’re just joining us, you’ll fit right in – wherever you are in the process.

#5 Let Jesus carve out a new reality for you as you join us. 

To transition well, you’ll need to set aside expectations and past hurts, while allowing Jesus to create a new reality for you among our newly-forming church. Every church is different. Every church is imperfect. Every church has its strengths and weaknesses. When transitioning it can be really easy to compare. Compare people. Compare preaching. Compare music. Compare size. Compare resources. Compare leadership. Don’t let the enemy play that game in your heart. It only leads to dissatisfaction and discontent. If Jesus has led you to join what he is doing among us, then jump in with an open heart and open hands. Every local church is a unique work of the Spirit. Don’t try to fabricate what you had in the past, but let Jesus create a new reality for you among us. 

#6 Take your time, but not too much. 

If you’re hurt or burnt out, then take some time to heal. We can wait. We know some wounds take more time to heal than others. Please let us know if you would like to talk and walk through anything you’ve experienced. But don’t take too long. I say this with deep love and understanding, some of you who have been with us for many months now are taking too long to re-engage. We’re sympathetic to your pain and understand that re-engaging with a church community, after being hurt, can be difficult. It’s a step of faith, to be sure, and we want to walk alongside you in that. We’re redeemed to belong, and a big part of your healing will only happen as you grow in relationship with others who are pursuing Jesus with you. Join a community. Become known. Get involved in the stories of others. Put a photo on your City user account. Participate in discussions on the City. Sign-up to serve. Be consistent in gathering with the church on Sunday. Invite others over for dinner or to watch the game. Join the church for its monthly prayer nights. Enter into the life of our church expectantly. Become an active participant in what Jesus is doing among us, not merely a casual, distant observer. [paragraph modified 10.21.14]

#7 Beware of bitterness, practice forgiveness and assume the best.

If you’re transitioning churches locally, more often than not, something very negative took place that caused you to make such an important change. That’s not always the case, but it often is. Situations like that are the breeding ground for bitterness, so we must be careful that it doesn’t take root in our souls (Heb 12:15). That means you’re going to have choose to forgive (maybe even daily), remember how much Jesus has forgiven you, and enter this new season of life with fresh faith. 

• Don’t let your past experiences color your view of Jesus’ bride, the church, or its leaders.
• Don’t let your past experiences lead you to become jaded about God and the things of God. He is able to use even the worst of seasons, for your good (Rom 8:28).
• Don’t let your past experiences cause you to lose hope. Jesus is your hope – and he can’t be lost.
• Don’t let your past experiences lead you to self-protect because you don’t want to get hurt again. Jesus is your refuge so you don’t have to be.

You can put your guard down. No one expects you to walk this out over night, but I do invite you to start walking it out. You might find that you fall in love with Jesus’ church again – or for the first time. 

#8 You are loved, by Him, and us. 

Know that you are radically loved by the God of the universe, in Jesus – and us. Wherever you are at, or wherever you’re from, you’ll fit right in. Welcome, friends. We are Downtown Cornerstone and we hope you’ll join this family of redeemed rebels as we continue to follow the King, together, wherever He leads. 

Christ is all! 
Pastor Adam

Baptism, City Life, Event

On August 26th, we gathered as a people at South Lake Union Park for our fourth annual BBQ and Beach Baptisms! Thanks to all the communities and volunteers who provided food, came early to set up, and stayed late. What a great celebration highlighting the stories of people changed and changing by the good news of the gospel! Below are some snapshots and quotes from the evening.

“I still sin, but I’m secure in His salvation because He died and took the penalty that I deserved” – Kristin

“I am forgiven, redeemed, adopted, and have a perfect, loving father, who delights in me” – Chaline

“I know completely that I cannot do life without Jesus: without Christ living in me”  – Philippe

“I deserve God’s righteous wrath but I have a perfect mediator in Jesus who bore God’s wrath for me” – Kim

Community, Uncategorized

Downtown Cornerstone is not just interested in holding events but want people to connect, share life and form communities that are deeply rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are communities of diverse imperfect people that are committed to living out the implications of the gospel in every sphere of life. These are communities of radical grace, sacrificial service, and joy. These are communities that eat together, pray together, laugh together, and study the Bible together (i.e. share life). These are communities that build up the church by encouraging people to faith in Jesus Christ and build up the city through deeds of justice and mercy. These are communities where you can be who God created you to be, yourself. It’s our hope and prayer that everyone who calls Downtown Cornerstone home will find such community.

In July, we launched a new community in the Shoreline neighborhood. By God’s grace, He’s already drawn multiple families and individuals to be part of this newly formed people. Edward Sumner is the community lead for Shoreline so we asked him to answer a few questions about the people, vision, and prayer requests for the Shoreline community.

When did you first start meeting in Shoreline?

We had the joy and privilege of kicking off Shoreline on July 23rd. It was a great time and big turnout! Together we had a BBQ and talked through the barriers to and blessings of community.  Folks were honest and hopeful!

What does the core group look like at this point?

We have about 6 families who have expressed a commitment to Shoreline, and have new folks inquiring often!  We have a lot of kids in the mix, so that will be a unique distinctive for us.

Do you guys have a mercy partner, or some possibilities you are considering?

We don’t have our mercy partner lined up yet, but definitely have some folks in our community with big hearts for foster kids. We’ll be exploring this.

Any specific evidences of God’s grace in the community?

Any time a group of folks who don’t all know each other that well commit time towards growing in relationship and becoming a family on mission while seeking after Jesus, that is grace!

Any specific needs or ways we can be praying for you guys?

Please be praying for momentum, traction with each other, courage to be available to one another, and that we would be anchored in Jesus for His glory and our joy!

If you are not currently participating with a DCC Community and would like to be involved with Shoreline or another community, email and we can follow up with more information.

Baptism, City Life, Event | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

An invitation

I’m writing to invite you to join us next Tuesday, August 26th, at Lake Union Park for our annual summer barbecue and baptisms (more details here). The grills will be hot and food will be served at 6pm. There is no need to bring anything other than your friends and your appetite. At (roughly) 6:45pm I will share a brief gospel word which will be immediately followed by testimonies and baptisms. It is going to be a great night and I hope you’ll be there to join in the celebration. 

Origin of baptism

Baptism is a deeply meaningful event in the life of a Christian. In fact, it is a practice given to us by Jesus himself in Mt 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them …”  and reiterated by the Apostles, such as Peter in Act 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” In other words, baptism is Jesus’ idea and something he wants every follower of his to undergo. Have you been baptized as a follower of Jesus? 

Meaning of baptism

But, what does it mean? Baptism is a dramatic portrayal of what happened spiritually when we first placed our trust in Jesus (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12). It points to the believer’s spiritual union with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and life with God, and God’s people, now and forever. Baptism does not create this union, but it shows, or demonstrates, the reality of that union that is now ours by faith in Jesus.

Beauty of baptism

So, no matter how long you have followed Jesus, do not lose sight of the significance, beauty and dramatic truth portrayed in baptism. It is a picture of passing through the waters of judgment to safety, through Jesus. It is a picture of leaving behind our old self, our old ways of life and eternity without God, through Jesus. It is a picture of rising to new life, a new family, and a new future with God, through Jesus. It is a picture of having all of our sin, guilt and shame washed away, through Jesus. This makes baptism a big deal and a call to celebration – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

Purpose of baptism

There are a number of reasons that Jesus calls his followers to be baptized. Let’s look at five, in no particular order. First, he wants us to experience the joy that comes with publicly professing our faith in Him. Second, he wants to strengthen our faith by having us symbolically participate in the death of our old life (going under the water), rising to new life (being brought out of the water) and having all of our sins washed away (full immersion). Third, he wants to encourage the faith of his people who are witnessing the testimonies and baptisms. Fourth, he wants to call others, who do not yet follow him, to turn from living for themselves and turn to him for forgiveness and relationship with the living God of the universe. Fifth, he wants us to experience his favor, blessing and peace that follows whenever we humble ourselves and walk in obedience.

See you there

That’s probably more than you wanted to know about baptism, but it is spectacular isn’t it? Will you join me in praying for those sharing their testimonies and getting baptized next week? If you’re interested, its not too late but contact us soon. If you’re on the fence, don’t put it off. Join us next Tuesday, not only to support those getting baptized, but for the good of your own soul – and those you invite. 

Christ is all! 

Pastor Adam

Discipleship, City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Over the past few weeks our first overseas short-term ministry team has been working in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Their primary aim has been to resource and support local church planting efforts there, most of which are located in massive slums littered throughout the city. You can see photos and updates from their time in Brazil on the Facebook page created for the trip here. 

We are sent wherever we are

In light of the recent Brazil trip, this is the perfect time for us to remember that, though they are there and we are here, we are all sent wherever we are, across the street and around the world. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (Jn 20:21) In other words, Jesus’ people are a sent people – sent with the forgiveness-bringing, shame-destroying, life-changing news of Jesus Christ into our neighborhoods, apartment complexes, offices, and local coffee shops. If you are in Christ, you are sent. In Him, we are a movement of missionaries. 

Help for the relationally-challenged

Some of you are extroverted, out-going, relational rock stars. We all know who you are. So, for me to encourage you to talk to people or offer ideas about how to intentionally pursue others can almost feel insulting. Some of you have even told me that. “It feels so forced.” Well, it is important to note that there is another group, let’s call them the relationally-challenged, who need all the help they can get. I am a proud member of this group and this, my friends, is for you. 

For the relationally-challenged, any time the topic of sharing the gospel with another human being comes up, anxiety, guilt and countless questions are not far behind. Are you talking to me? Are you saying I need to become an extrovert? I don’t even know how to start a conversation. What if I say the wrong thing? What if they ask me a question I don’t know the answer to? What if they get offended? Do I have to do it? Will anyone be with me? What if I don’t have the gift of evangelism? These are all valid questions and concerns, but let me put you at ease. Living sent is all about loving people to Jesus, as best you can.

Redefining sent living

Don’t make living a sent life yet another thing that you add to your schedule. You probably don’t have time for anything else anyways. Instead, do what you are already doing as one sent by Jesus. Living sent is not merely another thing to do, but the posture by which we do all things we’re already doing. Rather than seeing the grocery store clerk (or barista, neighbor, co-worker, friend or family member) as a mere grocery store clerk, see them as a fellow image bearer in need of a Redeemer – and get to know them. You don’t have to share the gospel with them the first time you meet them. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. Take interest in them. Ask questions. Listen. Smile. Pray, pray, pray. Before you know it, you’ll have a relationship on your hands. When the opportunity arises to talk about Jesus, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and leave the results up to Him. That’s it. Don’t over-complicate it. 

Intentionality and the sent life

Yet, living sent does require some intentionality on our part. Who is God calling you to intentionally pursue and build relationships with – even this summer? Who are the top five people in your life that you could intentionally invest in, pray for and pursue this coming season? Of those you already have relationships with, what would it look like to lovingly, winsomely and boldly speak to them about the gospel? What are your first steps of faith as you seek to live sent? What follows are some suggestions as you seek to live an intentionally sent life: 

• Begin each day with a prayerful sense of expectancy and anticipation. Ask God to give you eyes to see the ways He is already moving around you.
• Eat, grab a coffee or ‘happy hour’ with a non-believing friend once a week.
• When you’re going out to do something, ask “Is there anyone I can invite to join me?”
• Rather than jumping between different cafes, barber shops and grocery stores, pick your favorites and be a regular. Get to know the staff.
• Spend time with non-believers on their turf. Do your best to never turn down an invite.
• Try walking whenever you can, if you’re in a context where that makes sense.
• Leave margin in your schedule so you have time to stop and chat throughout the day.
• Participate in neighborhood events. There are a ton of things happening throughout the year, especially during the summer, all around our city (block parties, concerts, outdoor movies and more).
• Become the apartment in your complex, or house on your block, that throws the parties. Be sure to welcome new neighbors as they move in.
• Consider how you could serve and/or meet a need of those around you.
• Take time to develop meaningful relationships with your co-workers.
• Volunteer for a cause you’re already passionate about and invite others to join you.
• Sign-up for a city sports league and get others involved.
• Take some time to write out down the gospel so you’re not stuck thinking, “I don’t know what to say” when the time comes. What verses would you lead others to? Keep it simple.
• Consider it a step of faith to ask the first question or share your own struggles or give a gift.
• Don’t try to impress. Ask questions. Listen. Be honest, open and sincere. God made you like you are on purpose. Embrace that, don’t reject it.
• Ask God to do what only He can in and through you, for His glory and the good of as many as possible – and leave the results in His hands.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Rom 10:15)

Until Seattle (and the world) knows, 

Pastor Adam