City Life, News

You have inevitably heard that we are moving into a building located at 2333 Western Ave, in Belltown, with our first Sunday on March 29th. We will simultaneously be moving to two services at 9:00am and 11:15am. Jesus has been so kind to us over our last four years as a church plant. We’ve met in condos, apartments, office conference rooms, various party rooms, other church’s buildings, community centers, the Underground Tour, an office lobby, and four theaters within AMC. Not once have we lacked a space to meet and gather.

Benefits of being a mobile church

In many ways it has been a tremendous blessing to be a mobile church. It forced us to embrace the biblical notion of the local church as a people, not a place; that Jesus is our home, not a building. It required many to trust Jesus by stepping-up to volunteer for our weekly set-up/tear-down. It cultivated dependency, patience, and prayer as we adapted to whatever space we had and looked for our next. It allowed us to keep a streamlined budget without larger facility costs. It also helped shape us as a very hospitable people.

Challenges to being a mobile church

Yet, there are downsides to being mobile. First, being mobile is very challenging to coordinate as we need to work within the calendars, limitations, and availability of other spaces. Second, being mobile does not allow our entire staff team to office together, let alone volunteers and interns. Third, being mobile prevents us from having separate space and office hours for counseling. Fourth, being mobile limits our ability to host and/or participate in citywide events. Fifth, being mobile makes accommodating our bustling children’s ministry very difficult. Sixth, being mobile spreads our resources and gear throughout the city (e.g. we have an office at the Westin, band gear at Denny Park Lutheran, Sunday gear at AMC, and other gear in our individual homes). Seventh, being mobile doesn’t allow us to create any sort of substantive, visible, faithful presence in the city we’re called to. There are other challenges, but these are among the most significant.

Our search for a new space

Therefore, over the last year and a half, we have scoured the downtown core for a more permanent space to accommodate our growing church. We have looked at purchase options to buy. We have looked at lease options. We have spoken with every theater, every concert hall, every rock venue, every hotel, every convention space. We found nothing. But, all that changed in December when we approached the owners of 2333 Western for the seventh time and – to make a long story, short – we now have a five-year lease.

Benefits of having a building

Securing this particular building for our next season of life and mission together will: (1) allow us to centralize our church life (office, meetings, leadership labs, prayer nights, classes, trainings, counseling, and more); (2) allow us to create a more substantive and visible presence in the city; (3) give us more options to handle growth (i.e. multiple services); (4) give us more opportunities to host and participate in community-sponsored events; (5) save time and volunteer resources now required as a mobile church; (6) better provide and care for our children and families; (7) save us hundreds of thousands of dollars on build-out; and (8) be more readily accessible. In a word, this is a huge evidence of God’s grace. All told, there are tremendous benefits to having our own building that serves as a central hub for declaring and displaying the goodness of the good news of Jesus in this city we all love.

Challenges to having a building

As with anything, there are potential negative side-effects to having a building that we should be aware of. (1) A building can cause a church to think they’ve “arrived” and become subtly lulled to sleep as consumers rather than fiery, faith-filled participants; (2) A building can cause a church to shift from a “living sent” to a “come and sit” mentality, thus taking the edge off our call to spread the gospel; (3) A building can also cause a shift of resources and energy to up-keep rather than an ongoing pursuit and love for actual people. These are real dangers, but they do not outweigh the benefits of having a building. Provided that we seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness (Mt6:33) we can trust him to keep us out of these potential snares.

Here we go…

I couldn’t be more excited and, to be honest, slightly overwhelmed by this turn of events. But, I trust our good and faithful God is leading the way, just as He has up until now. He will not falter or fail to keep His promises to us. He cannot not be faithful. That’s who He is. Let’s keep our first love our first love (Rev2:4), pressing forward together, and ask Him to do above and beyond all that we ask think or imagine (Eph 3:20-21). There are still many in this city who are His (Acts 18:10).

Until the world knows,

Pastor Adam

Advent Drive, City Life, Foster Care, Service | by Anne Johnson

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – Jesus (John 14:18)

As foster parents licensed through the state, my husband and I see firsthand what it is like for children to come “into the system.” Our current foster son came to us with nothing but a worn coat and the clothes he was wearing. In the midst of uncertainty in a new and strange place, the gift of comfortable clothes is undeniably reassuring.

Throughout the Foster Care Drive, I watched in grateful amazement as our living room filled with messy piles of socks, bags of sweatshirts, and boxes of sweatpants. I am astonished by God’s grace and provision through the Downtown Cornerstone community. Through the freedom to love as we have been loved, we collected over 780 articles of clothing! You can see the generosity of that collection evidenced below in photos of my car stuffed with your donations.

The bottom-right photo above is the play area at the West Seattle Visitation Center where the clothes will be distributed. When children come into care after hours, they are often brought here and given overnight bags with essentials, if any are available. Lisa, the DSHS social worker who runs the visitation center, was incredibly grateful to stock the center with our much-needed supplies.

GET INVOLVED

If you are looking for more ways to help, Lisa shared that a dream of hers is to have a supply of duffel bags. If children are lucky enough to bring their things from home, they usually carry their items around in trash bags. Just as some fresh socks can bring comfort, having a proper bag for your possessions (however few) can bring a sense of worth and value.

The Visitation Center is also in desperate need of a refresh. There is currently a project through Amara, an adoption support agency, to update the Center. For more information, visit Amara’s GoFundMe page.

If you are interested in learning more about foster and adoptive care in the State of Washington, or want to get involved through donating or volunteering, please feel free to contact me. I love sharing about these wonderful kiddos! Thank you on behalf  all of the kids who will sleep, run, and thrive in the clothing you’ve donated.

Sing to God, sing praises to his name…Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity…”
– Psalm 68:4-6

Christ is all,
Anne Johnson

You can get connected to Anne to learn more about foster and adoptive care in the State of Washington by emailing .

City Life, Event

You’re invited (rain or shine!) to play in DCC’s 4th Annual Turkey Bowl. We’ll gather at Judkins Park on Thanksgiving Day at 8:00am for festive fall foods and a friendly game of co-ed flag football for those interested. We’ll also enjoy a sideline game of turkey bowling with real turkeys!

Basically, this is a fun opportunity to hang out on Thanksgiving amidst friends, lawn chairs, blankets, shouting fan(s), laughter and good food. DCC will provide coffee, tea, and bottled water and you’re welcome to bring a favorite fall breakfast treat or drink (coffee, hot chocolate, cider, etc) to share.

Don’t forget to dress warm and spread the word!

WHERE:

Judkins Park | 22nd Ave S & S Norman

WHEN:

Thanksgiving, Thu Nov 27th, 8:00am

PARKING:

Parking is free on holidays in Seattle. There’s a small parking lot, but there is also ample street parking on both the west and east sides of the park.

HELP:

If you are interested, we’d love your help with game logistics, set up, and tear down. Please email if you would like to help with this event!

Community, City Life, Event, News

Whether you’ve been running with us for some time now or are just beginning to check things out, you might be asking the question – what’s the best way to stay connected to all that’s happening at DCC? That’s a great question. Lots of ways actually. And we wanted to highlight a few of those for you this week!

#1 Blog and Website – www.downtowncornerstone.org

We are regularly updating our blog with events details, updates, answers to FAQ’s, and stories of the ways Jesus is at work in our church and across our city. If you’re reading this now, you’ve likely found our blog. That’s great. And we’d recommend checking back often for helpful info and snapshots into the life of our church here in Seattle.

#2 The City Network – dcc.onthecity.org

The City is an online social networking tool that we use to stay connected with one another throughout the week. It’s kind of like a virtual neighborhood. Event invites, casual meetups, prayer requests, and pastoral notes are just a few of the things you’ll find and enjoy about being connected to The City. To get connected to The City, drop by the Connect Desk on Sunday mornings or talk to your community leader. We’d love to invite you into our online network!

#3 Facebook – www.facebook.com/downtowncornerstone
Twitter – @DCCseattle

You’ll find a lot of useful information and updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Our desire is to make these channels useful as a resource for you to learn of creative ways to enjoy our city (e.g. festivals, spray parks, concerts, events), as well as keep you updated on what’s happening at DCC. You’ll also find regular quotes and verses to encourage your soul throughout the week. Like us or follow us online to get fun ideas, encouraging quotes, and event updates!

#4 DCC App – http://get.theapp.co/7c78

We are also thrilled to be able to offer our official DCC App! You can listen to past sermons, check out videos, read the blog, find a community, and even see the previous Sunday’s handout. Our app is available for iPhones/iPads, Windows and Android phones.

There are lots of great ways to stay connected! And if you are interested in learning more or even being a part of our newly-forming family in the heart of Seattle, we’d encourage you to visit us on Sunday mornings for our weekly gathering at 10am. You’ll get the best flavor for who we are as a people, what we value, how we do life together, and more by gathering us and getting connected to one of our community scattered across the city. For more information on our weekly gatherings or to get connected to a community in your area, feel free to visit our webpage HERE or email us at . We’d love for you to join us!

City Life | by Pastor David Parker

If you don’t live in Downtown Seattle, you know that coming downtown on a Sunday to gather with the church can be a challenge. Sometimes it’s a Seahawks game; sometimes it’s a parade or race downtown. Whatever the challenge may be, I want to encourage those of you who drive in to worship with us in a few ways:

First, you’re coming to worship the King of Kings. You’re not just parking for an event, you’re coming to worship Jesus with other blood-bought, ransomed saints, who need the gospel, and need you. Let’s not forget how blessed we are to gather together as God’s people and worship openly and freely in our city.

Second, you’re fighting for the Gospel in the City. It would be so much easier if our church wasn’t in the downtown core, but frankly our city, and especially the core, needs the gospel. For decades, the church has been entrenched or on retreat in downtown Seattle. We feel called to pray for and work toward the reversal of that trend through the power of the gospel at work among his people, from the avenues to the alleyways. So when you are waking up early Sunday morning, parking, walking, taking escalators, etc. don’t lose sight of the fact that the glory of God and the spread of the gospel are at stake in our city – particularly in the downtown core.

Third, it’s really not that bad. It wasn’t too many years ago that whole families piled into carts and buggies or walked many miles to be with the church. Because times have changed we can lose sight of all the grace that we have received. One of the things that I’m constantly reminded of is how our Savior endured the cross so that we might be brought into relationship with Him. He endured the ultimate suffering so that we wouldn’t have to.

So when you park, park to the glory and praise of our King. Thank Jesus for the times His lavish grace gives you a close parking spot. And when you have to walk a half-dozen blocks, remember how much Jesus endured to bring us into relationship with Him!  

For those of you who do drive, we want to make being with us as easy as possible, so we’ve pulled together a few resources below that can help you navigate the downtown are, and arrive at our gatherings on time.

Parking at Pacific Place

The Pacific Place garage is in the same building as AMC theater, and is a great option for parking downtown for our gatherings. If you have children or special needs, we will validate your parking for up to 3 hours! Just stop by the Cornerstone Kids Check-In Desk to get your parking validated. If you don’t have children or special needs but would like to enjoy the convenience of parking in the Pacific Place garage, parking is $7 for 2 hours, $9 for 3 hours or $10 for all day parking on weekends. Be sure to allow at least 5-10 minutes to get from the parking garage to the theater.

Street Parking

Did you know street parking is FREE in downtown Seattle on Sundays? Street parking is available on the streets immediately surrounding AMC, however weekend events can sometimes make street parking more scarce around the shopping/business district of downtown. For more dependable street parking options, we would suggest some of the following streets and areas that are still within easy walking distance to AMC Pacific Place:

• From Pacific Place, head east or west on Stewart Street towards the waterfront or towards I-5.
• From Pacific Place, head north on 6th Street and look for parking within the Belltown neighborhood.
• From Pacific Place, head east on Pine Street and cross the overpass to the lower-Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Additionally, many parking spots downtown are restricted Monday-Saturday (30 minute, 3 minute, commercial vehicle only, etc) but the signs specify “except Sundays and Holidays”. Be sure to read the signs carefully on these restricted spots before passing them up. For more information, here is a full parking map of downtown Seattle.

Public Transportation

Taking the bus or light rail is a great option if you live in one of Seattle’s outlying neighborhoods. To find the best public transportation routes, just enter your starting location into Google Maps here to see the best available routes to AMC Pacific Place. If you are coming from University of Washington, the 43, 49, 72 and 73 Buses will takes you to downtown Seattle on Sundays. If you are coming from Seattle Pacific University, the 13 Bus route will take you downtown on Sundays.

Discipleship, City Life | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

You know how it happens. You have every intention of being with the church on Sunday. In your mind it is all planned out. Then, you wake up late. Or, your baby has a last-minute blow out. Or, streets are closed. Or, maybe there’s a convention in town and the guy wearing the Hello Kitty costume took the last parking spot. Maybe you arrive on time, but you’re distracted. She took my seat. Is that guy sleeping? Was that my pager or theirs? Did I wear this outfit last week too? Where is my pen? Is that a new family? Was I supposed to volunteer today? Or, maybe you’re regularly tired and find it hard to listen. Or, maybe you’re inconsistent and wonder whether others notice. Or, maybe you show up every week yet remember little and apply even less. You’re not alone. Unfortunately, our typical Sunday experience is often some combination of these – but it doesn’t have to be. 

The corporate gathering as the foundational spiritual discipline

God has given us numerous means of grace, or spiritual disciplines, to help stoke our affections, deepen our trust, fuel perseverance, instill courage and anchor our hope. These means of grace include personal reading of the scriptures, prayer, silence, solitude, community, fasting, and more. None of these earn us favor with, or more love from, God rather they remind us of the favor and love we already have from Him through Jesus. While all means of grace are important, and serve different purposes, the most important means of grace in the life of every follower of Jesus is consistently gathering with Jesus’ people. Regularly gathering with the church, as the church, to sing, confess, pray, laugh, experience conviction and fresh grace, celebrate the Lord’s Supper and sit under the preaching of God’s word is indispensable and irreplaceable. We miss out on much of what God has for us when we are inconsistent in, or unprepared for, gathering together corporately. 

“We miss out on much of what God has for us when we are inconsistent in, or unprepared for, gathering together corporately.” 

The priority of preparation

Given the importance of the corporate gathering it is only wise to consider how to prepare. We shouldn’t expect to have a meaningful experience Sunday-after-Sunday if we do not prepare our hearts beforehand. God is gracious, so it can happen, but that’s not usually how it works. Too often we view the church gathering like a concert. All you have to do is show up, be entertained and sing along. (It probably doesn’t help that we meet in a movie theater, but we’re working on that). However, one thing I’ve noticed repeatedly is that those who get the most out of the gathering are those who do some measure of preparation. In light of that, the following are a number of ways to help redeem your Sundays and get more out of your time with Jesus’ people. 

#1 Examining our hearts

Every Sunday is meant to be a great day. If we don’t expect anything particularly special to happen when we gather with Jesus’ people, we probably won’t see it even if it does. If we expect things to be routine, they probably will be. If we don’t expect to learn, we typically won’t. In other words, what we get out of the corporate gathering is directly related to the posture of our heart towards it. What is the posture of your heart?

An important part of our preparation is anticipating what God has in store every week. Every week, approach Sunday with a sense of eager expectation and anticipation. Don’t allow your view of the corporate gathering to degenerate into a mere mindless habit. Ask Jesus to give you a soft, receptive heart. Ask Him to point out people He wants you to love, serve and listen to. Ask Him to shock you out of apathy, to bring new conviction and fresh applications of His grace. Ask Him to help you not take Sunday for granted. 

#2 Start on Saturday

It’s been said that a great Sunday begins on Saturday. Get to bed on time so you can wake up early. Turn off the TV. Consider spending time with the Lord before you sleep. Review the passage the church will be studying together the next day. Pray for folks that you’re going to see. Ask Jesus to prepare your heart for what He has in store. Keep in mind that whatever you put into your mind on Saturday night will still be in your head on Sunday morning. If you’re a parent, get all of your kids’ clothes ready the night before. Start preparing for Sunday on Saturday.

“It astonishes me how many Christians watch the same banal, empty, silly, trivial, titillating, suggestive, immodest TV shows that most unbelievers watch – and then wonder why their spiritual lives are weak and their worship experience is shallow with no intensity. If you really want to hear the Word of God the way He means to be heard in truth and joy and power, turn off the television on Saturday night and read something true and great and beautiful and pure and honorable and excellent and worthy of praise (Phil 4:8). Then watch your heart un-shrivel and begin to hunger for God.” 
– John Piper

#3 Wake up early

Wake up early enough to get some unhurried time in God’s Word and prayer. Listen to some stirring music. Confess sin to the Lord. Preach the gospel to yourself and be reminded of all that God is for you, in Jesus. Ask God to help you focus, to listen well and receive His Word. Make your heart happy in Him before you arrive so the corporate worship is just an extension of your personal worship. 

#4 Consider serving

Serving is a great way to meet others, discover your gifts, honor Jesus and be reminded of the beautifully varied diversity of God’s people. Serving reminds us, in small part, of how we’ve been sacrificially served by Jesus. Serving reminds us that we are not the center of the universe. Serving reminds us that we have been redeemed to seek the good of as many people as possible. There are lots of ways to get involved. Drop by the Connect desk to learn more. 

#5 The Arrival

Try to arrive on time – even early. We all know what it is like to arrive ten minutes late. It’s a little frustrating. Consider developing a habit of arriving early. Give yourself ample time to find a parking spot, to chat with others, check-in your kids, and find your seat. Try to enter into the corporate gathering with an unhurried heart. Arriving early will help with that. If you’re a parent, leave the house 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to leave so you’re not rushed and you have time for the unexpected.

#6 Actively participate

As you sit down, remind yourself of the spiritual significance of what you’re doing. This isn’t just any group of people you’re gathering with, but Jesus’ blood-bought people – His church. Ask God to give you a heart prepared to listen, receive, repent and apply. Bring your Bible. Ask Him to pierce through any tiredness and make you humble, eager and prepared for what He has in store. Bring a journal. Take notes. Don’t worry about what you’re wearing. Don’t worry about whether you like the music. Don’t worry about whether others are critiquing your singing. Focus on Who you’re there for. Remind yourself that when the Bible is preached, God is speaking through His Word – to you. Remind yourself that you are not there to be entertained, but to actively participate in relationship, prayer, scripture reading, singing, learning and more. 

#7 Intentionally apply (and revisit)

Following the sermon, consider at least one thing that God wants you to apply to your life immediately. Confess sin? Change of life? Seek reconciliation? Something else? It is too easy to just move on to the next thing and give little thought to how we should respond to God in light of the text at hand. If you’re not sure, take some time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help. Write down anything that comes to mind and then review and apply it throughout the week. Consider taking Monday morning to pull out your notes and review the passage that was studied on Sunday with the church. Share what you’re learning with your friends, spouse, community and/or discipleship group. 

#8 After the gathering

Following the gathering, be on the lookout for God and people. If you have the time, try not to rush out the door but stay to talk and meet others. Who crosses your path? Who is sitting near by? Is anyone new? Does anyone look lonely or isolated? Consider going out to lunch or inviting others over to your home for lunch. Offer to pray for people on the spot. Introduce those who are new to others that you know. Invite people to join you in community. No matter your personality, whether introvert or extrovert, you have something to offer to those God has providentially placed around you – every Sunday. 

The great gathering to come

Gathering with Jesus’ people is unlike any other gathering we are a part of throughout the week. When we come together we serve as a small picture of the great gathering of God’s redeemed people, in Jesus, in the age to come. In that day there will be a “great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev7:9-10) Every Sunday gathering points to that great gathering. Profound, isn’t it? That alone makes it worthy of our intentional preparation and thoughtful participation. 

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

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

City Life, Event, Photos, Serve the City, Service | by Pastor David Parker

I wanted to briefly follow-up with a big “Thanks” to all who came out to serve the city with us! When it was all said and done, we had over 100 folks show up to come alongside Seattle Schools and Gatewood Elementary in helping prepare their playground and school for this next year!

Over 30 cubic yards of weeds, ivy, and branches were removed. Lots of boxes were packed and moved. Things were dusted and cleaned, and gallons of paint were applied to spruce up the playground and provide additional activities for the students this fall.

Not only did God bless us with great weather, but it was an awesome opportunity to tangibly display His grace and love in how we’ve been eternally served by Him in Christ. Thank you for giving freely of what you’ve been given! (Matthew 10:8)

Praying that we would continue to be a people marked by a deep love for the Gospel and the people He’s places around us to love and serve in this city.

-Pastor David

Below is a note from the principal at Gatewood that I wanted to pass along, as well as some pictures that were captured from that day.

Downtown Cornerstone,

Thank you so much for the generous donation of paint, mulch, supplies and church participants, who worked tirelessly to help improve the school grounds and interior organization at Gatewood last Saturday. It’s difficult to find the right words to help express the magnitude of my gratitude. Because of Cornerstone Church, when staff and students return to school in September, they will have a new feeling of respect. When the environment in which teaching and learning occurs is cherished, kept clean, and organized, students and teachers feel valued. When teachers feel respected by their community, they teach better. When students feel respected by their community, they learn better. What your church community did for Gatewood will be appreciated for a long time and in many ways. Early in August, I will meet with the Gatewood PTA Board and I will share the work done by the Cornerstone Church. I believe they will be inspired to finish the job and continue the school improvements!

Feeling blessed,
Connie Aleman, Principal
Gatewood Elementary

Click on the image below to check out some of the pictures that were captured that day!