Christmas Sunday Gathering

We invite you and your family to join us Christmas morning as we celebrate the arrival of the King and anticipate His return!

SUNDAY, DEC 25TH AT 10:00AM
Court in the Square, 401 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

PARKING
Downtown parking is free on Sunday. Please allow time to secure street parking.

CHILDREN
There will be no Cornerstone Kids as we will be having a family-style service.

Go here for more info on our Sunday gatherings.

Christmas Morning Gift Drop

Downtown Cornerstone exists to build a great city through the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. We do that by proclaiming the gospel in word and acting out its implications in our daily living. We’ve been infinitely served, so we serve finitely. We’ve been radically graced, so we radically grace others. We were loved in our darkness, so we love others in their darkness.

It’s beautiful. Our lives get to serve as echoes or reflections of the redemption we’ve received in Christ.

Therefore, on Christmas morning (Sun, 25th @ 7:00AM) we’re going to serve our city, as we’ve been served, by blessing those on the streets with Christmas morning greetings, gifts, hot drinks, and prayers. These aren’t just “people on the streets”. For many of us, they are our neighbors. People we see every day, whose faces we recognize. So, this isn’t just “something we do on Christmas” but an opportunity to build relationships with fellow Seattlites. What better day, than Christmas, to start?

JOIN US

Parking
Downtown parking is free on Sunday. Please allow time to secure street parking.

Children
We encourage you to bring your children to serve the city as a family.

If you have any additional questions, email info@downtowncornerstone.org.

View Larger Map

Downtown Cornerstone exists to build a great city through the gospel for the glory of God.

We love Seattle and want all who call this city home to know and love Jesus Christ. That’s why we exist. God has been incredibly gracious to us in 2011. We launched in April, planted six communities throughout the city, baptized 10 individuals, and saw many move downtown to join Jesus’ mission. We are humbled and thankful. Yet, we know Jesus wants to do more. To do that, we need your help.

This is a great time to consider year-end giving or further involvement in 2012.

We are currently 70% of the way to being self-supporting as a church. Our aim is to be fully self-sustaining by the fall of 2014. Until then we are dependent on the faithful giving of our members and the generous contributions of supporters throughout the country. If you have already been giving, thank you for your generosity and desire to see the Gospel take root in the heart of Seattle. You are a great encouragement to us. Whether you’ve given faithfully, or have yet to give, would you consider a year-end gift to Downtown Cornerstone? You can learn more about giving options here.

We know that apart from God’s grace, prayer and the sacrificial giving of his saints, this work would not be possible. Thank you for your generosity, love and support. Merry Christmas!

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.” (Ephesians 3:20)

On Sunday, December 11th we will celebrate our second round of baptisms as a newly forming church – we can’t wait! We invite you to join us at Court in the Square as we celebrate God’s grace in forgiving real sin, in the real lives of real people. To learn a bit more about baptism go here or email us at info@downtowncornerstone.org if you’re interested in being baptized. More information regarding our regular Sunday gatherings can be found here. Save the date!

Advent, beginning Sunday, November 27th, is a season of expectation and anticipation of Jesus’ joyful arrival on Christmas Day. Join us as we celebrate our coming King and continue our sermon series through the book of Acts.

Sunday, Dec 4th | 2nd week of Advent
> Baby dedication
> DCC Financial update

Sunday, Dec 11th | 3rd week of Advent
> Baptisms!

Sunday, Dec 18th | 4th week of Advent
> Deacon installations

Sunday, Dec 25th | Christmas
> Family-style service @ 10:00am, Court in the Square

More information regarding our regular Sunday gatherings can be found here.

“For unto [us] is born…a Savior.” (Luke 2:11)

PARKING WARNING: The LAST Seahawks Sunday home game will be this Sunday, November 27th so parking will again be an issue for our Sunday gathering. We recommend arriving early to help set-up, enjoying breakfast in Pioneer Square, or carpooling. Also, try parking on Yesler in between 2nd Ave & I-5, under the viaduct, or in the International District, all of which are just a short walk away from Court in the Square. Hope to see you there!

For more info about our Sunday gatherings, go here.

If you’re not busy on Thanksgiving morning, you’re invited (rain or shine!) to participate in DCC’s First Annual Turkey Bowl. We’ll gather near the playground on the south end of Judkins Park on Thanksgiving Day at 8:00am for festive fall foods, games for kids, and a friendly game of co-ed flag football for those interested. Basically, this is just a good reason to hang out on Thanksgiving amidst friends, lawn chairs, blankets, shouting fan(s), laughter and good food. Bring a favorite fall breakfast treat or drink to share (hot chocolate, cider, coffee, etc). Don’t forget to dress warm and invite friends!

Judkins Park is at 22nd Ave S and S Norman, click map below to get directions.

We recently added a Resources page to our website where you can find an ever-growing list of resources intended for the encouragement, edification and equipping of the saints of Downtown Cornerstone Church. Currently it houses our:

• Launch Documents
• Discipleship Group Starter
• Recommended Reading List
• Bible Reading Plan
• Cornerstone Community Lead Description & Application
• Volunteer Background Check

 
Check it out as we continue to update it with more resources!

Church planting is hard.

We need all the help we can get. The Launch Documents are a compilation of the various resources we created, synthesized or adapted during the Launch Community development phase (June-Dec 2010) of Downtown Cornerstone Church (DCC). Some of you will remember these! We formatted them for clarity and unity, but otherwise they were left untouched. Original sources are notated throughout, though admittedly there may be exceptions. Honestly, I can’t remember. We never planned to compile them. It’s messy…just like church planting.

Three Groups.

First, for those that are new to DCC who would like to better understand where we’ve been as a newly forming church. Second, for those that have been a part of DCC from the beginning who need a refresher. Third, for those that are planting a church (or involved in a church plant) and are looking for a resource on how to cultivate their initial launch community. This is not the way to do it, but it is how we did it. It looks polished and put together, but that’s not how it felt when we were in the thick of it.

Our timeline.

MAY ’10 We began with an initial prayer gathering which marked the start of our launch team recruitment and development. From there, we met every Sunday night and engaged the community on some level during the week (Happy Hours, service opportunities, city events, etc).

JUNE We took the first month (June) to discuss and debate our vision, mission and values (pp 5-22).

JULY-SEPT Then, we transitioned into a three month (July-Sept) study through the Gospel-Centered Life material from World Harvest Mission. This was crucial in setting a gospel-centered trajectory. We supplemented this material with tangible ways to live out our vision as a newly forming church (pp 23-26).

FALL ’10 In the fall of 2010 we held four preview gatherings. The first of these was a vision night for friends, family, neighbors, coworkers or anyone who was remotely interested in joining or supporting this work. We explored our core values over the course of the next three preview gatherings. We continued to meet as a launch community on the Sunday evenings in between. I also created a study that merged elements of Total Church, Tangible Kingdom and Gospel in Life (pp 27-66). After the “Loving the City to Life” material (pp 67-76) we transitioned into the next season.

JAN ’11 In January we went into “soft launch” mode with weekly Sunday semi-public gatherings in the AM.

APRIL On April 4th we marked our birth as a newly forming church in the heart of downtown Seattle.

Cultivate your first love.

Jesus gave us Great Commandments (Mat 22:36-40) and a Great Commission (Mat 28:18-20). Amidst the great joys and tribulations of planting, if you cultivate a vibrant relationship with Jesus, grow in community and mix-it up with non-Christians you’ll do well – and you and the city will be the better for it, no matter the outcome. Love God. Love people. Make disciples.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20

 
For Jesus’ Fame,
Pastor Adam

EDWARD SUMNER

What are you most excited about leading/ launching this community?
“I am most excited about growing in Christ, growing in Community, and engaging the culture with the Gospel in a way that is relevant and relational. There are many untrue paradigms in Seattle about what it means to be Christian and I’m excited about being part of the mission to undo them. I’m excited to be part of God’s story and to see it unfold.”

What do you love about community?
“Community is a place that I can be honest, transparent, known, and loved. I am grateful that I don’t have to polish myself up, say the right things, or get it all together before I show up. There are not many places or contexts in life when we can be fully ourselves and yet fully accepted, and Gospel centered community is that exception. I love that.”

What do you like to do for fun around the city?
“My daughter Brooke and I love to keep our feet moving these days and especially dig the zoo and walking most city sidewalks. Open grass fields, swings, slides, and forest trails to practice her hobbit skills are our hotspots away from the city.”

LEAH DANKERTSON

What are you most excited about hosting this community?
“God totally blessed me in leading me to this house and my roommates and am so excited to extend that not only to the folks at DCC, but to the neighbors, co-workers, and friends that we will meet and will join our community in the weeks and months to come! I’m eager for it to be a place that sees lots of laughter over meals, victory dances at game nights, strangers becoming friends, big bold prayer, and hearts healed and redeemed by Jesus.”

What do you love about community?
“Community is truly a gift. We all want to be seen and known and heard – even your most die-hard introverts long for this deep down – and God’s given us other people, to love us, hear us, see us, challenge us, rub us the wrong way, encourage our faith, and point us in the right direction…to the gospel.”

What do you like to do for fun around the city?
“When not waiting for or riding the bus, you can find me hanging out at a local coffeehouse (Zoka, Fremont Coffee Co. & Stumptown are personal faves), exploring surrounding neighborhoods with my camera, walking/running Greenlake, or trying out a new food truck or foodie craze.”

From beginning to end, God’s aim is to glorify Himself through a people He is calling out from all tribes of the world and all neighborhoods of Seattle through the gospel. He calls this community of people the church.

The Wallingford Community will be meeting regularly on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, in addition to our current communities that gather in the Denny Triangle, Commercial Core, Pioneer Square, West Seattle and Capitol Hill. To get connected to this newly forming community, email community@downtowncornerstone.org. To learn more about the other Cornerstone Communities please visit our Community page.

For more info about our Sunday gatherings, go here.

PIERCE & BONNIE MARTIN

What are you most excited about leading/ launching this community?
“We’re excited to be part of what the Lord is doing through DCC and the opportunity to see the Gospel spread on Capitol Hill! We’re also just big fans of the neighborhood in general. We love the diversity of people, culture, and all of the cool places to hang out (especially the ones we haven’t been to yet).”

What do you love about community?
“It’s definitely being part of a family, getting to know and walk with people and being known by them. It’s amazing and humbling to see what God can do with a small bunch of very imperfect people. It’s fun, sometimes awkward, and ultimately encouraging to see God’s story unfolded among his people.”

What do you like to do for fun around the city or in your hood?
“There’s not a lot that we don’t like to do. If you’re looking for us on Capitol Hill, your best bets are: a coffee shop, book store, Cal Anderson Park (especially the tennis courts), or any intriguing looking dining establishments. You also might spot us at a concert or two, Bonnie at a vintage clothing store, and me thumbing through records in any nearby music store.”

From beginning to end, God’s aim is to glorify Himself through a people He is calling out from all tribes of the world and all neighborhoods of Seattle through the gospel. He calls this community of people the church.

This Monday at 6:00pm the Capitol Hill Community will begin meeting regularly, in addition to our current communities that gather in the Denny Triangle, Commercial Core, Pioneer Square and West Seattle. To get connected to this newly forming community, email community@downtowncornerstone.org. To learn more about the other Cornerstone Communities please visit our Community page.

This month, our Prayer & Vision Night will occur on the third week of the month rather than the fourth due to Thanksgiving! Please join us at the Westin Building (6th & Virginia) on Thursday, November 17th @ 6:30pm, as we gather together for an evening of prayer, vision and worship. This event will occur in lieu of our normal weekly community rhythm, and will be an opportunity to go before our Father, asking Him to do what only He can do.

What will we do?

VISION: We’ll talk about where we are and where, by God’s grace, we are going.
WORSHIP: We’ll sing to the King.
PRAY: Most importantly, we’ll pray, asking God to do what only He can do.

“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven…’” (Mat 6:9)
“Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Mat 9:38)
“…that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Lk 18:1)

This Sunday, November 6th Daylight Savings will end, so don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour earlier (if it doesn’t automatically update) so you can arrive to the Sunday gathering on time. Please take note and spread the word.

For more info about our Sunday gatherings, go here.

• New Here
• Cornerstone Kids
• Sunday
• Leadership
• Baptism
• The City

 
The New Here page is a great landing page to direct friends and visitors to learn about Downtown Cornerstone. Plus, you can now log on to The City directly from our website by clicking The City banner or selecting “The City” in the Ministry drop-down menu. We hope these updates provide you with a more well-rounded view of what Jesus is doing in and through our church and how you can get involved. Please email us if you find any broken links or grammatical/spelling errors.

Thanks to all who came out on Thursday to be part of our Fall Vision Night! It was a great night of vision, song and prayer. There was much ground to be covered during our time from, “why plant?” to “why the city?” to “our story” to “what’s next?” Our hope was that everyone would catch a glimpse of what we believe Jesus’ is doing and, in turn, feel compelled to become a part of it. I hope our time served to stoke your affections for our King and your desire to live in a way that makes Him look as good as He is.

If you missed it, you can find the audio, slideshow and handout here.

THE STORY CONTINUES IN SEATTLE

This fall we will begin an adventure through the book of Acts. While the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell the story of what he “began to do” (Act 1:1),  the book of Acts tells the story of what Jesus continues to do by the Holy Spirit. It’s a story that continues to unfold to this day, in our city and the cities of the world. It is perhaps the most exciting book of the entire Bible as it recounts the days following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the foundation of the early church, the expansion of the gospel to the edges of the known world, and God’s powerful Kingdom-advancing work through unlikely people – people like us.

A THEOLOGICALLY PRACTICAL BOOK

Acts serves as the hinge of the New Testament, bridging the gospels with the letters, giving us insight into the personality of Paul and the context of all his writings. This incredible book also provides foundational insight into the areas of church planting, evangelism, the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, spiritual warfare, and the power of prayer. We’ll also encounter issues such as cultural engagement, church government, opposition of Satan, persecution from men, and the freedom, joy, and victory that are ours in Jesus as we follow Him. Not surprisingly, we’ll also learn more about the gospel, including the centrality of the resurrection, the importance of cities and the role of God’s people in its spreading. It’s going to be a great series.

JOIN US

So, we invite you to join us as we unpack Luke’s account of the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ from “Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Act 1:8) and discover our role as God’s people in God’s story in our great city. After all, the story continues…

Missed a Sermon? Visit the Media page or subscribe to our podcast.
Sundays @ 10:00AM
Court in the Square, 401 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Parking
Downtown parking is free on Sunday. Please allow time to secure street parking.
Children
Cornerstone Kids is provided for kids 1 to 6 years old.

For more information on our Sunday Gatherings email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org.

Downtown Cornerstone Church – 8.11.2011 Baptisms from Downtown Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.

On August 11th, 2011, we had the privilege and honor of holding our first baptisms as a newly forming church in the heart of downtown Seattle. Simply speaking, it was a powerful night.There were testimonies of God’s grace, great food and six baptisms. What a night! God has not called us to plant this church in order to merely build a great church – but to build a great city, from the avenues to the alley ways. That happens as individual lives are changed by Jesus and sent into the city armed with His message and mercy. Baptism marks that change and for that we rejoice.

God is doing far more abundantly…

God has been exceedingly gracious (Eph 3:20,21) to us as a newly forming Jesus-loving, gospel-centered, Bible-believing people in heart of our great city. We’re growing numerically, people are meeting and maturing in Jesus, more communities are needed, and sin is coming into the light of Jesus’ grace. The demand for more leaders has never been greater. It has been quite an adventure and we have only just started (literally).

Next Thursday…

Therefore, in light of all that God has done and (we believe) plans to do, we are gathering next Thursday, Sept 15th at 7:00pm, at Court in the Square (Pioneer Square) to launch into the next season of life together as we follow Jesus’ lead. We will sing, pray and celebrate. Topics for the evening will include:

• State of Downtown Cornerstone (ex. last 12 months, evidences of God’s grace, community news, financial update and new resources)
• Our mission, vision and values. What are we doing and where are we going?
• Our discipleship pathway. What does it look like to grow as a disciple of Jesus?
• Our top 3 areas of focus. How can I become part of Jesus’ mission through DCC?
• Our leadership. Who is helping to lead all of this?
• Q&A

Please plan to attend and be in prayer for our time together. May fall 2011 be the first of many falls we gladly and excitedly welcome for Jesus’ name and fame in this city and the cities of the world.

For those who are following us, thanks for your prayers and support. We invite you to view the slideshow below to get a snapshot of our time together on that beautiful Seattle summer night last week.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21

Join us this Thursday, August 11th @ 6:00pm, for our third and final BBQ of the summer plus baptisms!

Bring your friends, picnic essentials, summer games and your own meat for the grill. We will also be holding our first baptisms as a newly forming church in the heart of downtown. It’s going to be a memorable night on the Seattle waterfront. If you’re reading this, you’re invited.

LOCATION:  Myrtle Edwards Park, 3130 Alaskan Way W.  (Note location on map below)

PARKING/ACCESS: Parking is available on the street, close to south entrance below the sculpture park.
FOOD: Bring your own meat. Sides, desserts and hospitality provided by Cornerstone Communities.
RAIN? In case of rain we will redirect to an alternative indoor location. So far, so good.
QUESTIONS: Email Brad Lewis or call 206-718-6339

#1 Have you prayed about it?

No, really. Have you prayed about it? Oftentimes we assume that Jesus wants what we want. He might. Or, he might have something even better in mind – but, it may look entirely different than what you expect.

#2 Do they love Jesus?

Is it clear the church worships Jesus Christ? Is Jesus’ name mentioned regularly? Is the music sung to Jesus? Does the preaching center around the person and work of Jesus? Is Jesus not merely assumed, but demonstrably loved?

#3 Do they preach out of the Bible?

Is the Bible opened during the sermon? Is the sermon itself clearly taken from the text or just used as a launching pad for some other topic? Is it clear the Bible is loved and trusted as the Word of God?

#4 Is the gospel clearly presented?

The gospel is the good news that God became man in Jesus Christ to live our life and die our death, in our place, for the forgiveness of sin. Does the church believe and preach this? Is the gospel applied to both Christians and non-Christians?

#5 What happens beyond Sundays?

Don’t let Sunday define the church. There are six other days of the week. Some churches are able to pull off a big production every Sunday, but there is little depth otherwise. Others may have a weak Sunday presence, with great depth. Look beyond Sundays.

#6 Is the church on Jesus’ mission or their own?

Do you hear more about all the great things the church is doing or all the great things that Jesus is doing? Who has center stage? Is Jesus used to prop up the mission of the church? Or is the mission of the church to point to Jesus?

#7 What is the community like?

The church is a people, not a place. It can take time to get to know people. As you narrow down your options, I recommend taking one month to get involved in the life of a church before making a final decision. Get to know people. Meet the pastor(s). Join a community.

#8 How are you gifted to serve the church?

Keep in mind this search is not all about you. Jesus wants you to participate in his mission through the church. Where are your gifts most needed? Don’t merely look for what’s comfortable. Jesus cares more about who you are becoming than your comfort. We often want comfort, Jesus wants us to be like him.

#9 Does the church want to see people meet Jesus?

Does the church view itself as an outpost for the gospel? Is the church primarily focused on its programs or primarily focused on seeing the gospel form a new people on Jesus’ mission.

#10 Are you willing to make a decision and commit?

At some point, you’ll need to make a decision. Don’t make the process drag on for months and months. Prayerfully find a church. Get connected. Serve as you’ve been served in Christ. Extend grace towards the church as Jesus has extended grace towards you. Give generously to the church as Jesus generously gave himself for you.

Whatever you end up deciding, pray for every church you visit. Encourage the pastor, as appropriate. Don’t make this search an exercise in self-righteousness. Don’t search for the elusive perfect church. Approach with what you can give, not what you desire to take. Thank God for all that He is doing in your city and ask Him to do even more for His glory and the good of others.

On Thursday, August 11th, Downtown Cornerstone will be celebrating its first baptisms at Myrtle Edwards Park. We’ll light up the grills, play some beats, and celebrate the grace of God – most clearly seen in Jesus Christ – in baptism. Invite a friend. Bring some meat. Arrive expectant. Many of you may not be familiar with the act of baptism, so I prepared the following as a biblical brief.

The Gospel is the good news of the forgiveness of sin in Jesus Christ.

When we repent of our sin, trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation, we should be baptized (Mat 28:18-20; Acts 2:38) In baptism we identity with Jesus in his death (being immersed under water) and his resurrection to new life (being brought out of the water) for the forgiveness of sin (Rom 6:1-10; Col 2:12). It is outward symbolic act that demonstrates the inward reality of what God has accomplished on the cross through His Son. In so doing, we identify ourselves with Jesus (Acts 10:48; Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27), the universal church (1 Cor 12:13), and the local church (Acts 2:41).
Why should Christians be baptized?
Jesus commanded that all Christians be baptized (Mt 28:19).
Who should be baptized?
Every baptism in the New Testament is preceded by repentance of sin and faith in Jesus (Acts 2:38-41; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Acts 9:18-19; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 16:14-15, 40; Acts 16:29-36; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 22:16). In other words, only Christians who have repented of sin and have trusted in Jesus should be baptized. Therefore, all non-Christians and children too young to demonstrate repentance and articulate faith should be excluded.
May I be baptized if I have previously been baptized?
Once baptized there is no need to be baptized again (Eph 4:5). However, there is one exception, if you were baptized as a non-Christian and now desire to profess your faith in Him you may be baptized (Acts 19:1-5). This would include would include people who were baptized in cults and heretical churches, as well as those baptized as infants at the request of their parents. Downtown Cornerstone does not require those who were baptized as children to be baptized as believing adults, though encouraged, but leaves this decision to the conscience of each Christian.

If you would like to be baptized or if you have any additional questions, please contact Pastor Adam or your community leader.

If you’re just getting involved with Downtown Cornerstone, it’s important to know that one of the distinct challenges of church planting is ambiguity. Something is ambiguous if it is unclear or can be interpreted in a number of different ways. There can be many things that are unclear at a newly forming church. When you start anything from scratch – including churches – there will inevitably be much that is ambiguous. That’s normal. To thrive in a church plant you must be comfortable with varying levels of ambiguity or you will grow frustrated and disappointed.

To thrive in a church plant you must be comfortable with varying levels of ambiguity or you will grow frustrated and disappointed.

Even though Downtown Cornerstone “launched” on April 3rd, ambiguity remains. There is still much to be done and many questions to be answered, such as: When will we have more communities? What’s the long term plan for intentional life-on-life discipleship? Why do we do this and not this? How will we engage the arts and music scene? What will it look like to genuinely serve the city? When will we have training for evangelism? When will we have more elders, deacons, etc? When will we roll out the membership process? And more.

These are great questions. They are. Each question has a place in the queue and the overall strategy.
But, it is going to take some time.

Those who struggle with wanting to control their environment and have all of the answers (like me!) in advance will have a hard time with ambiguity. But, the answer isn’t necessarily to find an environment where you’re comfortable, with all questions answered, but to ask the Father what He wants to do in and through you in this season. The church is a people, not a place, and this is an exciting opportunity for you to use your God-given gifts for the mission of God as He builds His church.

Maybe none of you struggle with this. Maybe I’m the only one. But, I suspect not. When faced with ambiguity we have the choice of leaning into control or leaning into Christ. In the end, Christ is the only non-ambiguous element of this church and our lives. If we’re honest, that’s true no matter where we are. How gracious of our Father to use the ambiguity of this season to push us to deeper trust, love and dependence on King Jesus – and love, patience, and kindness towards others.

His promise is great, “He makes everything beautiful in its time”, even amidst the ambiguity.

But, he starts with us.

Goals are objectives under your control; desires are not.

For example, if you want to see 50 people baptized in the next year, that would be a desire but not a goal because you cannot control the outcome. You can influence the outcome, but not control it. In this case, your desire is to baptize 50 people in the next year. Your goals, however, should be directly tied to whatever will most likely help bring your desire about (e.g. gospel-centered sermons, intentional prayer, cultivating missional communities, equipping your people to live with gospel intentionality, teaching on baptism, etc). In this way, we work toward our goals and pray for our desires.

We WORK toward our goals and PRAY for our desires.

When we confuse goals and desires it can easily lead to pride and arrogance (because we subtly believe we can control people, like God) or depression and bitterness (because we’re trying, and failing, to control something that is outside our control). But, when we keep this distinction in mind it reminds us we’re responsible to work wisely toward our goals while trusting deeply in God who offers us the true desires of our heart.

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps 37:3-4

* I picked this up at the Global Church Advancement training in Orlando, Florida. This particular material was delivered in a session by Steve Childers, Priorities – The Main Thing. If you’re an aspiring church planter, or within the first two years, I highly recommend this conference.

All this, of course, comes at a cost, so I recommend:

• Utilizing the library
• Checking for free copies online (particularly for the classics)
• Purchase electronic versions to save $
• Buys books together to share, discuss and pass along

As I note in the attachment, its important to read critically. While we do not necessarily fully endorse everything in every book listed here, every book listed has something to offer. The list is not exhaustive, but my hope is that these books serve as tools in cultivating us as a God-saturated, Gospel-centered, and Christ-exalting people. Enjoy.

Would love to hear how it goes.

DOWNLOAD THE DCC RECOMMENDED READING LIST HERE

Sunday Follow-Up

On Sunday (06.12) we unpacked Paul’s doxology (Eph 3:20-21) that marked the end of the first half of Ephesians. Next week we’ll begin our journey through the latter half of the book that addresses practical principles related to what a Christian life should look like. You’ll be able to grab the sermon here once it’s posted.

Supporting Scriptures

During the sermon today, I referenced that I would post the scriptures that refer to God’s greatness that I quoted. Here they are:

Isa 40:26 “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power…”
Hebrews 1:3 “Jesus…upholds the universe by the word of his power”
Eph 1:11 “Jesus…works all things according to the counsel of his will.”
Ps 93:1-2 “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty…”
Ps 145:5 “On the glorious splendor of your majesty…I will meditate”
2 Peter 1:16 (of Jesus) “we were eyewitnesses of his majesty…”
Deut 7:21 “Great and awesome”
Job 9:4 “He is…mighty in strength”
Job 42:1-2 “‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted’”
Ps 24:8 “the Lord strong and mighty”
Ps 115:3 “our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases”
Ps 135:6 “Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps”

Isa 14:27 “For what the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it?”
Isa 46:10 “‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’”
Jer 32:17-19a “It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you…
”
Luke 1:37 “Nothing will be impossible w/ God.”
 (angel responding to Mary)
Mat 19:26 “With men this is impossible, but w/ God all things are possible.” (Jesus speaking to disciples)

Meditating on the Greatness of God

This week, I encourage you to meditate on these texts of scripture that specifically relate to the greatness of God. I also recommend checking out Psalm 139, Isaiah 40, Jer 32:16-44 and Job 38-42. On meditation, JI Packer helps:

“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying oneself, the various things that one know about the works and ways and purposes and promises of god. It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.” (JI Packer, Knowing God, 23)

Charnock on God’s Greatness

Also, for those interested, here is the quote from Steven Charnock that I referenced towards the end of the sermon:

“Wisdom and power are the ground of the respect we give to men; they being both infinite in God, are the foundation of a solemn honour to be returned to him by his creatures. If a man make a curious engine, we honour him for his skill; if another vanquish a vigorous enemy, we admire him for his strength; and shall not the efficacy of God’s power in creation, government, redemption, inflame us with a sense of the honour of his name and perfections! We admire those princes that have vast empires, numerous armies, that have a power to conquer their enemies, and preserve their own people in peace; how much more ground have we to pay a mighty reverence to God, who, without trouble and weariness, made and manages this vast empire of the world by a word and beck! What sensible thoughts have we of the noise of thunder, the power of the sun, the storms of the sea! These things, that have no understanding, have struck men with such a reverence that many have adored them as gods. What reverence and adoration doth this mighty power, joined with an infinite wisdom in God, demand at our hands” (Steven Charnock, The Existence and Attributes of God, 429).

We believe our Heavenly Father answers prayer.

Though we’ve taken a break from posting prayer updates, we haven’t ceased to pray. Just the opposite. The winter was an important season for us as we transitioned to weekly Sunday worship gatherings, multiplied our communities, cultivated missional and ministry health and prepared to launch – which we did on Sunday, April 3rd. Our Father has been faithful every step of the way, providing people, leadership, finances and meetings spaces in his sovereign perfect timing.

What’s Next?

Now we’re moving into our next stage of development as we aim to roll out informal life-on-life discipleship group options, continue to focus on gospel intentionality (w/ an emphasis on evangelism), church partnership (aka membership), leadership development and more. But, amidst all this, our vision remains the same. We want to see the city, from the avenues to the alley ways, connected in real, vibrant, holistic, passionate faith to Christ – the God of this city.

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 last several months:

• Answered Prayer #1 (Launch Team) 
For months we’ve prayed for roughly 50 people to commit to partner in planting this new gospel work (aka Launch Team). We saw that happen, just in time for our public launch on April 3rd. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #2 (Worship Lead)
 Again, for months we’ve prayed for a worship leader to help lead our people in corporate song, build bands and work to create a sound that leads redeemed Seattlites in songs of praise to our King. Through several random events and chance encounters we witnessed God do just that in February. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #3 (Gathering Space)
Four days prior to the start of our weekly Sunday worship gatherings we discovered we would not be able to use the space we were counting on. By the grace of God we secured a perfect transitional meeting space in an old antique mall, next to the Underground Tour, in Pioneer Square. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #4 (Permanent Space)
But, the antique mall space was only available through March. So, we continued asking Jesus to give us a space that would be central, more visible (at least street level!), affordable and flexible. In March we signed an agreement with Court in the Square that fulfills our requests and more. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #5 (People who are not-yet-following Jesus)
This winter we also a dramatic increase in folks that do not yet follow Jesus starting to share life with us, ask questions, be honest, and become part of our community. One received Christ last month. We are working hard to create an culture where we’re inviting people into our lives, not just inviting them to events. It’s working. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #6 (Avenues to the alley-ways)
From the beginning, we believed Jesus was calling us to plant a church for those from the avenues to the alley-ways. Now we are watching Him move as he creates a diverse church from all walks of life, socioeconomic strata and backgrounds. It is one of my greatest joys to watch homeless men and executives worshipping Jesus together. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #7 (Networking)
I continue to meet as many people as I possibly can to learn about what God is already doing in Seattle. He’s already at work in the city, going before us, and we’re humbled to participate. I’ve met some great people and so far we’re experiencing favor in the city. One of the results is that we’re seeing people join us who have never participated in a church before. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #8 (April)
After many months of moving, vision casting, networking, praying, serving, planning and sharing the gospel we had a climatic April. On April 3rd we launched. The following week we were welcomed into the Acts 29 Network. Then, just two weeks later, we held our first-ever Good Friday/Easter gatherings. It has been an encouraging fruit-bearing month. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #9 (Family Update)
Amidst all of this, the Lord has been exceedingly gracious to the Sinnett family. In March we celebrated Macy‘s (2) and Carter’s (4) birthdays. In April we celebrated Jen’s birthday, along with the birth of our new baby girl, Ella Faith. Not only was Ella’s birth a miracle, Jen was not required to be on bed rest for any part of the pregnancy (as she was w/ Macy). Jen and Ella are doing great. We’ve also recently sold two cars and purchased another. As always, more than we can handle, but never more than He can. Thank you for your prayers for our family…and thank you, Jesus.

For the next quarter, please pray:

• We would continue to be a church marked by a deep love for Jesus, pouring out into mission.
• Many souls will be saved and lives transformed through this new gospel work – starting this summer.
• We’d experience favor in Seattle.
• All of our financial needs will be provided for. Praying we can be self-sustaining by the end of 2011.
• That Jesus-loving, talented musicians and artists would continue to join this work.
• Seattle would be loved, served, challenged and changed through the gospel.
• Many Gospel-centered Jesus-loving churches would be planted through DCC.
• Practically, that we’d have wisdom to lead, love, plan, rest and work well.

Thank you for your prayers and support!
Because the Tomb is Empty,

Pastor Adam

Downtown Cornerstone is not just interested in holding events but for 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.

Two New Communities Starting Next Week.

Next week we will plant two additional Cornerstone Communities, Pioneer Square (Tuesdays @ 6pm) and West Seattle (Thursdays @ 6pm). These will be in addition to our current communities that gather in the Denny Triangle (Tuesdays @ 6pm) and the Commercial Core (Thursdays @ 6pm). To get connected to one of these newly forming communities, email us at info@downtowncornerstone.org. To learn more about Cornerstone Communities, how to get involved and what to expect visit our COMMUNITY page.

This Friday we remember Good Friday @ 7pm. It will be a paradoxical night; an unhappy celebration. It is a day of intense sadness mixed with intense gladness. It will be both uncomfortable and convicting as we reflect on the depth of our sin and the amazing love of our God who died for us.

Then, on Easter Sunday @ 10am, we’ll celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In the words of Graeme Goldsworthy, “The resurrection was the Father’s ‘Amen’ to the finished work of Christ.”

In order to prepare your heart for this weekend, I encourage you to consider what is now true of you in Jesus – if indeed you do trust Him – in light of the events we celebrate this weekend. If not, he invites you to be reconciled to Him according to his rich mercy, lavish grace and great love. For all who turn from their lives of self-centeredness to Jesus are now…

…victorious over Satan, sin and death (1 Cor 15:57; 2 Cor 9:15; Rom 7:23-25; 2 Cor 2:14)
…adopted by God (Eph 1:5; Rom 8:15) as God’s children (Jn 1:12; 1 Jn 3:1,2).
…made friends of God (Jn 15:15) and saints (Eph. 1:1).
…complete (Col. 2:10).
…hidden with Jesus in God (Col. 3:3) .
…seated with him in the heavenly kingdom (Eph. 2:6).
…established, chosen and made holy (2Cor. 1:21-22).
…forever in the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39).
…free from any charges against you (Rom. 8:31-34).
…assured that all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28).
…forever free from being ruined (Rom. 8:1-2).
…saved from and forgiven of all your sins (Col. 1:14).
…able to go freely and confidently (Eph 3:12) to God the Father through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
…a recipient of grace and mercy in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
…fully reconciled to God (2Cor 5:18)
…able to do all things through him who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13).
…bought with a price and belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and
…free from the devil (1John 5:18) with authority over him (Col 2:14-15; 1 Jn 3.8)
…at peace with God (Rom. 5:1)
…in one spirit with God (1 Cor. 6:17).
…God’s co-worker (2 Cor. 6:1; 1 Cor. 3:9), God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16) and personal witness (Acts 1:8).
…chosen to bear fruit (John 15:16) as a branch of the true Vine (John 15:1-5)
…a member of his body (1 Cor. 12:27; Rom 12).
…called to bring people together for God (2 Cor. 5:17-21)
…able to participate in his unfolding story of redemption (Mt. 28:18-20)
…sent as Jesus was sent (John 17:18).
…perfectly and completely loved. (Rom 5:7-8; Jn 3:16; Eph 1:7, 5:2, 5.25)
…no longer under God’s wrath (Gal 3:13; Rom 3:25; 1 Jn 4:10)
…declared “Not Guilty!” (Rom 5:9, 3:24, 3:28)
…reconciled to God and others. (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:28; Eph 2:16; Col 1:20)
…entirely cleansed and forgiven. (Eph 1:7; Mt 26:28; Ps 103:12)
…free from the fear of death. (Heb 2:14-15)
…part of God’s people, the church. (Lk 9:23; Mt 10:38; Rev 5:9; Jn 10:16)
…free from slavery to sin (Rev 1:5-6; Heb 13:12)
…brought home to God (Rom 5:10; 1 Peter 3:18;  Eph 2:13; Rom 7:4; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Acts 20:28)
…declared 100% righteous (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 5:19; Phil 3:9)
…a recipient of eternal life…which is knowing him. (Jn 3.16; John 17:3)

We call this the Gospel. Good news, in fact world-altering, history-shaping, eternity-securing news, to people in great need of it.

Last week we received news that Downtown Cornerstone is officially a full-member of the Acts 29 Network. Acts 29 exists to train, resource, assess and network like-minded church planters around the world. You can read the interview with Pastor Adam HERE.

——

“Acts 29 is seeking to get behind the men who are planting churches by:

• covenanting with them under the gospel
• training missional leaders formally and informally
• networking with men in different denominations and networks for the kingdom good of the city,
• resourcing planters with the tools they need to develop in a healthy manner
• multiplying the gospel through church-planting as a means to make disciples of all nations
• inspiring them as Spirit-empowered leaders, united with this gospel community of Acts 29 churches, on mission together for the glory of God.

Acts 29 is not a model or a style. We have classical church plants with a preacher and a congregation, we have video-delivered sermons, we have missional community models, replants, and existing churches that want to plant churches with us. We seek to be a movement of church-planting networks – that is, decentralized and empowered networks to lead men of all different types of churches in order to make disciples of all people groups.” (HT: Acts 29 Network)

Good Friday, April 22nd @ 7:00pm
Join us on Good Friday, April 22nd @ 7pm, for a simple, somber, and contemplative service remembering the night Jesus Christ was betrayed, crucified and buried. We’ll reflect on the account of that history-changing evening through story, song and prayer. This gathering is highly recommended as a significant preparatory work for your heart prior to Easter. Cornerstone Kids
will be provided.

Easter, April 24th @ 10:00am
Following our Good Friday gathering, be sure to join us on Easter morning, April 24th @ 10am, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a friend, a family member, a visiting tourist or a curious local, we invite you to celebrate Jesus’ defeat of Satan, sin and death with us. It’s going to be great Easter morning of vibrant worship and practical teaching in the heart of the city.

WHERE:
Court in the Square
401 2nd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
WHEN:
Good Friday @ 7pm
Easter Sunday @ 10am
PARKING:
Parking downtown is free on Sundays, so there is no cost to park. However, do leave additional travel time to secure a parking spot on the street.
WILL CHILDREN’S MINISTRY BE PROVIDED?
Yes, Cornerstone Kids will be provided for kids 6 months to 6 years old.
MORE INFO:
For more information on our Sunday Gatherings email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org

This means our new life as a Jesus-following, gospel-loving, God-glorifying, city-focused people has only just begun. This is really the first in a series of successive “launches” (over the next several years) as we follow Jesus’ lead in deeply planting this church in the soil of the gospel in the city. I hope you’re excited, thankful and expectant. If you’re tracking our progress and supporting us from outside the church, please continue to ask our Father to shape us into a worshiping and witnessing people.

Be sure to set aside time to thank Jesus this week for all that He has done and is doing. He has been exceedingly good to us.

A church is born from Downtown Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.

In the beginning of the book of Acts, Jesus’ disciples are in the upper room waiting for the promised Holy Spirit.

We’re told there were about 120 of them (Acts 1:15). Jesus had already risen from the grave. He already commissioned them on His mission to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), armed with the gospel. He then ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9). They were now waiting for God to show up, to provide further direction and to empower them for His mission. Imagine what was going through their minds as they waited for what God was going to do next. The questions. The uncertainties. The excitement. The fears. The hopes. Though we now have ready access to the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ, as a newly forming church we find ourselves in much the same place.

Ten months ago a small group of us began praying.

We began by asking God what kind of church He wanted planted in the heart of downtown Seattle.

• What would it value?
• What would it be about?
• How would it engage the city?
• How would it connect the people of the city to Jesus?
• How would it effectively express the message and mercy of Jesus?
• How would it make Him look as good as He really is?

So, we started praying, networking, serving, and sharing the Gospel. People began to hear what we were doing, some moved downtown to join us. We met in conference rooms, apartments, coffee shops and office buildings. People found us via word-of-mouth. People found us online (web, Facebook, Twitter). Some even found us on accident (though, we know it was no accident).

We continued to do the only things we knew how to do: praying, serving, building relationships, and sharing the gospel.

Over time we began seeing incredible answers to prayer, supernatural provision, and new relationships being formed. God was creating a new Jesus-following people in the city.  Then, two months ago we began weekly gatherings, multiplied communities, grew our launch team, cultivated missional and ministry health and identified a more permanent place to gather. Jesus was clearly going before us in building His church.

Now, on the verge of launching, we’re already seeing people begin to follow Him, babies being born, a couple getting married, people from around the country (and world!) are getting connected, and people from the avenues to the alley ways are worshiping Jesus together.

Our mission is clear. We exist to build a great city through the gospel of Jesus for God’s glory. That means we exist to be a people who deeply love Jesus and deeply love the people of this city. A great city will be built as the people of this city are connected to Him.

Our launch as a church is this Sunday. God has led the way, opening doors, creating opportunities and laying roads where there were none. He is forming a new people that are Gospel-centered, Jesus-loving, and city-focused. But, what exactly is next? We don’t know. But, what we do know is this: Our God is good and He is faithful and he is sending us to into this city and the cities of the world with the message and mercy of Jesus.

We invite you to join us as we continue to follow Jesus’ lead in building a great city through the gospel for the glory of God.

Join us on Sunday (04/03) to celebrate what He has already done and anticipate what He will do.

We are also very thankful for the hospitality shown to us by the Underground Tour over the last (nearly) three months. Take a tour if you get a chance. It’s brilliant.

Discipleship is a process that encompasses receiving Christ to growing to maturity in Christ. While it is true the primary goal of starting new churches is to connect people to Christ, it is essential to have growing, faith-filled, maturing believers fueling the engine of passionate, loving, winsome service and evangelism. The church planting environment is ideal for developing mature followers of Christ because it is faith-stretching and refining in every way for everyone involved.

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28

I recently asked our launch team how they’ve been stretched, challenged and grown because of their involvement in this church plant. What follows are snapshots of that encouraging exercise. Maybe it will encourage you to join us or another church plant.

What follows is an anatomy of a church plant:

“God’s teaching me that life (especially in a church plant) isn’t going to be perfectly clean, smooth, and tidy…God is shattering this lie, showing me that life is rough around the edges, he is the best hero I could have at the center, and I need to live out of my heart instead of trying to control every piece of fruit that comes out of me.”

“God, in His grace, has used this new church planting season, a season of being “squeezed,” to show me what comes gushing out of my own heart. And as I look at where I have been, I will be ever grateful and thankful that the fire and heat God brought brings truth to light and my dross to the surface!”

“Missions is every believers calling. I haven’t really understood this reality until being called out of comfort into a city filled with sin, sinners (including me) and a field white unto harvest. God hasn’t called me to a different country, but He has called me to be a missionary. A missionary right where I live…”

“God has shown me I take many facets of my life for granted, and give them far more value and worth than I realized. From switching jobs, to moving, to old circles of friends:  only when it came time to let go, did I see how much I wanted to cling to them.  What a joy to replace false foundations with the promises of God.”

“Jesus is challenging me to create space for him to redefine what coming to church on Sunday may look like as well as community. The end goal isn’t getting a bunch of people to have an emotional experience, accept christ and fill a building every sunday and attend a bible study once a week.”

“Jesus is inviting me to push into the body of believers and share life fully with them as we together share life fully with the city. Practically this has been putting Jesus first and truly casting out idols.”

“Not a week passes where I haven’t been completely rocked. Really pushing into community and family is scary because they see my sins and sometimes they hurt me and sometimes I hurt them. Experiencing true grace is life transforming.”

“In the process of following Jesus, what I have seen without fail, is that God is faithful and that’s no exception with Downtown Cornerstone Church.  His word never comes back empty and you can bank on every one of his promises!”

“He has taught me that making the main thing (loving God and people) should be the focus of His people. He has shown me the truth that we are His ambassadors and that He lovingly pursues people through us. He has stretched me in my dependancy on him. To live less for myself and more to love others. To be motivated by love to love. To believe his promises are true that to be spent for others is a life well spent.”

“God is continuing to teach us how to orient our lives in a way that while still not easy, makes us more readily available to say “yes” to His radical call of discipleship. I am so appreciative for this opportunity to do His Kingdom work by helping plant DCC in downtown Seattle, because it’s often quite uncomfortable and God is growing me in that.”

“Planting a new church requires a level of reliance for the simple things (Who will come?  Where will we meet?  Who will pay for it?  Who will run it?  Who will serve?) that makes God’s hand of provision and His responses to prayer very apparent.  It’s exciting, and it’s why I love being a part of new works, like DCC, that God is starting  It’s awesome to see Him at work, and His heart revealed as we pursue those around us because of His love, and [for me,] with renewed passion…because I’m being challenged.”

“This year, I have been convicted of a lack of true love for people. Living and being around lots of people constantly, has forced me to engage and love people in ways that was easier said than done. I am truly thankful that Jesus continues to pursue, love, and engage me at my worst, proverbially homeless, and without hope.”

“I have found it challenging to operate in a community as small as ours. With so few people there is no place to hide my crap. If I show up then people notice me. This is also true if I fail to show up. Each person’s work or lack there of is noticed. I have discovered my walk has been one governed by the “minimum effective dose.” I am moving towards being all in. God wants the best of my first and not the best of what’s left.”

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:12

Yesterday, Japan’s Prime Minister said this is the toughest crisis Japan has faced since World War II. In light of the recent tragic events in Japan following a 8.9 earthquake, numerous aftershocks, a tsunami, and potential nuclear problems we must ask: How do we help? We’re still a newly forming people with little resources, but we can give of what we do have.

World Vision: text “4japan” to 20222 to send a $10 donation
World Relief: text “WAVE” to 50555 to send a $10 donation
Churches Helping Churches: I’ve also heard CHC is preparing a response. Stay tuned.

Please pray that God would use what is tragic to glorify his name and bring joy to the people of Japan.
That is, after all, his specialty.

April 3rd | Launch Sunday!

On Sunday, April 3rd, you are invited to celebrate the birth of Downtown Cornerstone Church, a new gospel work in the heart of downtown Seattle. Over the past ten months we have prayed, moved, planned, served, and gathered a community of people who desire to follow Jesus and bring his message and mercy to our great city.

Therefore, we are taking one Sunday to publicly mark our birth as a church, recount His faithfulness, and consider His work ahead. While our primary concern is how we end; where we start matters. We hope you will join us as we follow Jesus’ lead in building a great city through the gospel for the glory of God.

This Sunday is just the beginning. Let’s continue to ask Him to do what only He can.

Check out our Vision and About pages for more information on our vision, mission and values.

Details:

WHERE:
Court in the Square
401 2nd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
WHEN:
Every Sunday @ 10am, beginning March 27th, 2011
PARKING:
Parking downtown is free on Sundays, so there is no cost to park. However, do allow additional travel time to secure a parking spot on the street.
WILL CHILDREN’S MINISTRY BE PROVIDED?
Yes, Cornerstone Kids will be provided for kids 6 months to 6 years old.
MORE INFO:
For more information on our Sunday Gatherings email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org

We want to see spiritual, social and cultural renewal take place in Seattle. But, what does that actually look like?

This is the third, and last, in a series of blogs that will answer that question.

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

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

What does a socially renewed Seattle look like?

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

• There are increasing levels of forgiveness, patience and reconciliation happening between classes and races (individuals, families, neighborhoods and institutions)
• The “elites” of Seattle are repenting of their ambivalence and, in turn, getting involved with the needs of the people and neighborhoods of the city.
• There are hundreds of cooperative efforts between the “haves” and “have-nots” bringing revitalization throughout the city.
• There is a significant decline in wage theft among immigrant populations (a significant issue in Seattle)
• The practice of human trafficking in Seattle is completely eradicate
• Strong marriages are increasingly honored without ostracizing aging singles (the fastest growing population segment in the US)
• Hurting marriages and families are being healed.
• There are strong, high quality, schools provided for all children of the city (e.g. no difference between south and north Seattle).
• Child abuse is experiencing a radical decline.
• Sex between a married man and woman is viewed as beautiful; while the sex industry is shutting down.

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

Roughly 2,000 years ago the city of Athens was a hub of commerce, philosophy, law and literature. It was a city of beauty, intellect and cultural savvy where people would “spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” (Acts 17:21) It was in this creative, pluralistic and thoughtful context the Apostle Paul provided a reasoned response to the Athenians questions about Jesus Christ’s person and work, today known as Christianity. (Acts 17:16,17)

Athens was much like Seattle is today, a hotbed for technology, religious pluralism, and intellectual pride; where the talk of the town ranges from the new iPad release to the starting line-up of the Sounders FC to the viaduct controversy. Amidst all this, there are also many thoughtful, practical and genuine questions about the claims of Christianity. But are there reasoned answers to those questions? Yes.

We invite you to join us this Sunday, March 6th @ 10am, as we unfold a reasoned response to the top four questions Seattlites have about Christianity. The responses may surprise you.

• Sunday, March 6th | God: How can you know whether God exists?
• Sunday, March 13th | Bible: Why should I read the Bible as revelation from God?
• Sunday, March 20th | Suffering: How can a good God allow so much injustice?
• Sunday, March 27th | Judgment: How can a loving God send people to Hell? Note: Venue Change

No pretension, no religiosity, no bait-and-switch. Just real people, exploring real issues, and worshiping a real God.

WHERE:
The Pioneer Building (next to underground tour)
600 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
Exception: On Sunday, March 27th, we will gather at our new location, Court in the Square.
WHEN:
Every Sunday @ 10am, beginning March 6th through March 27th, 2011.
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 6 years old.
MORE INFO:
For more information on our Sunday Gatherings email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org

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

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

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

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

What does a culturally renewed Seattle look like?

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

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

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

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

But, what does that actually look like? This is the first in a series of blogs that will answer that question. God’s ultimate aim is his glory (Mt 6:9, cf 1 Cor 10:31). And He makes his glory known through His kingdom (Mt 6:10a), which exists wherever He rules over human hearts submitted to Him by faith.  And His primary plan for making His invisible kingdom visible is through the Church (Mt 6:10b; Eph 3:10). And the Church receives power for this work through the Gospel (Mt 6:11;13; Rom 1:16). In other words, the glory of God is made known through the invisible kingdom being made visible through the Church, empowered by the Gospel. Therefore, seeking the spiritual, social and cultural renewal of Seattle is nothing more than making the invisible kingdom visible in every sphere of life.

What does a spiritually renewed Seattle look like?

Downtown Cornerstone is committed to building a great city, not just a great church.  Yet, these two are not opposed. A great church will build a great city. So, practically speaking, what does it look like to spiritually renew Seattle? Not through imperialistic, patronizing, holier-than-thou tactics; but through the faithful presence of Jesus’ followers in the city. What follows are some examples of what spiritual renewal will look like in Seattle. In a spiritually renewed Seattle:

• There is a clear and powerful proclamation of the Gospel of grace that spreads through the city that replaces religious legalism and irreligious liberalism.
• There are testimonies of changed lives known throughout the city.
• There is greater openness in Seattle to the claims of Jesus and the Gospel.
• There are churches being planted in every one of Seattle’s major neighborhoods – and planters sent out of Seattle to unreached peoples around the globe.
• There is revitalization and new life within existing, established churches.
• There is supernatural unity, cooperation and love within and between churches.
• There is a balanced outreach of word and deed is meeting the needs of the city.
• There is a sense that the Church would genuinely be missed should it no longer exist in Seattle.

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

Every January, without fail, the blogosphere is filled with lists and recommendations for books to read, things to do and places to go in the coming year. In order to avoid the new year blitz, I’ve waited until Febuary. There are still eleven months left in 2011, right? I regularly get asked, “What can I read to learn more about urban ministry?” There are many books on urban ministry. I propose the following list which addresses various areas important to cultivating a healthy newly forming urban church. It just so happens these correspond to what we most value.

Jesus

ESV Study Bible
Jesus Storybook Bible (kids 2+ years old)
The Rhyme Bible Storybook (kids 0-2 years old)

Gospel

The Gospel Centered Life (World Harvest)
The Prodigal God, Tim Keller

City

Theology as Big as the City, Ray Bakke
Cities of God, Rodney Stark

Church & Mission

Total Church, Tim Chester & Steve Timmis
Tangible Kingdom, Hugh Halter & Matt Smay

Renewal

Ministries of Mercy, Tim Keller
Generous Justice, Tim Keller
You Can Change, Tim Chester
Culture Making, Andy Crouch

Multiplication

Church Planting Movements, David Garrison

“Do I have to move downtown in order to partner with Downtown Cornerstone?” That’s a common question. The simple answer is, “No.” Our aim is to connect urban dwellers (approximately 60,000) and urban workers (approximately 250,000) to Christ. While many have moved downtown, others live anywhere from Auburn (South) to Lynnwood (North). What we all share is a common love for the city and for Jesus.

While we highly encourage you to consider moving in order to promote the faithful presence of Christ through his people in the urban core, it is not expected nor required. Whether you follow, are curious, or are skeptical of Jesus – and love Seattle – we invite you to join us in community or Sundays at 10:00AM downtown. Who knows? Maybe you’ll feel compelled to follow Jesus’ lead and partner with us in planting this church – maybe even move.

I don’t know about you, but I love new beginnings.

This year is no different. As many of you know, we are a newly forming church in the downtown core of Seattle. We exist to build a great city through the gospel of Jesus for God’s glory. In other words, we love Seattle and not only want to build a great church, but a great city. As we enter into 2011 we’re entering into a new season as a church plant. This is an important stretch as we make final preparations for a healthy launch, while avoiding a premature birth. There is a lot happening and I can’t wait to see how our Great King moves.

Grace in 2010

Jesus has been gracious to us from drawing people, to providing design, to offering web help, to moving many to fund this new work, to finding space(s) for us to gather in and more – He has provided for His people. It was only several months ago we hosted a dinner to celebrate the first 15 people to commit to the Downtown Cornerstone Launch Team; now, we have nearly 40. Only last month we were meeting in a conference room of a highly secured building; as of last week we are on the ground in the middle of Pioneer Square. Only last week, we were gathering as one community; as of this week we are multiplying for the first time (with two more on the horizon). Jesus is building his church.

“The Last Trimester”

At times the process of church planting is compared to pregnancy. As of this past Sunday, Downtown Cornerstone is in the last trimester of planting (coincidentally – or maybe not – the Sinnett family is also entering into our last trimester with a baby girl due in April). We’re public, but we’re still getting things figured out. We’re taking this winter to (1) ensure missional and ministry health, (2) multiply communities and (3) grow our Launch Team (see below). That means our Sunday gatherings won’t be perfect, but our God will be – week after week. If you notice a hole, it’s there for you to fill. Thank you.

Weekly Sunday Gatherings

Beginning on January 16th we began a new weekly series examining who Jesus claims to be. We’re starting with Who Jesus Is because if Jesus is who he said he was that changes everything for us today – and forever. You can learn more about the new series HERE. You can learn more about our new, but temporary, space in the Pioneer building (600 1st Ave) HERE.

Cornerstone Communities

Downtown Cornerstone is not just interested in holding events but for 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. To learn more or to join a Cornerstone Community go HERE.

Launch Team

A “church” is a group of people; not a place or building.  Therefore, because a church is a people, churches are planted by groups of people; not solitary, isolated pastors. We call that group of people the Launch Team. Church planting is not easy. True to its name, church planting is much like planting a field for harvest, requiring substantial preparation, inordinate patience and supernatural perseverance. It is thrilling, yet daunting. Yet, the glorious harvest is well worth the pain, heartache and challenge endured along the way. We encourage you to prayerfully consider joining the Launch Team. God calls particular people, not all people, and each one of us must decide through prayer, sober-assessment and wise counsel whether this is the right move. The importance of the initial launch team cannot be understated. In subtle, and not-so-subtle, ways this group will determine the culture of Downtown Cornerstone for years to come. Our hope, this winter, is to grow our launch team to 50-75 people and prepare for a launch celebration on Sunday, April 3rd.

It’s an exciting season. Let’s continue to ask God to do what only He can do in 2011. I pray that “as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” (2 Cor 4:15)

New Location!

By God’s grace, and favor of several good neighbors in Pioneer Square, we have located a place to gather for the next three months. We will meet in an old antique mall (next to the Underground Tour) in the Pioneer building. It is a perfect space for us in this season as we grow our launch team, multiply communities and aim for a healthy launch. You can go here for more information on how to get involved. If you have any questions email info@downtowncornerstone.org.

The address is: 600 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Work Party. Saturday, Jan 15th @ 10AM.

It is the most important question any of us could seek an answer to. Without a doubt he is the most significant, polemical, and influential person to ever walk on this planet. More songs are sung to him, books written about him and lives changed by him than anyone in human history. Our calendar revolves around his arrival, kingdoms are created and conquered in his name, and the book (i.e. the Bible) describing his life, death and resurrection is the best-seller of all time.

There is no question why there is such controversy and confusion around this man. Christians say he is God. Muslims say he was a prophet. Mormons say he was a good man who became a god. Jehovah’s Witness’ say he was just a man. Buddhists say he was an enlightened one. Jews say, at best, he was a great teacher and, at worst, a deceiver. Who is Jesus?

It is impossible to escape him and foolish to ignore him. No matter who you ask, or where you live, you must deal with Jesus of Nazareth. Many have have speculated, but what did Jesus say about who he was, why he came and how we are to respond? Those are the questions we must ask. Therefore, this winter we invite you to join us as we explore Who Jesus Is: The Seven I Am’s of Jesus on Sundays at 10:00AM.

• Sunday, January 16th I Am the Bread of Life (John 6:25-35; 48-59)
• Sunday, January 23rd I Am the Light of the World (John 8:12-18; 25-30)
• Sunday, January 30th I Am the Sheep Gate (John 10:1-9)
• Sunday, February 6th I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
• Sunday, February 13th I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-44)
• Sunday, February 20th I Am the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:1-7)
• Sunday, February 27th I Am the True Vine (John 15:1-17)

No pretension, no religiosity, no bait-and-switch. Just real people, exploring real issues, and worshiping a real God.

WHERE:
The Pioneer Building (next to underground tour)
600 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
WHEN:
Every Sunday @ 10am, beginning January 16th, 2011
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 our Sunday Gatherings email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org

We exist to build a great city through the gospel for the glory of God. This means our aim is to not merely build a great church, but a great city. Our welfare is deeply connected to the welfare of the city. We love Seattle and want all who live here to know their Creator, Jesus Christ. We are doing this by planting communities of Jesus-followers that enjoy God, redemptively engage the city and reach the world. We have a big vision, but to get there we need your help.

This is a great time to consider year-end giving or further involvement in 2011.

Pray.

We need prayer. For all our preparation, we cannot succeed without God building his church. Jesus promises to build His church and he does so through the faithful work, service and prayers of His people. There is much spiritual opposition, relational tension, financial strain and physical hardship involved in planting a church. Please join us in daily prayer to our God who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask, think or imagine (Eph 3:20). You can keep up with our prayer updates here. We’re still in process of finding 100 people to pray for us daily for one year. Let us know if you’d like to join the front-lines prayer team.

Join.

Whether you already live in Seattle, or Orlando, perhaps God is moving you to join us downtown Seattle. Are you a dreamer, builder, missionary, or faith-filled risk-taker? Pray about joining us, even moving, downtown. Some of you should consider raising support and becoming an integral part of this new work. You can learn more about our vision here.

Give.

Our aim is to be self-sustaining by the fall of 2014. Until then we are dependent on outside financial partners. In the life of a young, urban, missional church in a challenging context, every dollar makes a difference. Would you consider regular monthly giving over the next three years or a one time gift? You can learn more about giving options here.

Let’s build a great city together, through the gospel, for God’s glory, in 2011.

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.

This Sunday, December 19th @ 5:00pm, we will be hosting our third preview gathering for friends, supporters, the curious, the skeptical, saints and sinners alike. No pretension, no religiosity, no bait-and-switch. Just real people, exploring real issues, and worshiping a real God. More info here. We hope to see you there.

Just six months ago we gathered a small group together in a conference room in downtown Seattle to pray about planting a new church. The name was undecided, the values unarticulated, and the exact timeline unknown. Yet, the vision was clear: plant an urban Gospel-centered, Jesus-loving church in the city, for the city. There is little that has not changed since then. God has been gracious to us. These prayer updates are intended to recount God’s grace and invite others to support this new gospel work in prayer. 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 last two months:

Growing Launch Community

Biblically, the church is a group of people, not a building or institution, who have been forgiven, redeemed, and adopted by God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, churches, though led by pastors, are planted by teams or communities of people who have experienced this true life in Christ. We call this initial community our “launch community”. Church planting is a bit like this video; the real momentum happens as more people follow Jesus’ lead in getting involved. Over the last two months we’ve seen the largest numerical growth in our launch community yet. We are literally holding a moving party every other week as people move into the city. It is very encouraging to see others step out with us, in faith, to see the gospel take root in the heart of Seattle.

First Two Preview Gatherings (Oct 24th & Nov 21st)

This fall we’re hosting three preview gatherings (10/24, 11/21, 12/19), two of which have already occurred. During these gatherings we’re unpacking a short series, 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. Our first two gatherings have gone well. We’ve learned a lot already. We’re leveraging these larger, public gatherings to cast vision, build our communities, continue fundraising and networking, and iron out production/logistic wrinkles. We have one more to go on December 19th and are tentatively planning on moving to a more traditional weekly gathering format on January 16th.

Pumpkin Patch, Bubble Tea, EMP, UGM, etc

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 fall from participating in First Thursday ArtWalks in Pioneer Square to happy hours to Bubble Tea in the International District to serving at the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) to visiting the Experience Music Project. These times help shape us as a newly forming community, while providing many opportunities to invite people in and get to know our city. Follow us here at the blog, under events, to find out what’s happening this week.

Monthly Prayer Meetings

God tells us in the Word that He answers prayer (Mt 6:8; Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24; Lk 11:9-13; James 4:2; 1 John 5:14-15). We believe Him. Prayer is not only an expression of faith, but a cultivator of faith. So, this fall we’ve added a monthly all-church prayer night to our regular rhythm of life together. We always devote significant portions of our time together to prayer. But, these evenings provide extended, focused time to pray for one another, our neighborhoods, and our city. These evenings have already become a vital component of our church planting “strategy” (Pr 16:3; 19:21) and will be for the foreseeable future.

Man Camp 2010 w/ Taproot (Nov 12th-14th)

In September I was invited by Pastor Danny Braga at Taproot Church (Burien, WA) to speak at their Man Camp, Nov 12-14. It was a great opportunity for the men of Downtown Cornerstone and Taproot to spend a weekend together in the woods sharpening one another. I was humbled to be involved. I was also thankful for the opportunity to connect with another Acts 29 church that is several years further down the road than we are. Please take some time to pray for Pastor Danny and Taproot. God is doing some great things through them in the south-end of Seattle.

Relationships and Networking

I continue to meet with as many people as I possibly can to learn about what God is already doing in Seattle. He’s already at work in the city, going before us, and we’re humbled to participate. I’ve met some great people and have grown even more in love with this beautiful city. I believe that God is replanting his church in Seattle in this generation and we are just a small part of that bigger story. If you’re in Seattle and would like to connect, or know someone whom I should connect with, let me know.

Family Update

Honestly, the Sinnett family is doing really well. Macy is enjoying a preschool co-op on Capitol Hill, Carter is finishing his first round of swimming lessons in the Central District and we found out last week we have a baby girl (!) arriving in April. 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. Macy has also been seizure free. As our schedule has normalized, Jen and I are finally establishing a regular rhythm of weekly date nights. I also wrapped up another course for my Masters degree. We are blessed and very excited to spend the Christmas season in the city.

For December, please pray:

• We would continue to be a church marked by a deep love for Jesus.
• 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 for 2011.
• 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!

For the God of this City,
Pastor Adam

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.

This Sunday, Nov 21st @ 5:00pm, we will be hosting our second preview gathering for friends, supporters, the curious, the skeptical, saints and sinners alike. No pretension, no religiosity, no bait-and-switch. Just real people, exploring real issues, and worshiping a real God. More info here. We hope to see you there.

We are planting a church in the heart of downtown Seattle called Downtown Cornerstone. We are very early on in the process of planting and need a worship leader yesterday. I know you’re probably looking for a church that can pay you, is located in a city that actually sees the sun periodically and has winning sports teams. Why? I don’t know. We have the great outdoors in our backyard. We have Vivace coffee and Top Pot Donuts. When it rains, it pours. When the sun is out (both days) there is no place more beautiful. We have Microsoft, Starbucks, Boeing, Amazon, and Real Networks. We’re the most educated, literate, and over-priced city in the U.S. We have great homegrown music. We recycle. We like baby seals.

We also have a tremendous amount of brokenness. We have prostitutes who were once little girls with the wrong kind of men in their lives. We have innumerable immature grown men who were once little boys with the right kind of men absent from their lives. We are a very tolerant people as long as you agree with us. We have a large homosexual population that have made Seattle home because they’re running from the Church. We have proud and self-righteous business people who make a living downtown and then safely retreat to the comfort and security of suburbia. We have proud and self-righteous homeless people who attempt to make a living downtown and safely retreat to the comfort and security of their cardboard homes.

We are also one of the only churches in downtown corridor that is remotely orthodox. Our area of downtown Seattle is littered with liberal mainline denominational churches, a multitude of emergent house churches and a couple who are on the same team. The last great decade for church planting in Seattle was in the 1880’s.

Fact: California has nicer weather, winning sports teams and surfing.
Fact: People will actually sing along with you if you plant in Texas.
Fact: Life and ministry is hard, expensive and more difficult in an urban context.
Fact: You will be called to do hard things.

You must know what it means to lead worship. I’m not merely looking for a guitar player or talented musician. I’m looking for a man who can lead an urban congregation in worship to their God in song week after week. I’m looking for a man who knows how to use worship as a witness to the non-Christians in church on any given week. I’m looking for a man who gets Seattle music. I’m looking for a godly, responsible, masculine, gifted leader who lives the gospel, enjoys God and loves people.

In order to not rob you of your treasure in heaven, we will not pay you. What we have, we will give. We don’t have anything. But, paychecks might (i.e. will) come in the form of dinner on Tuesday nights, change from the couch, and free tickets to the Mariners.

I also commit to personally taking an interest in and discipling you. Whatever resources my family or our church family have at our disposal we will leverage to get you out here and settled. I will pray for you regularly. I will seek to develop your current strengths and cultivate new ones. I will spend time with you, welcome you into our community and support you. I will also come to your apartment to drink your beer.

I’m looking to get you out here soon. I will need someone willing to be bi-vocational until the church grows. If you are looking for something hard, but fulfilling, consider joining us in downtown Seattle.

Call me,
Pastor Adam

*Note: Inspired and adapted from a similar post by my friend and fellow church planter Mike Brown of Tribe, Los Angeles. Yes, they found a worship leader. Pray for them.

“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?

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.

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)

“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?

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.

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!

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

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 http://www.downtowncornerstone.org/city-of-god/ or email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org

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.

Would you like to learn more about joining us? Email us at info (at) downtowncornerstone.org.

This Sunday Downtown Cornerstone is hosting a night of vision. This gathering is for skeptics, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and those of you who are just plain curious. This will be an opportunity to learn more, get connected, and find out how you can support us. We’ll pray, we’ll sing and I’ll share the story of how we’ve come this far and where we believe Jesus is leading us going forward.

Where?
Westin Building
2001 6th Avenue, 33rd floor
Seattle, WA 98121

When?
5:00pm.

Where do I park?
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. Parents, please RSVP here. Please let us know if you’d be open or interested in volunteering to help with the children by emailing alan (at) downtowncornerstone (dot) org.

When will the next Sunday gatherings happen?
We are planning to hold three additional preview gatherings throughout the fall on October 24th, November 21st and December 19th. Each of these will be held at the same venue, the Westin building, at 5:00pm. In between we’ll continue to meet weekly in community on Sunday evenings @ 5pm at the Cobb Building (corner of 4th & University) to pray, study the Bible, cast vision and consider who Jesus is calling us to be in this great city. Our hope is to multiply to three communities over the fall.

This isn’t our “launch” Sunday, as we don’t plan to move to a weekly gathering format until January 2011, but it is an important gathering to convey who we are, what we value, the mission we’re on and invite everyone to participate in some way, whether through prayer, financial support or joining us downtown. Therefore, I invite you to join us as we share our vision for a new gospel work – a church – that Jesus is unfolding in downtown Seattle.

Because the Tomb is Empty,
Pastor Adam

Note: For more information on the vision of Downtown Cornerstone Church, check out the full Vision.

The Puritans had a practice of thinking through the various types of people that formed their church or visited during a Sunday gathering. In Perkins’ The Arte of Prophecying (i.e. preaching) he states that any given congregation is generally comprised of…

“[1] the ignorant and unteachable, who needed the equivalent of a bomb under their seats; [2] the ignorant but teachable, who needed orderly instruction in what Christianity is all about; [3] the knowledgeable but unhumbled, who needed to be given a sense of sin; [4] the humbled and desperate, who need to be grounded in the gospel; [5] believers going on with God, who needed building up; and [6] believers who had fallen into error, intellectual or moral, and needed correction.” J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, p286

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

This type of intentional thinking is also needed when inviting others to participate in the planting of a new church. It can be easy to assume that being on the launch team/community of a new church plant should be left to mature, stable, devoted Christians who are serious about their faith and Jesus’ mission. That may be every church planter’s dream, but I have yet to meet a church planter that has a launch team where that is the case. Even more, this can leave others that don’t fit into this category on the fringes not feeling able, qualified or wanted.

ARE YOU NEW TO THE FAITH?

On the other hand, many planters hold to the position that the initial launch community should be comprised of mostly new converts and non-believers. We see this in Paul’s ministry in the Book of Acts. He enters a city, proclaims the gospel, people believe, and a church is formed. This opens up wide networks of friends that have yet to meet Jesus. It also creates a strong missional dynamic into the DNA of the church from the very beginning that is hard to build in later. Yet, Paul rarely worked alone, sometimes he left co-workers behind, and at other times he sent others out in advance of his arrival. Our context is also different today. What do we do about the Christians who are not connected to a church, part of a dying church, or feel called to step out in faith to be part of a new church?

MAKING DISCIPLES.

The mission of the church is to make disciples (i.e. followers of Jesus), which not only includes moving people to initial faith in Jesus (salvation) but through a life of continued faith in Jesus (sanctification). It includes coming alongside non-Christians, young Christians and maturing Christians and pointing each to Jesus as individually needed. That means a young church, such as our own, should reflect the body of Christ in all its diversity, in all levels of maturity, while embracing the guaranteed messiness that results.

FIVE TYPES OF PEOPLE.

I propose the following five types of people every church plant needs, including our own:

#1 Growing, mature Christians.

Every church plant needs a number of growing and maturing Christians to help set the pace, disciple others, and lead the mission through life and ministry.

#2 Young, teachable Christians.

New and young Christians that are part of a church plant show that the Gospel is at work and mission is taking place. New faith is contagious for everyone. New and young Christians also tend to have more friends who don’t know Jesus.

#3 Humble, honest Onlookers.

The presence of humble and honest onlookers reflects that the church, as a whole, is engaged in the community, building relationships, living out the gospel and inviting others into experience the gospel in community.

#4 Curious, questioning Doubters.

The presence of curious, questioning doubters says the same thing. Those who are doubters, though involved, are saying “I have questions, but this community of faith is compelling.” This is a great sign of missional health.

#5 Hardened, hating Unbelievers.

While the hard and hating may not actively participate in the life of a new church plant, those that do should still be pursuing them. The goal is not to merely get people into the church, but to invite them into our lives. A new plant is regularly praying for those that fall into this category, thus they become part of the life of the community.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DOES A CHURCH PLANT NEED?

Anyone and everyone – but aim for diversity. Obviously, we can do without the drama of heretics, sin, wayward leaders and the like, but God uses even these people to shape and mold His people into His image, in their context. I find this is a simple, yet helpful grid for determining the health, faith and mission of our church.

“The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…” 1 Cor 12:22

Want to get involved?

You can start by joining us on Sept 26th for our Vision Night where we’ll take some time to unpack who Jesus is calling us to be and what he is asking us to do in this great city.

Dear Seattle,

You are a smart, intense and creative people laden with sarcasm, skepticism and self-satisfaction. I know because I am one of you. I love our city. My family lives in the city. I actually like the rain. I drink coffee; probably too much. I’m an avid reader. I’m locally educated (Go Huskies) with multiple degrees. I like to think of myself as a politically involved, environmentally conscious, citizen but often do little about it. I love the outdoors. I like art, music and production as long as its creative, independent and original. I vote for home-grown over corporate any day. I’m a Seattlite.

“RELIGION NOT WELCOME HERE.”

As a Seattlite, I know that anything that remotely hints of “religion” is quickly placed in the margins. Seattle is a mecca for those retreating, avoiding, or ignoring Christianity, whether intentional or unintentional. We are an opinionated people and, in general, we are clear on where we stand with Jesus. Seattlites’ respond to Jesus in different ways, including: “I like Jesus, just not his followers”, “You can’t prove there is a God”, “All paths lead to the same destination”, “There is no life after death”, “What you believe is good for you and what I believe is good for me”, “I believe in science”, “I don’t believe in organized religion”, “I don’t believe in absolute truth”, “There is no single overarching meta-narrative” or “Who’s Jesus?”. We are generally a tolerant people as long as you believe a measure of something outlined above. In many ways, together these form a succinct belief set we could call “Seattle-ism”.

“WHAT IF YOU’RE WRONG?”

But, here’s my question – stick with me here – what if all of this is wrong? Maybe not entirely wrong, but mostly. What if all of these responses are built on false suppositions? Now, don’t check out. If you’re from Seattle, you’re already thinking, “So, what you’re implying is that you have a corner on the truth.” My aim here is to invite you into the conversation. What if you’re wrong? It’s an awkward question, for sure, but one we all have to ask ourselves, no matter what we believe. As Seattlites, we often let ourselves off the hook too early with a pithy semi-philosophical excuse and then move on to discussing the deplorable season the Mariners have had.

“YOUR HEART WILL NEVER BE AT REST UNTIL…”

You see, we’re created to be in relationship with God. We see echoes of this all around. Since our value, identity, worth and joy are not found in Him, where we’re created to find these things, we pursue these in everything and anything other than Him. We look for lasting value, ultimate meaning, rooted identity, and enduring worth in political candidates, particular ideologies, environmental concerns, achievement of wealth or fame, having a child or “just one more” child, finding a spouse or a different spouse, sports athletes or teams, our jobs or our much-hoped-for next job, meaningless hobbies, or the fulfillment of our goals. Even if we never attain that which we most long for, we still believe we will have that value, hope, and worth if we do. So, we press on. But, as Saint Augustine said nearly 2,000 years ago in his personal autobiography, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

“LET’S REASON TOGETHER.”

I write all of this, as a fellow Seattlite, to identify with you and invite you into this conversation, maybe over a beer and nachos, maybe on a Sunday or maybe in a chance encounter throughout the week. We’re planting a new Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, Christian church in downtown Seattle and you are invited to join, ask your questions, bring your imperfections and objections. We are all broken people. The Christian church is a people, not a building. Let’s reason together. This Jesus, this Christian faith, is reasonable. It doesn’t require you close your eyes or shut off your mind. Perhaps you’d be willing to explore these issues, and others, if there was a place of honest engagement, humble learning, intellectual struggle and grace-filled conversation. That place is among the people of Downtown Cornerstone.

“THE GOOD LIFE. NOW.”

I also invite you to more than this life can offer. There are better things available for you, a more certain comfort and long-lasting peace, that can ever be captured through the things of this world – no matter how good those things may be! This comfort may be enjoyed at all times, with certainty. This peace and rest may be enjoyed with reason. This comfort and peace is found through the Gospel. The Gospel is God’s free offer to forgive your sins through Jesus the Christ, all of your sins removed without a trace, buried in the depths of the sea, never to be found again, never to be counted against you – ever. Not only that, but through the Gospel, you become an object of God’s delight, are brought into God’s family, adopted as a son or daughter, learn that your name was written in heaven before the foundations of the world were formed, and a crown of glory. That’s why the Gospel means “good news”.

I hope you’ll accept this invitation.

“VISION SUNDAY. SEPT 26TH @ 5:00PM.”

Consider joining us on September 26th for our Vision Night as we take some time to unpack who Jesus is calling us to be and what he is asking us to do in this great city. If you’re not ready, we’ll be around.

For the love of this city and those who live here,
Pastor Adam

P.S. Nachos anyone?

Here are some snapshots of the past month:

Time Away in the Woods (August 12-13 & 20-22)
We had the privilege to get away on two occasions this month together as a family. Once with some friends on an overnight camping trip with our, combined, four young children. It was refreshing and exhausting at the same time. Fortunately, everyone made it out alive. The following weekend we got to spend time with Jen’s family at Mt. Rainier, a long standing summer family tradition. They were short trips, but God used them to unite our family and clarify our thinking going into this next season.

First Thursday Art Walk, UGM volunteer training, Sazerac, and Something for Stephanie
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 the week (for community, mission, and service). It’s been an eventful month from participating in First Thursday in Pioneer Square to attending a volunteer training for the Union Gospel Mission (one of our elected strategic social partners in Center City) to happy hour at Sazerac to co-sponsoring Something for Stephanie, a benefit for a 13-year-old with cancer, a cousin of a member of our launch community. 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 to find out what’s happening this week.

The Privilege of Preaching (August 8th & 15th)
I was invited out to Emmaus Road (August 8th) and Anchor Church (August 15th) to fill the pulpit by Rich McCaskill and Andrew Pack, respectively. Both are area Acts 29 Network churches. It was a privilege and honor, not to mention fun. Members of the Downtown Cornerstone Launch Community were also able to join and offer support. I can’t wait to do the same downtown Seattle.

Building Community in the City
We’ve lived downtown for nearly a month and a half now. The cardboard boxes are slowly going away, we’re acclimating to a smaller place and are feeling right at home. Jen takes the kids out on daily adventures to the library, local parks and nearby markets. We’re also meeting lots of folks that call the city home, in and outside of our apartment complex, and are certain this is where God has called us to be.

A Miracle. Literally
Three months ago we were told we would never be able to have kids naturally again – ever. The physical tole of three lost babies (1 miscarriage and 2 ectopics) and two healthy ones seemed to culminate in an unfortunate diagnosis. After multiple tests, two different doctors told us the same thing – it would be impossible to have kids naturally going forward. We grieved and considered what’s next. We considered seeing a fertility specialist, but cancelled. I read Moore’s Adopted for Life (highly recommend). We continued to pray for wisdom, while getting rid of much of our baby stuff in a recent move. Then, two weeks ago, Jen had a positive pregnancy test. Yes, positive. Had the blood work – positive. We went to the doctor – positive. Had the ultrasound – positive. The doctors, techs and nurses don’t know what to say. We do, “Praise Jesus.” The tentative due date is April 15th. Will you join us in prayer for a healthy baby, pregnancy and mama?

New Vision, Video, Documents and Website
This past week we finalized many of our key pieces of vision collateral, including a flyer, prospectus, video and updated website. By themselves, they don’t mean much. Yet, they are valuable tools in casting vision, communicating our values and calling for commitment. After a lot of work and late nights, its great to see all of this come together. Big thanks to all who were involved. If you haven’t already, be sure to take a look. You can find them all here. We officially rolled these out last night, at Commitment Night.

Commitment Night (August 29th)
This past Sunday was, perhaps, one of the greatest highlights of the last three months as we invited everyone who has been been involved so far to officially commit to Downtown Cornerstone’s Launch Team. It was a beautiful night over a shared meal, stories of God’s goodness, prayer and song, vision of what the future holds, and an expressed shared commitment to see this new gospel work deeply rooted in the soil of Center City.

Wedding Anniversary (August 31st)
This month Jen and I celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary and our 10th year of knowing one another. I am married to a great woman who loves Jesus and helps me tangibly experience the grace of God on a daily basis. When we first met I told her, “I think God is calling me to be involved in urban ministry at some point, are you up for that?” She took some time to pray and responded, “Sounds good.” So, here we are. Thank you, Jesus.

Vision Sunday, September 26th. You’re invited.
Join us on Sunday, September 26th at 5:00pm, for an evening of celebration and vision. Whether you are a skeptic, friend, neighbor, coworker, or just plain curious, you are invited to join us as we share our vision for a new gospel work that Jesus is unfolding in downtown Seattle. This will be an opportunity to learn more, get connected, and find out how you can help. We’ll pray. We’ll sing. We’ll worship. Save the date. You can get more information here.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

For September, 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 more people to join his mission in the city.
• Many souls will be saved and lives transformed through this new gospel work.
• We’d have open doors and 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 to commit to joining us downtown by December.
• 100 people, outside the church, to pray for us daily.

The story continues…
For Jesus’ Fame in this City,
Pastor Adam

This will be an opportunity to learn more, get connected, and find out how you can help. We’ll pray. We’ll sing. We’ll worship. We hope to see you there as we follow Jesus’ lead in planting Downtown Cornerstone Church in the heart of Seattle.

For the God of this City,
Pastor Adam

For more information on the vision of Downtown Cornerstone Church, check out the full Vision.

Location:

The Westin Building (Not the Westin Hotel)
2001 Sixth Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Childcare:

Childcare will be available for children 6mo – 9yrs.

Join us this Saturday, August 7th, for a double-header.

First, at 10:00AM we’re participating in the Union Gospel Mission’s Volunteer Orientation at their Youth Reach Out Center Theatre. This is an opportunity to learn more about the UGM, those they serve and how you can help. Downtown Cornerstone has adopted the UGM as a strategic social partner in the downtown core. We serve as we’ve been served by Christ.

Second, after taking a break for the afternoon, we will gather again at the Seattle Center for Movies at the Mural. We’re gathering at 6:00PM for community, food and games. The movie (The Princess Bride) begins at dusk. UPDATE: Because of the rain we are going to meet at the Holland’s for The Princess Bride at 7:30pm (901 8th Ave. #401 Seattle, WA 98104). Dinner on your own. Bring a snack/drink to share if you would like. We hope you can join us!

Join us this Saturday evening, July 31st, for the Seafair Torchlight Parade. We’ll prep with a pre-parade BBQ, starting at 5:30pm. Please bring something to share. We’ll head downstairs at 7:00pm to take our seats and watch the show. The parade runs 7:30-9:00pm. Directions and RSVP here. If you read this, you’re invited.

Here are some snapshots of the past month:

Acts 29 Lead Pastor’s Retreat (June 21-24)
At the end of June, Jen and I were blessed to participate in an all-expenses-paid trip to Vail, Colorado to meet with 200+ Acts 29 church planters and their wives for several days of rest, community, worship and teaching. It was a great gift given by the Acts 29 Network. We came back refreshed, encouraged and challenged. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Last Wedding (June 26)
Well, not exactly my last. Immediately upon returning from Vail I had the privilege of performing my last wedding as a part of Mars Hill Church for two dears friends. (It was bitter sweet as I’ve learned, matured, and participated with Mars Hill for over a decade. I’m forever grateful.) Congrats Clodfelters!

We Moved!
Feeling called to plant a church in downtown Seattle means, of course, that we must move downtown. That’s no small feat with a family, a home in West Seattle, and a city full of occupied high-priced apartments – all while raising financial support. God would need to show up. He did. In short order, we found long-term renters for our home in West Seattle (unfortunately, we must rent until the market turns), a great apartment opened up in the heart of the city, and many offered to financially support us. As of last weekend, we now live downtown albeit out of boxes.

New Sunday Gathering Place.
In June we began to meet together in the Westin Building. This month we made a shift to the Cobb building. This makes our gatherings more centrally located, easier to find, and more comfortable. You can read more HERE.

First Thursday, 4th of July party, Hope Place and Happy Hour.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 the week (for community, mission, and service). It’s been an eventful month from participating in First Thursday in Pioneer Square to throwing a roof-top Fourth of July party to hanging out at Cal Anderson via Molly Moons to serving at Union Gospel Mission’s Hope Place. 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 to find out what’s happening this week.

Gospel Centered Life.
After spending the month of June walking through the vision, values and mission of Downtown Cornerstone we moved to studying The Gospel Centered Life together. We’re starting with the Gospel because it is the good news of the Gospel, applied by the Holy Spirit, that changes everything. We want this to be central to who we are as gospel people in the city. We’re just three weeks in, but its already bearing fruit. I recommend it for personal or community-oriented study.

Networking and Connecting.
I am devoting much of my time to meeting with business, community and church leaders in the city to ask a simple question, “What kind of church does Seattle need?” The responses have been fascinating. Be expecting a future blog post. As we begin this new work, our posture is one of humility. We want to learn from the city. We are not in the city to stand above the city (in judgment) or under the city (in fear) or to mirror the city (in surrender), but for the city (in love).

Family Health.
As though all of this is not enough, our baby girl (Macy) recently had a seizure. We’ve since learned that 50% of children who have a seizure never have another. Nonetheless, we’ve taken proper precautions (EEG, MRI) and are still awaiting results. Would you pray for Macy? I too managed to injure my knee, for which I am receiving physical therapy. This church planting gig is taking more of a physical toll than I anticipated.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

For August, please pray that:

• We would be a church marked by a deep love for Jesus.
• Jesus would continue to build his church by bringing more people to join his mission in the city.
• Many souls will be saved and lives transformed through this new gospel work.
• We’d have open doors and 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.

The story continues…

Desperately dependent but confident in Him,
Pastor Adam

“The church community, not some philosophical or theological system of thought, is God’s final revelation of the divine self as Christ existing in community.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together

Big news this week! As of this Sunday, July 18th, we will be changing our primary Sunday gathering location. We’re transitioning our physical meeting space from the Westin building to the Cobb building on the corner of 4th and University. We’ll continue to gather at 5:00pm Sunday evenings – now in the heart of the city. Someone will be at the front door to welcome you from 4:45pm to 5:15pm. Let us know if you’ll be arriving late.

We invite you to join us every Sunday at 5:00pm for vision-casting, Bible study, prayer, worship and community. Whether you’re a Christian or curious, agnostic or antagonistic we’d love to have you.

Downtown Cornerstone is a new church plant located in the heart of downtown Seattle. We exist to build a great city through the Gospel for the glory of God. Join us as we follow Jesus together. For more information email us at info(at)downtowncornerstone.org.

This Thursday, July 15th, we will be volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission’s Hope Place, a resident and recovery program for homeless women and their children. We’ll meet from 5:45PM to 8:00PM in a common space to serve the children of mothers that call Hope Place home. Please bring a donation to help with the cost of supplies for the night. Join us or email info(at)downtowncornerstone.org for more information.

Union Gospel Mission: Hope Place
3802 South Othello Street
Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 723-0767

The vigorous, continual planting of new congregations is the single most crucial strategy for 1) the numerical growth of the Body of Christ in any city, and 2) the continual corporate renewal and revival of the existing churches in a city. Nothing else–not crusades, outreach programs, para-church ministries, growing mega-churches, congregational consulting, nor church renewal processes–will have the consistent impact of dynamic, extensive church planting. This is an eyebrow raising statement. But to those who have done any study at all, it is not even controversial.
- Tim Keller, “Why Plant New Churches?” (article)

“Church planting? What exactly is that?”

Any way you slice it the idea of church planting is often either misunderstood or, literally, unheard of. The questions are many, including:

• Why plant (i.e. start) a new church in a city already filled with many other churches, some even growing?
  
• Why not focus instead on helping existing churches grow?
  
• Won’t starting a new church merely take people away from other churches?
  
• Shouldn’t we focus on cultivating better churches, rather than adding churches?

These are valid concerns that stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of the complexities of revitalization, organizational life-cycles, demographic diversity, theological distinctions, leadership styles, evangelism, and general philosophies of ministry within existing churches. To put it simply, it’s more complicated than we may at first realize.

Therefore, to simplify it a bit, the following are seven guiding principles driving us to plant a new church in the heart of the city of Seattle.

#1. Jesus’ fundamental call was to plant Gospel-centered churches.

Matthew 28:18-20 is known as the “Great Commission” from Jesus to the Church. It is a commission to “make disciples”, “of all nations”, to “baptize”, and to “teach”. In other words, Jesus commissions his followers as a sent people; sent to all peoples, to invite them to become one of God’s people, that results in a changed people. It’s a commission to plant churches not merely isolated acts of sharing our faith. Even the act of baptism itself signifies “incorporation into a worshipping community with accountability and boundaries.” (1) (cf Acts 2:42-47) It is apparent the apostles interpreted Jesus’ words in this way as they immediately began to plant churches after Pentecost. (cf Acts 13f)

#2. More people are reached through more Gospel-centered churches.

Statistics show that the more churches there are that preach and practice the Gospel, the more people there will be who are reached with the Gospel. The opposite is also true; fewer Gospel-centered churches results in fewer people changed by the gospel.

“Dozens of studies confirm that the average new church gains most of its new members (60-80%) from the ranks of people who are not attending any worshipping body, while churches over 10-15 years of age gain 80-90% of new members by transfer from other congregations.”
- Tim Keller, Church Planting Manual p30

In other words, the more new churches that are planted, the more new people there will be who are reached with the gospel. Keller argues that if churches over 10-15 years of age gain 80-90% of new members by transfer growth and the majority of churches in any given context fall into that category, the number of active Christian churchgoers will be shrinking even if some of those churches are doubling in attendance. In this scenario, which is the case in Seattle, the church growth in existing churches only helps to offset the normal declines of the older churches. Ground is still lost.

“No time in American history has the need for new churches been more critical. New church planters are needed now to scale back the decline and death of existing churches. In order to survive Christ’s church must be replanted in every generation.”
- Joel Comiskey, Planting Churches that Reproduce p28

#3. Newer churches reach more people than older churches.

Not only do more Gospel-centered churches reach more people; newer churches reach more people than older churches.

The average new [church] will bring 6-8 times more new people into the life of the Body of Christ than an older congregation of the same size…What does this mean practically? The only wide-scale way to bring in lots of new Christians to the Body of Christ in a permanent way is to plant new churches.”
- Tim Keller, Church Planting Manual p30

Joel Comiskey provides a possible explanation of why this is true…

”Church plants need new people, new ideas and new vision if they are going to emerge out of the darkness into the sunlight. Established churches tend to be more concerned about building upkeep, the personality of the preacher, who’s on the board, and the program schedule for the upcoming year…Church plants are completely stripped of all illusions. Do or die. Reach out or close the doors. Invite or implode. Church [plants] are desperate for growth. Without growth, the church folds. This reality keeps church [plants] on their knees, crying out to God.”
- Joel Comiskey, Planting Churches that Reproduce p31

#4. Big churches are not always the most effective.

It is easy to assume that larger churches are more effective than smaller churches. Though that is true in some areas, it is not true in all areas.

“Statistics do not support the assumption that size is necessarily the best way to reach people. Though large churches are often more cost effective than small churches, new churches are more effective than large churches, particularly in evangelism. On a per-capita basis, new churches win more people to Christ than established churches.”
- Ed Stetzer, Planting Missional Churches p7

Additionally, Seattle is a paradoxical, independent and slightly-anarchist city. We love coffee, but prefer independent coffee shops. We love music, particularly of the independent, home-grown variety. We like creativity and innovation, as long as it was done out of a garage and not a high-rise. We don’t take well to “the man” – no matter what form he (she?) comes in. Big churches in Seattle can be viewed in the same way. Though big churches have their niches, Seattle is a city of independent, distinctive neighborhoods, each calling for an independent, distinctive, local gospel expression.

#5. Planting new churches is often more effective than church revitalization.

Whatever you call it – replanting, revitalizing, or rejuvenating – helping to save plateauted, declining or dead churches is next to impossible.

“Saving dead and dying churches is more difficult and ultimately more costly than starting new ones. Some authorities even argue that changing a rigid, tradition-bound congregation is almost impossible…starting new churches is much easier and, perhaps, a better overall stewardship of kingdom resources, just as it’s sometimes more cost-effective to purchase a new vehicle, rather than pouring money into an old one to keep it running like new.”
- Ed Stetzer, Planting Missional Churches p11

Rather, argues Peter Wagner…

“Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven.”
- C. Peter Wagner, Strategic Growth p168

#6. There is a great need in our city.

Amidst the beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and passion of Seattlites less than 4% of the nearly 600,000 people here identify themselves Bible-believing evangelical Christians. The Northwest has been described as the “None Zone” because it is home to the nations highest density of people who say they have no religion, including atheists & agnostics, making sense of Seattle’s ranking as fourth least churched city in the country. In 2008 Forbes magazine gave Seattle the dubious national rankings of 3rd Greediest City (4th, 11th, and 16th richest Americans call Seattle home), 4th Most Lustful City (124% more sales of contraceptives than the national average), and 4th Most Envious City (crime). The majority of large evangelical churches have either left the city, are located outside the city or import their Sunday message via video. To the average Seattlite, evangelical protestantism is invisible.

#7 God has made it clear to us.

After years of prayer, counsel and consideration, Jen and I believe that Jesus has called us to plant a new church in the heart of the city. So, we’re that’s what we’re doing. We’d love to have you join us.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, ​according to the power at work within us, ​to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

(1) Adapted from “Why Plant Churches?” by Tim Keller

The 4th of July is tomorrow! If you’re still looking for a party, we invite you to join us for an evening of great company and BBQ on a roof top deck in the middle of our beautiful city (in lieu of our normal Sunday gathering). After dinner we’ll make our way to the 33rd floor of the Westin building to watch the Family 4th of July firework show over Lake Union. RSVP HERE.

We are excited to announce that Acts 29 Coffee has chosen Downtown Cornerstone Church as one of the first two church plants they will be supporting in the Northwest. “Help plant churches one cup at a time.” 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. You can do what you’re already doing (i.e. drinking coffee) and now plant churches at the same time.

Join us this Thursday (July 1st) for our “First Thursday Meet-Up” in Pioneer Square as we participate in the monthly First Thursday Art Walk. We’ll meet at Starbucks on the corner of Yesler and 1st at 6:00pm. Our God is a creative God, who created all things. He created us to be creative and art is one expression of that. Let’s enjoy it and Him together.

“The arts and the sciences do have a place in the Christian life – they are not peripheral. For a Christian, redeemed by the work of Christ and living within the norms of Scripture and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the Lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts. A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God – not just as tracts, but as things of beauty to the praise of God. An art work can be a doxology in itself.”

- Francis Schaeffer, Art and the Bible (Complete Works of Francis Schaeffer, Volue 2, p377)

Surrounded by vast bodies of water, paralleled by the towering snow-capped peaks of the Cascades and Olympics, and shrouded under cloud cover over 200 days per year Seattle is a natural anomaly. It’s been called “Rain City”, “Jet City”, and more recently “Emerald City”. It’s the birth place of Jimi Hendrix, Windows OS, “grunge” music, Amazon.com, the 747, and the ubiquitous Starbucks Mermaid. Seattle is a city of polarities: corporate yet raw, smart yet simple, hopeful yet deeply skeptical, professional yet authentic, established yet funky, independent yet communal, traffic-filled yet “green”. On any given day you will see corporate executives, tourists, exchange students, men wearing kilts, college hipsters, veteran cyclists, soccer moms, tattooed baristas, and guitar-toting musicians rubbing shoulders in a single city block.

This is Seattle. This is the city to which we have been called to serve, love and challenge in and through the world-shattering, history-altering, life-transforming news of the gospel.

Thanks for joining us on this journey. We hope you’ll stick around.