Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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).

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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

City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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).

City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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).

Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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