News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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.

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This past Sunday we hosted a vision gathering to let friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers know what God is doing in downtown Seattle through Downtown Cornerstone. Its purpose was simple: to share the story of how we got here and where we believe Jesus is leading us from here. It was a great night filled with encouraging support, worshipful song, a beautiful setting, and generous giving. There were many who expressed interest in learning more about joining our work downtown. Thank you, Jesus. It is amazing how much effort is required to tell others what we’re going to do. Now its time to do it. The mission continues. We’ll be rolling out more information regarding our plans for this fall shortly. Stay tuned.

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

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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.

Community, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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.

Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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?

News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We’re three months in and God has been gracious to us. We’ve continued to grow our launch community, study the Gospel Centered Life and intentionally live out the gospel in the city. To those who have been praying for us: Thank You! If you’re just jumping on board, welcome. 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 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

City Life | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

 
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. 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.

Community, City Life | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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!

Community, City Life | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

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.