Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and “ precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” The vision 1 Peter 2:6

1 Document: Vision Prospectus Downtown Cornerstone Church [email protected] Content: Adam Sinnett 1700 Seventh Ave. downtowncornerstone.org Church: Downtown Cornerstone. Suite 116 Box #324 .com/downtowncornerstone City: . Seattle, WA 98101 twitter.com/dccseattle Lat & Long: 47-37’14’’ N, 122-21’04’’ W

I Introduction II The City of Seattle III Our Mission IV Our Values V Our Strategy & Structure VI Support us: Pray, Give, Join VII Launch Resources VIII Biographical Sketch IX Appendices Appendix I: Why Plant a New Church in the City?

Appendix II: What is a Gospel-Centered Church?

Appendix III: What is a Missional Church?

Appendix IV: Why is the City Important?

Appendix V: Downtown Neighborhood Map

1 I

There is a story unfolding Introduction all around us. The City of Seattle

Our Mission It’s a story we’re all a part of. It’s the God calls these Gospel people “the story upon which all other stories rest. In fact, this story Church”, redeemed sinners who by faith in have makes sense of all other stories. It’s the greatest story been cleansed of the shame of sin, adopted as children of Our Values ever told, filled to the edges with the greatest news ever God, sealed with the Holy Spirit and sent on a mission to imagined. It’s a story in which life, joy, and hope are at enjoy God, redemptively engage their context, and invite Our Strategy & Structure stake, now and forever. It explains our deepest longings everyone into this life that is truly life. and our highest hopes. It’s a story no one can escape, though many try. Tragically, many do not know this Support us: Pray, Give, Join God, this story or this Gospel. In fact, It’s a story that tells us who we are many avoid Him, ignore Him, neuter Him, distort Him, Launch Resources and who we will be. It’s a story that explains domesticate Him, misunderstand Him, add to or subtract why the world is the way it is and why we long for from Him, or simply hate Him. Many, however, have Biographical Sketch something more, something better. It’s a story filled with simply never heard of Him. great evil and immense good, wicked sin and fantastic grace, the heights of pride and the depths of humility, soul- So, we must go to them. Appendices numbing hate and wondrous love. It’s a story that promises What you hold in your hands is the beginning of a new to redeem all evil and, in time, make everything new. Gospel work - a church - forming in the city center of Appendix I: Why Plant a New Church in the City? Seattle, founded on the chief cornerstone, Jesus the Christ. This is the true story of God. Appendix II: What is a Gospel-Centered Church? This story has We invite you to read on and join us as we follow Jesus one central character, Jesus the Christ, one central event, together. Appendix III: What is a Missional Church? the Cross, one central people, the Church, unified by one central message, the Gospel. Appendix IV: Why is the City Important? Appendix V: Downtown Neighborhood Map This Gospel is the good news that The story “Christ died for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3) to bring us home to God, destroy Satan, forgive sin, reverse the effects of the Fall1, and once-and-for-all create a people continues... for God out of all tribes, tongues and nations for His glory. The Gospel changes everything. in Seattle.

2 “In the beginning, God...” Gen 1:1

3 II The city of Seattle Seattle is a beautiful, diverse, strategic and paradoxical city.

Surrounded by vast bodies of water, paralleled by the white (71.3%), asian (13.2%), black (8.0%), hispanic towering snow-capped peaks of the Cascades and (5.6%), multiracial (4.0%). Some reports indicate upwards Olympics, and shrouded under cloud cover over 200 days of 190 different languages are spoken in the greater Seattle per year, Seattle is a natural anomaly. It’s been called “Rain area. The Brookings Institute recently reported, “Over City”, “Jet City”, and more recently “Emerald City”. It’s the the next 15 years, the United States is predicted to add a birth place of Jimi Hendrix, Windows OS, “grunge” music, staggering 43 million residents, most of them minorities. Amazon.com, the 747, and the ubiquitous Starbucks All signs point to the Puget Sound region remaining on Mermaid. Seattle is a city of polarities: corporate yet raw, the front lines of that transformation.”6 smart yet simple, hopeful yet deeply skeptical, professional yet authentic, established yet creative, home-grown yet Influence. world-wide, independent yet communal, natural yet Seattle is also ranked as a Gamma World City in the technological, traffic-filled2 yet “green”. On any given global economic system, alongside the likes of Cape day you will see corporate executives, tourists, exchange Town, Brisbane, Nairobi and Vancouver. It was also students, men wearing kilts, college hipsters, veteran recently ascribed the moniker “Next Frontier City” by the cyclists, soccer moms, tattooed baristas, and guitar-toting Brookings Institute, for being a growing, highly diverse musicians rubbing shoulders in a single city block. and highly educated city, similar to Austin, Denver This is Seattle. and DC. Seattle has a higher percentage of college graduates than any other American city (53.8% Size. of those over 25).7 It also regularly ranks among the most At three million, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area literate and physically fit among America’s largest cities. is the 15th largest in the United States. Approximately Seattle has a strong economy fueled by the tech, aviation, 600,000 people call Seattle home, 70,000 of which live in architecture, and recreational industries, while serving the Center City3 core. Seattle is the 25th largest city in the as a regional center for medical, performing arts and U.S.4 It has a growing density of nearly 7,000 people per research. This includes being home to one of the United square mile, greater than many other larger cities such as States’ most respected public research universities, the Houston, Phoenix, and San Diego. .

Diversity. Center City. Seattle is not only a key regional city, but a key gateway Though moderately populated when compared to other city on the Pacific Rim which contributes to its increasing major urban centers, the city center of Seattle8 remains the ethnic diversity. Nearly 30% of the Seattle metro area is arts, cultural, sports and entertainment hub of the city and non-white (1:3) and 4% are Multiracial Americans (the region. Center City is home to more than 312 facilities highest concentration of any major metropolitan area related to arts, entertainment and culture (including 133 in the US5). Statistically, the city breaks down as follows: art galleries and 100 bars and music venues). Pike Place

4 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives “ and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Jeremiah 29:5-7

Market is Center City’s top attraction, drawing 10 million Spiritual Need. visitors a year. From 2008-2009, Center City performance Amidst the beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and passion venues attracted more than 2 million attendees, hosted of Seattlites, less than 4% of the nearly 600,000 people over 70 festivals, and hundreds of music concerts. More here identify themselves as -believing Jesus-loving than 3.4 million guests visited Center City’s museums evangelical Christians.10 Seattle also serves as the epicenter during the same period. Amazingly, nearly half of those of the region with the nation’s highest density of people employed in the city of Seattle work in the City Center.9 who say they have no religion, including atheists and agnostics.11, 12 This clarifies why the state of Washington Urban Seattlites. regularly ranks among the least churched and least Of those that live in Center City, 56% are between the religious states in the country.13 In 2008 Forbes magazine ages of 25-49, 38% of which have a Bachelors, Masters or gave Seattle the dubious national rankings of 3rd Doctorate. 84% of Center City is renter occupied, while Greediest, 4th Most Lustful, and 4th Most Envious City in nearly 22% is subsidized. Between 2000-2009 there was the country.14 To make matters worse, the majority of large a 25% increase in families and a 21% increase in the evangelical churches have either left the city, moralized or general population. The average household income in politicized the gospel, or ceased to truly love the city. As a Center City is $58,616. Therefore, the majority of urban result, many are plateaued, declining or dead. dwellers are in their 30’s and 40’s, highly educated, politically liberal, single but co-habitating, sexually To the average Seattlite, evangelical experimental and renting. Protestantism is invisible. Simply, Jesus is unknown.

That’s where Downtown Cornerstone comes in.15

5 III our MISSION Downtown Cornerstone Church is a church planted in the soil of the Gospel in the heart of downtown Seattle.

The people of Downtown Cornerstone exist to build a people serve as a foretaste of the Kingdom that is to come, great city through the Gospel for the glory of God. We do inviting all who will hear to respond to the invitation of this by cultivating communities of Spirit-led followers of the Gospel. Jesus that enjoy God, redemptively engage the city, and reach the world. “Through the Gospel” Politics, social activism, or mere do-goodism cannot “Build a Great City” change the human heart. We need something far more God created all things good, whole, and perfect (Gen powerful. We need grace. Radical grace. That grace is 1:31). The Hebrew writers of the Old Testament describe only, and freely, made available through the Gospel. this state as shalom (universal flourishing, wholeness, In fact, we believe the grace offered in the Gospel, and delight). Sin shattered that shalom. But, God sent His imparted by the Spirit, is the most powerful change agent son, Jesus the Christ, to live, die and rise again for the in the universe.17 The Gospel is God’s message of good forgiveness of sin and to begin the restoration process of news;18 good news that Jesus Christ came to live, die and working shalom into every corner of existence - in and rise again for the forgiveness of sin19 to bring redeemed through His redeemed people. To be truly Christian is sinners under God’s gracious reign for the renewal of all to be truly human; living as we were always intended things.20 The Gospel brings us home to God for life that is to live, in relationship with our God. God offers us this truly life - every day.21 This news changes everything (our life-as-it-should-be through the Gospel, and sends us to worship, our community, our identity, our hope - our very “salt” and “light” (Mt 5:13-14) our city; to be agents of life) and is for everyone, both believers22 and not-yet- preservation, renewal and light in our homes, workplaces, believers. and neighborhoods. We want as many people as possible to meet Jesus and experience life as it was intended to “For the Glory of God” be - now and forever. As this happens, the city changes. We are all driven by something. We are not merely In other words, personal Gospel renewal inevitably leads planting this church for us, or for this city, but for to city renewal as the very social, cultural and spiritual God and His glory (1 Cor 10:31). We want to make fabric of the city is restored. As people meet Jesus the Him look as good as He really is in all of His fierce love, city is transformed; integrity is restored, families are radical grace, unsurpassed sovereignty, heart-melting rebuilt, classes and races are reconciled, the social fabric is mercy, indescribable beauty, untouchable holiness, rewoven, and the culture is renewed through the Gospel.16 perfect righteousness, unchanging eternality, absolute People changed by the Gospel bring about Gospel change. omnipresence, incomparable creativity, faultless wisdom, In this, the city witnesses what life should, and one day and unequaled justice. He is God and there is no other will, be like under the Lordship of Jesus the Christ. God’s (Isa 46:9).

6 He is the image of the invisible God, “the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

Col 1:15-20

7 IV our Values

We are unashamedly Christian.

We are a church with a deep love for Jesus, a thirst for here, play here, and raise our families here. The city is our His Word, and a passion for the spread of His Gospel. He context. The city is a strategic center of spiritual, social is God.23 All things were created by Him, for Him and and cultural influence. As the city goes, so goes the world. through Him.24 He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and Nowhere else on the planet is such diversity of people last, the beginning and end.25 He is the Cornerstone of the found in one place; young and old, black and white, rich church26 and reality itself.27 Our lives, our teaching, and and poor, known and unknown. We embrace the city, our worship are all grounded in who Jesus is, what He did, learn from the city and are for the city. We are not in the and what He is doing - even today. We are a people, first city to stand above the city (in judgment) or to hide under and foremost, about Him. We exist for Him. the city (in fear) or to mirror the city (in surrender), but to serve the city (in love). We are here for Seattlites who We are a Gospel-Centered people.28 The Gospel dislike, hate or are skeptical of the church, as well as those is God’s message of good news;29 good news that Jesus who love the church. We are here to bring the Gospel to Christ came to live, die and rise again for the forgiveness bear in the every day, serving as the faithful presence of of sin30 to bring redeemed sinners under God’s gracious Christ, making God look as good as He really is. reign for the renewal of all things.31 The Gospel brings us home to God for life that is truly life - every day.32 As a church, we are a redeemed people, not a place, Our lives are centered in this news. We believe the grace a meeting or an institution. From beginning35 to end36 offered in the Gospel, and imparted by the Spirit, is the God’s aim is to glorify Himself through a people, His most powerful change agent in the universe.33 The Gospel people, who He is calling out from all tribes, peoples and changes everything and is for everyone, both believers34 languages through the Gospel. He calls this people the and not-yet-believers. Church. We are a local expression of God’s redeemed people. The last thing Seattle needs is just “another” We are a church that exists to seek the welfare of the church that is in the city, but doesn’t genuinely love it. city, in the city. We love Seattle. We live here, work Seattle has become, for many, a place to escape from the

8 “church”. This is understandable, but not the way it should cultural (arts, music, multimedia) renewal. While we be. We are a church that desires the good of the entire believe that lasting change in an individual, family, city of Seattle through the multiplication of worshipping, neighborhood, city or culture cannot happen apart from redemptive, missional, sacrificial communities the transforming work of the Gospel of grace in “word”, (Cornerstone Communities), littered throughout the we are simultaneously called to salt and light the city with greater Seattle area to incarnate Jesus in every crack and the Gospel in “deed”.40 crevice of this beautiful city. Lastly, we are an urban multiplication center. As the church, we are a people sent across the street Making disciples leads to multiplication; multiplication and around the world, on a mission with the Gospel. of disciples, multiplication of communities and The mission of God is to make disciples. God sends His multiplication of churches. Our prayerful aim is to people, the church, on His mission in their context to build a movement of autonomous neighborhood create a people for Himself, through the Gospel of Jesus churches throughout the greater Seattle area through Christ. As God’s people in Seattle, we are participating disciple-making-disciples, community multiplication, in His unfolding story in this great city. We want as church planting residencies and in-house leadership many people as possible to experience the sin-cleansing, development. We are not just a single church, but a shame-removing, life-changing, world-altering power movement of Gospel-centered churches. Cities are so of the Gospel. We exist to share this news and our lives incredibly diverse that no single church can fully represent with urban workers and urban dwellers. But it doesn’t Christ to the City. We aim to plant Gospel-centered end there; through the city we reach the world. As God’s churches because we believe God wants all people to be people we are called to bring the good news of the Gospel saved41 and He makes Himself known through His people, across the street and around the world to those who the Church.42 have never heard the name of Jesus. We must, and will, do both.37 This is why we are here. Together, these form our core values: We want to see spiritual, social and cultural renewal JesuS: Our God. in Seattle. We are committed to building a great city, not just a great church, through justice, mercy, creativity, Gospel: God’s news. and partnership. The renewal of all things is God’s City: Our context. ultimate aim.38 As God’s redeemed people we are called Church: God’s people. by God to serve as communities of salt and light.39 We Mission: God’s heart. aim to serve as agents of renewal in this city that offer a Renewal: God’s end. foretaste of what is to come. We do this by redemptively Multiplication: Do it again... engaging the city through spiritual (Gospel, communities, Everywhere. church planting), social (mercy, justice, service), and

9 A NEW CITY

We envision thousands of people from every corner of the city united under a new identity in Jesus and sent to love, serve and challenge the city...and the cities of the world. Out of personal gospel renewal, urban renewal will flow, as the very spiritual, social and cultural fabric of Seattle is redeemed. To achieve this, our prayerful aim is to create a movement of autonomous Gospel- centered churches in every neighborhood of the city. Through the city, we’ll reach the world.

10 VTHE STRATEGY & STRUCTURE

We exist to build a great city through the Gospel for the glory of God.

Our strategy is fourfold: preaching and experiential grace for seekers, skeptics and believers alike. We’ll also strive for vibrant worship #1 Gospel Communities to glorify God in song and to tangibly experience His The city is an amazingly complex and diverse place. To presence and power. Our goal is to create Spirit-led and incarnate the Gospel in the city, we must become a part God-glorifying gatherings defined by joy, reverent awe, of the city in all its forms. We will do this by cultivating and excellence. communities of Spirit-led followers of Jesus that enjoy God, and redemptively engage the city, beginning in #3 Discipleship each of the distinct neighborhoods of the downtown The mission of the church is to make disciples; leading core, and around the city. These are communities in people from rebels to passionate Jesus-followers.43 which Jesus is loved, life is shared, disciples are made, Without the building and sending of disciples the church mission is exercised, the Gospel is lived, others are dies. The Gospel is what creates, matures and develops invited in and, ultimately, churches are planted. By locally disciples. As the Gospel takes greater and greater hold of incarnating the Gospel, we represent the same Jesus and a disciple’s heart, the result is a humble, Gospel-centered, Gospel in contextually appropriate ways throughout the passionate and contagious follower who invites others city, in word and deed. to the same. We build disciples by abiding in Jesus, stewarding His gifts, and equipping the saints in love as #2 Sundays we trust Jesus to build His church for His glory and our Not only will we be cultivating Spirit-filled communities, greatest good. we’ll also be gathering every Sunday as a single community for Word and worship. We gather around #4 Church Planting the Word, the Bible, because it is God’s Word to us about We will be a multiplying movement of disciples, who He is, who we are, and His true story of redemption communities and churches in the Puget Sound. In other in Jesus Christ. Our Sunday gatherings will be filled with words: do it all again, everywhere. passionate, intellectually engaging, Gospel-centered

Unless the Lord builds “ the house, those who build it labor in vain.

Ps 127:1 11 Support us: VI Pray, give, join

That’s where we’re going, but we need your Give help. Please consider how Jesus may be inviting you to Downtown Cornerstone is aiming to be a completely support us — whether through prayer, giving, or joining self-sustaining church by our fourth year (fall of 2014). us as we follow Jesus in planting a new Gospel work in the Therefore, we need to raise $200,000 for our first year of heart of downtown Seattle. operation and a total of nearly $500,000 for the first three years. All of this will need to come from outside sources. Pray These funds will help to cover the costs of salaries, We need prayer. For all our strategizing and preparation, administration, promotion, and facility rental. The we cannot succeed without the Spirit of God building His following chart demonstrates how we will transition church. Please pray with and for us daily. Jesus will build from being primarily a church supported by outside His church, but he does so through the faithful work, financial partners to becoming a self-sustaining, service and prayers of His people. There is much spiritual multiplying church. opposition, relational tension, financial strain and physical hardship involved in planting a church. Please join us in 100% prayer to our God who is able to do above and beyond all 80% that we ask, think or imagine (Eph 3:20). Regular prayer 60% updates will be posted on our website at 40% 20% www.downtowncornerstone.org. 0% Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

External internal Please pray that... Funds Funds • We would be a church marked by a deep love for Jesus. To meet our three-year goal of $500,000, Downtown • Many souls will be saved and lives Cornerstone is looking for churches and individuals to transformed through this new Gospel work. join us as financial partners. This may include regular • We would have wisdom, discernment monthly giving, yearly giving or one-time gifts over the and grace in the city. course of our first three years. In the life of a young, • We would be given favor by the city. urban, missional church in a challenging context, every dollar makes a difference. • God would provide all of our financial needs. • God would bring the right people at the right time. I thank my God in all my • Many Gospel-centered Jesus-loving churches “ remembrance of you, always would be planted. in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, • Seattle would be loved, served, challenged and changed through the Gospel. because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Phil 1:3-5

12 Please consider partnering with us at one of the following levels:

Amount Frequency

$10,000 one time

$5,000 one time

$1,000 one time

$250 monthly/3 years

$100 monthly/3 years

$50 monthly/3 years

$25 monthly/3 years

Join Perhaps God is moving you to join us in downtown Seattle. Do you want to be a part of something greater than yourself? Are you a dreamer, builder, missionary, or faith-filled risk-taker? Please pray about joining us, even moving, downtown. Some of you should consider joining the leadership team, raising support and becoming an integral part of this new work.

13 VII Launch resources

If you’re considering joining us on this journey, the following are some helpful resources that will equip, edify and inform.

Jesus Gospel The Bible The Gospel Centered Life

City Church & Mission Cities of God A Theology as Total Church Tangible Kingdom By: Rodney Stark Big as the City By: Steve Timmis By: H ugh Halter By: Ray Bakke & Tim Chester & Matt Smay

Renewal Multiplication Culture Making By: You Can Change Ministries of Mercy Church Planting By: Andy Crouch By: Tim Chester By: Tim Keller Movements (Cultural) (Spiritual) (Social) By: Garrison

14 VIII Biographical Sketch

Adam Sinnett | Planting Pastor Doctrine Adam is a native to the Northwest. Born in Seattle, he Downtown Cornerstone Church holds to the three creeds grew up in Olympia, but returned to attend the University of the Great Tradition (Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian): of Washington. While at the UW, Adam met Jesus, his www.bookofconcord.org/creeds.php wife Jen, and earned two Bachelor degrees. Adam and Jen have been married for nearly a decade and can often be We also affirm: found adventuring around downtown Seattle with their The Confessional Statement of : two young children, Carter and Macy. http://theGospelcoalition.org/about/foundation- documents/confessional/ Adam was actively involved in , in Seattle, WA, for over a decade. He served five years on The Doctrinal Statement of The : staff in several roles, including Acts 29 Assistant Director www.acts29network.org/about/doctrine/ and the West Seattle Campus Pastor. He has continued to work closely with Acts 29, including most recently, serving as the Northwest region lead and the area director for Latin America. He is currently completing his Masters degree in Biblical Studies through Reformed Theological Seminary.

Adam’s passion is to see the Gospel planted in the city of Seattle, rebels made into disciples of Jesus, and churches planted throughout the world.

15 Biographical Sketch endorsements

From the first day I met Adam I was not only impressed, but blessed. He continues to invest “ personally in my life, and it is also an honor to partner with Adam and Downtown Cornerstone Church in ministry to Seattle. I love his passion for the City; his integrity and strength of character; and his singleness of purpose, especially when it involves the Gospel and its message of hope! Adam is a godly man who I’m honored to call a friend, and I am thrilled that God has called him to Seattle.” Jeff Lilley President of Union Gospel Mission, Seattle, Wa

In all honesty I can’t think of a leader I know more qualified to plant a vibrant gospel-centered “ church. I have the deepest respect and admiration for Adam and his family and fully support and recommend his new venture to honor Jesus through planting Downtown Cornerstone in Seattle.” Dave Kraft Pastor of Leadership and Gospel Coaching, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, Wa Author of Leaders Who Last

I have worked closely with Adam Sinnett in ministry and on staff at Mars Hill for the “ better part of seven years. I know him to be a man of great integrity who loves Jesus and the gospel. God has given him a huge heart for Seattle, and for years I have watched Adam’s call unfold through faithful service. I rejoice that he is now planting Downtown Cornerstone. I commend his ministry and leadership without hesitation.” Steve Tompkins Mars Hill Shoreline Campus Pastor, Shoreline, Wa Former Acts 29 Network Director

I have known Adam Sinnett for well over a decade now, first as a young “ believer involved in campus ministry at the University of Washington, then as a businessman in the community trying to have an impact for Christ, and now as a pastor faithfully following the call of Jesus on his life to reach the city with the life changing message of the gospel. He is a friend, a family man, a pastor who has a heart for people, and a transparent man who knows the day in day out challenges of what it means to live faithfully for Jesus in the city. He is a pastor who men and women can follow and trust as they learn to follow Jesus!” Brian Ricci Seattle Director Campus Crusade for Christ

16 IX Appendix I

Why Plant a New Church in the City?

by Adam Sinnett, Lead Pastor Downtown Cornerstone

• Shouldn’t we focus on cultivating better “The vigorous, continual planting of new churches, rather than adding churches? congregations is the single most crucial These are valid concerns that stem from a fundamental strategy for 1) the numerical growth of the misunderstanding of the complexities of revitalization, Body of Christ in any city, and 2) the continual organizational life-cycles, demographic diversity, corporate renewal and revival of the existing theological distinctions, leadership styles, evangelism, churches in a city. Nothing else–not crusades, and general philosophies of ministry within existing outreach programs, para-church ministries, churches. To put it simply, it’s more complicated than growing mega-churches, congregational we may at first realize. consulting, nor church renewal processes– will have the consistent impact of dynamic, Therefore, to simplify it a bit, the following are seven extensive church planting. This is an eyebrow guiding principles driving us to plant a new church in the raising statement. But to those who have done heart of the city of Seattle. any study at all, it is not even controversial.” #1. Jesus’ fundamental call - , “Why Plant New Churches?” (article) was to plant Gospel-centered churches. “Church planting? What Matthew 28:18-20 is known as the “Great Commission” exactly is that?” from Jesus to the Church. It is a commission to “make disciples”, “of all nations”, to “baptize”, and to “teach”. In Any way you slice it the idea of church planting is often other words, Jesus commissions his followers as a sent either misunderstood or, literally, unheard of. The people; sent to all peoples, to invite them to become questions are many, including: one of God’s people, that results in a changed people. • Why plant (i.e. start) a new church in a city It’s a commission to plant churches, not merely isolated already filled with many other churches, acts of sharing our faith. Even the act of baptism itself some even growing? signifies “incorporation into a worshipping community with accountability and boundaries” (cf Acts 2:42-47). It • Why not focus instead on helping existing is apparent the apostles interpreted Jesus’ words in this churches grow? way as they immediately began to plant churches after • Won’t starting a new church merely take Pentecost.44 (cf Acts 13f) people away from other churches?

17 #2. More people are reached #3. Newer churches reach through more Gospel-centered more people than older churches. churches. Statistics show that the more churches there are that Not only do more Gospel-centered churches preach and practice the Gospel, the more people there reach more people; newer churches reach more will be who are reached with the Gospel. The opposite is people than older churches. also true; fewer Gospel-centered churches results in fewer “The average new [church] will bring 6-8 times people changed by the gospel. more new people into the life of the Body of “Dozens of studies confirm that the average Christ than an older congregation of the same new church gains most of its new members size…What does this mean practically? The (60-80%) from the ranks of people who are only wide-scale way to bring in lots of new not attending any worshipping body, while Christians to the Body of Christ in a permanent churches over 10-15 years of age gain 80- way is to plant new churches.” 90% of new members by transfer from other - Tim Keller, Church Planting Manual p30 congregations.”

- Tim Keller, Church Planting Manual p30 Joel Comiskey provides a possible explanation of why this is true… In other words, the more new churches that are planted, ”Church plants need new people, new ideas the more new people there will be who are reached with and new vision if they are going to emerge out the gospel. Keller argues that if churches over 10-15 years of the darkness into the sunlight. Established of age gain 80-90% of new members by transfer growth churches tend to be more concerned and the majority of churches in any given context fall into about building upkeep, the personality of that category, the number of active Christian churchgoers the preacher, who’s on the board, and the will be shrinking even if some of those churches are program schedule for the upcoming year… doubling in attendance. In this scenario, which is the case Church plants are completely stripped of all in Seattle, the church growth in existing churches only illusions. Do or die. Reach out or close the helps to offset the normal declines of the older churches. doors. Invite or implode. Church [plants] Ground is still lost. are desperate for growth. Without growth, “No time in American history has the need for the church folds. This reality keeps church new churches been more critical. New church [plants] on their knees, crying out to God.” planters are needed now to scale back the - Joel Comiskey, Planting Churches that Reproduce p31 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

18 #4. Big churches are not a rigid, tradition-bound congregation is almost always the most effective. impossible…starting new churches is much It is easy to assume that larger churches are more effective easier and, perhaps, a better overall stewardship than smaller churches. Though that is true in some areas, of kingdom resources, just as it’s sometimes it is not true in all areas. more cost-effective to purchase a new vehicle, rather than pouring money into an old one to “Statistics do not support the assumption that keep it running like new.” size is necessarily the best way to reach people. - Ed Stetzer, Planting Missional Churches p11 Though large churches are often more cost effective than small churches, new churches are Rather, argues Peter Wagner… more effective than large churches, particularly in evangelism. On a per-capita basis, new “Planting new churches is the most effective churches win more people to Christ than evangelistic methodology known under heaven.” established churches.” - C. Peter Wagner, Strategic Growth p168 - Ed Stetzer, Planting Missional Churches p7

Additionally, Seattle is a paradoxical, independent #6. There is a great need and slightly-anarchist city. We love coffee, but prefer in our city. independent coffee shops. We love music, particularly of the independent, home-grown variety. We like Amidst the beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and passion creativity and innovation, as long as it was done out of Seattlites less than 4% of the nearly 600,000 people of a garage and not a high-rise. We don’t take well to here identify themselves Bible-believing evangelical “the man” – no matter what form he (she?) comes in. Christians. The Northwest has been described as the Big churches in Seattle can be viewed in the same way. “None Zone” because it is home to the nations highest Though big churches have their niches, Seattle is a city of density of people who say they have no religion, including independent, distinctive neighborhoods, each calling for atheists & agnostics, making sense of Seattle’s ranking as an independent, distinctive, local gospel expression. fourth least churched city in the country. In 2008 Forbes magazine gave Seattle the dubious national rankings of #5. Planting new 3rd Greediest City (4th, 11th, and 16th richest Americans churches is often more call Seattle home), 4th Most Lustful City (124% more sales effective than church of contraceptives than the national average), and 4th Most revitalization. Envious City (crime). The majority of large evangelical Whatever you call it – replanting, revitalizing, or churches have either left the city, are located outside the rejuvenating – helping to save plateauted, declining or city or import their Sunday message by way of video. To dead churches is next to impossible. the average Seattlite, evangelical Protestantism is invisible.

“Saving dead and dying churches is more difficult and ultimately more costly than starting new ones. Some authorities even argue that changing

19 Go therefore and make disciples “ of all nations...” Mt 28:18

#7 God has made it clear to us. After years of prayer, counsel and consideration, we believe that Jesus has called us to plant a new church in the heart of the city. So, 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

20 Appendix II

What is a Gospel-Centered Church?

Adapted from “What is a Gospel Centered Church?” • Activism (politics, agendas, etc) occurs Rethink Mission45 when Christians of every political stripe begin to equate the spread of the Gospel A movement has begun among a diverse group of with the growth of a specific political party, evangelical churches. One by one, pastors are coming to platform, or agenda in order to influence the realization that they are not preaching the Gospel. policy making and decision makers.

Pause. What’s deceiving here is that usually these “–isms” start Christian churches that do not preach the Gospel? Wait. with noble aspirations: a desire to help people change What then are they teaching? Are they teaching anti- and grow, a desire to reach out to people far from God, Christian doctrine? Satanism? Snake-handling? or a desire to use influence to change the way things are done. Unfortunately, when something other than God Often, these churches have not fallen into some gross is our primary goal, no matter how good that goal is, we heresy. Most likely, it’s just that over time, they’ve let the will eventually start taking short cuts to get what we want Gospel slip in favor of another way to draw and change accomplished. people. A Gospel-centered church A few of the most prevalent things that can crowd out the Gospel are: understands that change or transformation of any • Moralism uses fear, rules, and commands as the basis for discouraging kind, especially authentic sin and encouraging holy living. Sadly, heart-transformation, cannot this results in increased self-righteousness happen apart from the Gospel among rule-keepers and absolute despair in those who are unable to live up. of grace by the Spirit.

• Pragmatism encourages church A Gospel-centered church roots and keeps the focus of all leaders to spend more time teaching its activity – teaching, worship, outreach, social activism, helpful techniques or useful principles than and discipleship – honed in on the Gospel: the riches of pointing people to the only thing that has the grace of God available because of the sacrificial death real power to change both hearts and lives - of Jesus for sinners. the Gospel.

21 Because of this, a Gospel-centered church is • Producing people who don’t just know the committed to: doctrine of the Gospel but who love the person of Jesus Christ. • Reading and teaching the entire Bible in light of the Gospel. These are the themes that we are committed to living • Preaching the Gospel to believers, not just together as Downtown Cornerstone. At the end of the day, unbelievers. grace isn’t just something we “get” and the cross is not just • Leaders applying the Gospel to themselves some object in time. These things hinge on a person. At first; church leaders are the first repenters. the center of it all is a person.

• Cultivating a leadership culture marked by Jesus. ever increasing “Gospel astonishment”. In an age when His name is easily tossed around or • Being known for an atmosphere of grace; relegated to some minor point of doctrine used to win Gospel-centered churches are safe places arguments and manipulate people, we long for the day for seekers, skeptics and those outside of when Jesus is seen for what He is: the hero of the story. the faith.

For I delivered to you “ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins...” Col 1:15-20

22 Appendix III

What is a Missional Church?

Adapted from articles by Ed Stetzer46 and entire church, an attitude that makes it clear those who Jonathan McIntosh47 don’t look like us, dress like us, vote like us, have the same skin color as us, or the same socioeconomic background We’re all on a mission of some kind. The question is: as us are not welcome here. What’s yours? What defines what your life is about? That’s Ultimately, when mission drift occurs indefinitely the your mission. Jesus gave His church, His people, one church stops...reaching...people. mission: make disciples from rebels (Mt 28:18-20). Calling rebellious sinners to faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of People. Real, living, sweating, broken, sinful people. sin, life with God (beginning now) and partnering with Him in his unfolding story is the mission of the church. People need hope. They need God. They need the light of the Gospel. However, often the church drifts from this mission. This The term “missional” is simply the noun “missionary” happens when a church lets something else take over adapted into an adjective. Thus, a “missionary” is someone as the primary mission: a building project, an unstated who acts like a missionary (e.g. understands a culture, theology of “people should come to us,” personality of the proclaims the faithful Gospel in a way that people in preacher, the size of the church, making budget, keeping culture can understand, and uses parts of that culture to programs running or sometimes simple laziness. There is glorify God). A “missional church” is a church that acts often an unspoken attitude that hangs like a cloud over the like a missionary in its community.

23 I have become all things to all “ people, that by all means I might save some.” 1 Cor 9:22

If we are going to reach a changing Seattle (let alone world) • Intentional about planting other churches to in this generation and the next, we have to contend for the go and do the same. unchanging faith (Jude 3), but do so using forms that are • Intentional about Biblical fidelity merged relevant to all kinds of people (1 Cor. 9:22-23). That’s a with contextual engagement. missional church - a church acting like a missionary to A missional church responds to the sending commands the community around it while partnering with others of Jesus by becoming an incarnational, indigenous, and to be missionaries around the world. intentional Gospel presence in its context. When Jesus What, then, do missional churches look like? said, “As the Father has sent Me, so send I you,” (John 20:21) that was not to a select group of cross-cultural Incarnational: Missional churches are deeply missionaries. Instead, that was a commission to each of us connected to the community. The church is not focused in our context. on its facility, but is focused on living, demonstrating, and offering biblical community to a lost world. It means In all this, Jesus serves as our primary example. The following the example of Jesus, God becoming man. We incarnation – God becoming man – helps us understand are now commissioned to become part of the community and relate to people. The cross provides the framework in which God has placed us as redemptive agents. for our theology (what we believe and how we relate to God). But it’s the incarnation that provides the framework Indigenous: Missional churches are indigenous. for our missiology (what we believe and how we relate to Churches that are indigenous have taken root in the soil culture). During His earthly ministry we see Jesus loving and reflect, to some degree, the culture of their community. people, spending time with people, and sharing His life An indigenous church looks different from Seattle to with people. We see an outcast ministering to outcasts, Senegal to Singapore. This means that churches must we see grace offered to a prostitute, an adulterer, and a become humble students of the varied peoples and cultures tax-collector. We see a God-man moved with absolute surrounding them to communicate the Gospel truth in compassion because He sees those around Him are ways the culture understands. “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). And He says I am here. I am here to “seek and Intentional: Missional churches are intentional save that which is lost.” A missional church sees that people about their methodologies: and culture are not enemies of the church, but broken • Intentional about producing missionaries treasures that God is restoring. Restoration is only made instead of consumers in the discipleship fully and freely available through the Gospel delivered by process. God’s sent people, the Church. That’s missional. We have • Intentional about equipping people to live a sender (Jesus), a message (the Gospel), and a people to every day with Gospel intentionality. whom we are sent (real people in culture). These are the themes that we are committed to living out together as • Intentional about building a great city and Downtown Cornerstone. not just a good church. • Intentional about working to heal the real wounds and righting injustices in the community through mercy and social justice.

24 Appendix IV

Why is the City Important?

Adapted from “Why is the City so Important to the earthly family is an institution corrupted by sin, we are Christian Church?” by Tim Keller48 to seek to redeem and rebuild human families. So God is a city builder who is building a spiritual city. That means “In every earthly city, there are two cities vying for that, though the earthly city is an institution corrupted by control - the City of Man and the City of God” sin, we are to seek to redeem and rebuild human cities. - Augustine As we are to redeem human families by spreading within them the family of God, so we are to redeem human cities by spreading within them the city of God. We know that The city is our context. Cities are strategic centers of the power of marriage is such that as your marriage goes, spiritual, social and cultural influence. As the city goes, so goes your life. So the power of cities are such that, as the so goes the world. In fact, the entire trajectory of human city goes, so goes society. history will culminate in an urban environment.49 Nowhere else on the planet is such diversity of people found in Cities are a place of shelter one place; young and old, black and white, rich and poor, for the weak and different. known and unknown. We love Seattle, desire to learn from Seattle and are for Seattle. Under God, the city was created as a place of refuge from criminals, animals and marauders. By its nature, the Hebrews 11:10 says “For he was looking forward to the city city is a place where minorities can cluster for support in with foundation whose builder and maker is God.” God an alien land, where refugees can find shelter and where began history in a Garden, but is ending it in a city (Rev the poor can better eke out an existence. The city is always 21). God tells Adam to multiply and develop a civilization a more merciful place for minorities of all kinds. The that will glorify Him (Gen 1:27-28). Adam fails, and God dominant majorities often dislike cities, but the weak and through Christ, the second Adam, gets a civilization that powerless need them. They cannot survive in the suburbs glorifies Him. But Hebrews and Revelation 21 show us that and small towns. Thus, unlike villages, cities are places of the world He desires is urban. The wife of the Lamb is a diversity. They reflect the Future City where there will be beautiful city, shining with the glory of God (Rev 21:10-11). people of “every tongue, tribe, people, and nation.” When we look at the New Jerusalem, we discover that in the midst of the city is a crystal river and the Tree of Life, Under sin, however, the city becomes a refuge from bearing fruit and leaves which heal the nations of the effects God, where people with deviant lifestyles can run and of the divine covenant curse. The city is the Garden of hide because of the natural tolerance the city breeds Eden, remade. The City is the fulfillment of the purposes of toward those who are different. Also, under sin, the the Eden of God. diversity breeds anger, tension and violence between Is this only metaphorical? God is called a Father who is the different groups. building a spiritual family. That means that, though the

25 Cities are cultural and human Cities are places of spiritual development centers. searching and temple building.

Under God, the city stimulates and focuses the Under God, the city is the place where God dwells gifts, capacities and talents of people, and the deep in the center - in the earthly city of Jerusalem, the potentialities in the human heart. It does so by bringing temple stands as the central integrating point of the you into contact with people unlike you - very diverse city’s architecture and as the apex of its art, science and and providing different perspectives - and with people technology. Even now, the city’s intensity makes people like you who are just as good or better at what you do. religious seekers. The concentration of human talent, both by competition and cooperation, produces greater works of art, science, Under sin, however, as in ancient times, the city was technology and culture. The city moves you to reach down built around ziggurats, “landing pads” for the god of the and press toward excellence. city, so today people are drawn into skyscraper temples worshipping “self” and money. Cities are hotbeds of Under sin, however, the city is exhausting, leading to religious cults, idols and false gods. Since cities breed burn out. Also, the city leads human beings into ambition spiritual seeking, when Christians abandon the cities to “make a name of themselves” (Gen 11:4). Selfishness, the seekers fall into the hands of idols and heresies. In pride, and arrogance are magnified in the city. Since God summary, in every earthly city, there are two “cities” invented it as a “cultural mine,” the city now brings out vying for control. They are the City of Man and the city whatever is in the human heart, the very best and worst of God (see Augustine’s City of God). Though the fight of humanity. between these two kingdoms happens everywhere in the

26 Behold, I am making all things new... “ Rev 21:5

world, earthly cities are the flash points on the battle-lines, Why can we best reach them in the the places where the fighting is most intense, and where city? Wayne Meeks of Yale, in The First Urban victories are the most strategic. Because of the power of the Christians, points out that Paul’s missionary work was city, it is the chief target of the forces of darkness, since that urban-centered. He went to population centers, and which wins the city sets the course of human life, society ignored small towns and the countryside. Christianity and culture. Therefore, the city is the most crucial place spread better in the urban Roman Empire than in to minister. the countryside. Why? 1) People in the city are less conservative, and more open to new ideas. 2) Christian Who can we reach in the city? If the evangelists found that, in the city the Gospel could spread Christian church wants to really change the country and faster into the influence centers - law, politics, arts, etc. culture, it must go into the cities themselves, not just into and into diverse national groups. By the year 300 AD over the suburbs or even the exurbs. Three kinds of persons live half of the urban populations of the Empire were Christian there who exert a tremendous influence on our society. We while the countryside was pagan. (The word pagnus means cannot reach them in the suburbs. They are: 1) the elites country man!) The early church was urban. There is no who control the culture and who are becoming increasingly intrinsic reason for urban people to be less religious, only secularized; 2) the masses of new immigrants who move less traditional. out into the mainstream society over the next 30 years; 3) the poor, whose dilemmas are deepening rapidly and affecting the whole country.

27 Appendix V

Downtown Neighborhood map

Last Updated February 2, 2010

28 1 Gen 3 18 Luke 7:22; Acts 10:36; 1 Peter 1:12 2 Pryne, Eric (June 21, 2002). “. http://community. 19 1 Cor 15:1-3; John 3:16-17; Gal 1:4; 1 Peter 2:24 seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020621&slug=tti21m. 20 Eph 1:3-14; Phil 2:9,10; Mt 5-7; Rev 21:1-4 (Retrieved 2009-04-29) 21 Mt 7:14; 10:39; John 1:4; 4:14; 10:10; 11:25; 20:31; Acts 5:20; 11:18; 3 Uptown, South Lake Union, Belltown, Denny Triangle, Waterfont, Rom 6:4; 8:2; 2 Cor 3:6; 2 Cor 4:10; Phil 2:16; 4:3; 1 Tim 6:19; 1 John Central Business District, Pioneer Square, the International District 1:1 and parts of Capitol Hill, First Hill and SoDo 22 Col 2:6; Gal 2:14 4  “List of United States by Population”, Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia. 23 John 1:1,14; 8:58; 10:30; Mk 14:61-62; 2 Cor 4:4; Phil 2:5-10; Col 2:9; org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population (Retrieved Heb 1:3,8; 1 Tim 3:16; Mt 1:23; 07.20.10) 24 Col 1:15-20; Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6 5  “Seattle”, Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle (Retrieved 25 Rev 22:13 07.10.10) 26 Eph 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6; Acts 4:11; Mt 21:42; Mk 12:20; Lk 20:17 6 “The Challenge of Seattle’s Emerging Society”, Bruce Katz. 05.28.2010 27  Col 1:15-20; Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6 http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/0528_seattle_katz.aspx 28 See “Appendix II: What is a Gospel-Centered Church?” (Retrieved 07.20.10) 29 Luke 7:22; Acts 10:36; 1 Peter 1:12 7  US Census Bureau (2008). “. http://bit.ly/alr0nN (Retrieved 2009-04- 30 1 Cor 15:1-3; John 3:16-17; Gal 1:4; 1 Peter 2:24 29) 31 Eph 1:3-14; Phil 2:9,10; Mt 5-7; Rev 21:1-4 8 For a map see “Appendix V: Downtown Neighborhoods” 32 Mt 7:14; 10:39; John 1:4; 4:14; 10:10; 11:25; 20:31; Acts 5:20; 11:18; 9 Downtown Seattle Association: Economic Information http://www. Rom 6:4; 8:2; 2 Cor 3:6; 2 Cor 4:10; Phil 2:16; 4:3; 1 Tim 6:19; 1 John downtownseattle.com/content/businesses/Arts.cfm 1:1 10 Ed Stetzer, “The Most Effective Evangelistic Strategy Under Heaven”, 33 Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18,24; Eph 2:8-10 SBC Life, June 2003, http://www.sbclife.org/articles/2003/06/sla14.asp 34 Col 2:6; Gal 2:14 (Retrieved 07.20.10) 35 Gen 1:27-28 11 Cathy Lynn Grossman, “Amen to a church-free lifestyle”, USA Today, 36 Rev 7:9-12 03.06.02 http://www.usatoday.com/life/2002/2002-03-07-church-free. 37 Mt 28:18-20; Rom 10:14-15 htm (Retrieved 07.20.10) 38 Rev 21:5 12 Froma Harrop, “The unchurched Northwest”, Seattle Times, 10.11.05, 39 Mt 5:13-14 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2002552768_ 40 Col 3:17; James 2:14-26; Mt 25:42-46 harrop11.html (Retrieved 07.20.10) 41 1 Tim 2:4 13 Association of Religion Data Archives. “Rates of Adherence.” 42 1 Peter 2:9-12 http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map. 43 Matthew 28:18-20 asp?state=101&variable=616 (Retrieved 07.28.10); “Church 44 Adapted from “Why Plant Churches?” by Tim Keller Attendance Lowest in New England, Highest in South”, Gallup http:// 45 “What is a Gospel Centered Church?” by Jonathan McIntosh, http:// www.gallup.com/poll/22579/Church-Attendance-Lowest-New- www.rethinkmission.org/about-rethink-mission-what-is-a-Gospel- England-Highest-South.aspx (Retrieved 07.28.10) centered-church/ 14 America’s Most Sinful Cities”, Forbes.com, 02.14.08, http:// 46 “A Missional Church”, Ed Stetzer, The Christian Index “http://www. www.forbes.com/2008/02/14/cities-sinful-lander-forbeslife-cx_ christianindex.org/1657.article (Retrieved 2009-04-29) lm_0213sinful_land.html (Retrieved 07.20.10) 47 “Christ City Church Vision Packet: What is a Missional Church” 15 See “Appendix 1: Why Plant a New Church in the City?” Jonathan McIntosh 16 Tim Keller, “Changing the Fabric of the City”, Redeemer Church 48 Tim Keller, “Why is the City so Important to the Christian Church”, Planting Center: Church Planting Manual, p228 Redeemer Church Planting Center: Church Planting Manual, p45-46 17 Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18,24; Eph 2:8-10 49 Rev 21:2

29 I do not cease to give thanks “ for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Eph 1:16

Sincerest thanks to:

My Jesus. “Having nothing, yet possessing everything.” (2 Cor 6:10)

My beautiful wife and family. “Glorify the Lord with me. Let us exalt his name together.” (Ps 34:3)

David Parker for having a passion to get it done for Jesus, whatever it is.

Niels Toft for the great layout and drive to make Jesus look as good as He is through design.

Robertson Ashman for the creative and original photography.

Peter Isaza for capturing the vision and the city on video.

Nathaniel Blue for mad mixes, audible and visible.

Kyle Peters. You know.

The dozen or so original members of Downtown Cornerstone. May God multiply your ranks and bless your prayers, mission and service in this city and the cities of the world.

Those who chose to financially support us before any of this came into being. Thank you.

Those who have helped shape my thinking in the content and layout of this document: Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll, , Ed Stetzer, Steve Timmis, Tim Chester, Jeff Vanderstelt, Caeasar Kalinowski, Jonathan Dodson, Jonathan McIntosh, JD Senkbile, Mark Bergin and countless others.

30 31