Acts 29 Network: Seattle, WA

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Downtown Cornerstone | Seattle, WA

Adam Sinnett
Apr 9, 2011
Series: Church Profiles
Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I met Jesus at the University of Washington and felt a call to urban ministry leadership early on. After a decade invested in a solid Jesus-loving church, much prayer, lots of counsel, significant ministry experience, and an ever-growing fire-in-the-soul to preach the gospel and see others connected to Christ we followed Jesus' lead in planting this church and, Lord willing, a movement of churches around Seattle and among the unreached around the world.

How did you build up your core? What advice would you give to guys in the core-stage?

Love God, love others and make disciples (equip). I have little to offer as we're super early on, but my advice would be simple. Pray as though it all depends on the Father (i.e. love God). Network with others as though it all depends on you (i.e. love others). Pour into those you have, through the Word (i.e. make disciples). Then watch Him work.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

First, myself. My own pride, anxieties and insecurities.

Second, being patient with the process. This includes being patient with those the Lord is bringing to help plant this church as He does his work of re-gospelizing them in order to prepare them. This also includes patiently waiting for Jesus to bring the right people at the right time. Planting is an appropriate term for this work as it takes prayerful thought, careful planning and patient cultivation.

Third, continually working to balance my time between the various roles I am called to carry out: personal worshiper, loving husband, caring father, strategic visionary, practical pastor, discerning missionary, etc. That's a lot to juggle.

Fourth, space/finances. This is self-explanatory.

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Believe it or not, I actually worked for Acts 29 at one point. Though, things have significantly improved since then.

The biggest benefit of the network is being in relationship w/ the people that form the network.

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

First, be prayerful.
Second, bring others in to speak into your life and decision.
Third, be patient (you'll never regret waiting another couple years to plant, though you may regret planting too early).
Fourth, be realistic. Do you love Jesus? Do you genuinely love others? Is anyone following you right now? Are you engaged with non-Christians right now? Don't make the mistake of thinking those things happen when you plant. Planting should be the overflow of who God is already creating you to be.
Fifth, fight to remain God-centered. It is easy to make planting the focus, and miss God.

What’s the most important thing you’d want to share with a new church planter?

God is 100% for you in Christ and has uniquely gifted you to be who you are and equipped you for His work.

How do you pastor your family?

Daily devotions w/ entire family in Bible, prayer and song. Make "God-talk" a regular part of our conversation around home, taking time to pray, discuss life as appropriate.

Outside of the Bible, what is the most helpful book you have read for church planting?

Redeemer's Church Planting manual; next up Global Church Advancement manual

Church Profile: Downtown Cornerstone
Launch Date: April 2011
Location: Seattle, WA

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

We exist to build a great city through the gospel for the glory of God by cultivating communities of Jesus followers that enjoy God, redemptively engage the city and reach the world.

http://www.downtowncornerstone.org/about/

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

Personally: As my dependency on Him as increase so has my freedom from attaching value, worth, identity in anything else.

Church: Pronounced Gospel growth in Christians who are partnering w/ us and seeing numerous non-Christians becoming part of our community.