By Will Solomon
We are five weeks into our Capital Fellows year. As I reflect on the last four weeks, I think about the new rhythm of life that we have all had to adjust to. I think about learning how to be a good worker, a good friend, a faithful servant, a disciple of Jesus, and not to be a mere consumer of the house in which I live. All these commitments can be a lot. They can be overwhelming. They sometimes tempt me to operate out of a state of hurriedness instead of rest.
Dallas Willard, a spiritual hero of mine, says, “Hurry is the great spiritual enemy in our life today. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” When I think of “the great spiritual enemy” my mind does not go straight to hurry. But when I think deeper, it starts to make sense. When I am hurried, I am not who God made me to be. I am not loving or serving like Jesus, and I am not putting the interests of others above myself.
Fortunately, we serve a God of peace that invites us to rest and to be still because He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Psalm 23, verses 1-3 say, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me like down in green pastures. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his name’s sake.”
The opening lines of this Psalm are so comforting. We are the sheep of a Shepherd that is gentle and lowly in heart. He is a Shepherd who promises to bring us peace, not anxiety or a sense of hurriedness. And one that calls us to rest in his arms because he is God, and we are not. In the midst of this, our Father commands us to live in the world. He calls us to work, to serve, and to live in community. To be “fruitful and multiply.” How amazing it is that the God of the universe invites us into his mission to redeem the earth that we live in. In the past four weeks of Fellows, we have had several opportunities to “noodle” on these thoughts, as John Kyle, the director of the Capital Fellows program, would say. I am fascinated by these truths that are presented before us. As I continue to dive deeper into this year and grow in my discipleship to Jesus, I will remain comforted by my Shepherd leading me to a place of rest and peace.
I think I can speak for us all when saying that we have been stretched outside of our comfort zone. How awesome is it that we get the opportunity to stretch and grow together? We have been thrown into the fire of adulthood, but with the comfort of a safety net. I am so grateful that the Lord brought us together for such a time as this.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Pictures from the Week
Mixed vibes after getting our stack of books
Student Ministry team takes on Dye War 2021!
Sweet moments in the presence of God
Become A Capital Fellow in 2022-23
We are now receiving applications for Season 16 of the Capital Fellows program!
Most fellows work in the marketplace - for companies, nonprofits, government offices. Three Capital Fellows work at our church each year as well. For these roles, we are looking for a worship fellow, a children's ministry fellow, and a missions fellow. These are special Capital Fellows opportunities because the Capital Pres Family not only pays your salary, but also pays your Capital Fellows program fees!!
The Season 16 program year runs from late August 2022 through mid-May 2023. If you are a college senior or recent graduate - or know someone that is - we would love to hear from you!
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
October can be challenging for the Fellows. The newness of life in DC is giving way to the ordinariness of routines, commuting, deadlines, and other patterns post-college life. This can result in Fellows feeling tired and stretched. Please pray for the Fellows as they make the transition from college to post-college life and structure. Please pray for their community as they learn to love and serve each other IN their tiredness.
Want to pray for the Capital Fellows throughout the year? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
Benefits of The Fellows Initiative
You probably already know that Capital Fellows is one of 32 fellows programs in The Fellows Initiative network. Capital Fellows benefit from our affiliation with The Fellows Initiative in many ways. One of those ways is that all Capital Fellows alumni receive a 33% tuition discount at Reformed Theological Seminary for 5 years. For more information, please contact us.
If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining The Fellows Initiative by launching a new fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.
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