By Judah Dorsey
Late September, the Capital Fellows went to see Chris Renzema perform at the Howard theater in D.C. I had never listened to his music before, but I was blown away by the show. As a fellow musician, I couldn’t help but appreciate the musicality of his band, the energetic atmosphere inside the theater, and the passionate fans singing along to every song.
Days later, I felt a sudden and intense desire for that level of success. I wanted to be the headliner for a sold-out arena where hundreds of people would come and watch me perform. I wanted to be well known and loved in the music industry. I wanted to have thousands of streams on Spotify. I wanted glory.
In our discussions at Capital Commons these past few weeks, we’ve been talking about the call we have to serve in all areas of life (work, relationships, family life, etc.). These discussions, along with my own convictions, have led me to be confronted by what Jesus says about "being great" in Matthew 20:26-28:
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
What does it mean to be great? In our world, greatness looks like fame and fortune. It sounds like thunderous applause. It’s financial security, high social status, and an outward-facing, vibrant lifestyle. In Jesus’ kingdom, greatness is very different. Jesus’ words have challenged my perception of what it means to be great.
Though I long for glory, Jesus’ glory must displace my own. He must increase, I must decrease. I can release my desires for earthly glory not because I have transcended human ambition, for my heart still longs to do great deeds. Not because I have exceeded those who pant after earthly fame and fortune, for often I stumble. No! I can release my desires for earthly glory because a greater glory has captivated my heart: The beautiful one who for my sake gave up his glory and died so that I may live.
Judah Dorsey is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2023-24. He is from Redmond, WA, and is a graduate of Covenant College. This year, he is working at McLean Presbyterian Church as a worship intern.
Pictures From The Week
Jacob and Corinne recreating their pose on Jacob's custom birthday shirt.
Judah and Jack serving Italian Cream Sodas at Commons.
Brigette and Judah performing at a house concert.
Fellows and guests getting ready for worship after Commons.
Know a Potential Capital Fellow?
If you know a college senior or recent graduate who should consider joining the Capital Fellows program in 2024-25, please encourage them to get in touch with us. The easiest way to express interest in the program is through our Contact Us Form. You can learn more about the program, including application deadlines, by visiting the Capital Fellows website.
About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
The Capital Fellows have entered the home stretch of the fall semester—two more weeks and then some well-deserved time off. This is a busy season for them: papers to write for their seminary courses, personal assessments to complete, etc. Please be in prayer for them to finish well and even enjoy the reflection that writing the papers can provide.
Want to pray for the current Capital Fellows in an ongoing way? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
About The Fellows Initiative
Capital Fellows is part of a network of similar programs across the country. This network is called The Fellows Initiative. There are 34 Fellows programs in TFI, roughly 3,000 alumni living around the world, and more Fellows programs on the way.
If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining TFI by launching a new Fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.
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