By Megan Wu
The Capital Fellows enjoy engaging in Life & Leadership every other week, where pastors Ryan Laughlin and Rob Yancey delve into different topics with us. This semester's focus in Life & Leadership is on exploring "Gospel Identity & Connections." During our first meeting of the semester, we began a thought-provoking conversation about the transformative impact of living in alignment with our identity rooted in Christ's justification.
To kick off our discussion, Ryan posed two pivotal questions: "What does God think about you?" and "What can I do to change that?" These questions prompted contemplation reminiscent of Kelly Kapic's book, You're Only Human. In his book, Kapic highlights how Christian college students readily affirm God's love for them but hesitate when asked if they believe God likes them.
The question of whether God likes me sparks a personal reflection on its significance. Our discussion led me to the realization that asking if God likes me is crucial to the Christian life. Without seeing how God delights in me, Jesus' sacrifice may be perceived as an obligation rather than what it truly is: the ultimate act of love. My understanding of the gospel is shaped by personal experiences, which, at times, distorts how I view God’s care for me. To embrace my identity through Christ's justification, I need to perceive God as one who takes joy in me, not merely as a strategic player on a divine chessboard.
The second part of the question, "What can I do to change that?" assures the unwavering stance God holds toward me. Catherine, a current Capital Fellow, shared a valuable insight during our discussion: "You are already as loved as you are ever going to be."
There are gaps in our experience of God's love and knowledge of God’s love, and prioritizing our identity through Christ helps bridge these gaps, allowing us to live a life measured by the justification of Christ on the cross.Â
Megan Wu is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2023-24. She is from Sterling, VA, and is a graduate of James Madison University. This year, she is working as a communications associate at The Fellows Initiative.
Pictures From The Week
Classic group picture at the Claggett Center with a sunset on our Winter Retreat.
Student Ministries' Breaking Bread morning!
A murder mystery night at the Winter Retreat with the very, super scary, Carter Smith.
Blind karaoke fun with Fellows who don’t know words to any songs.
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!
Our Capital Fellows have returned for their second semester and are settling back into their routines. They are also starting to prepare for their job searches, which will begin in earnest later this month. Please pray that they will not be troubled by worry and, instead, "seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness" in every aspect of this process (Matthew 6:33).
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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