By Seth Gladysz
A new normal is setting in for the 15th season of the Capital Fellows. The rush of our Kickoff Retreat is over, and a different pace of life is beginning to take shape. I’ve lived in different communities and experienced various transitions in life, but I think I speak on behalf of all the Capital Fellows when I say this is uniquely different from anything we’ve ever experienced before.
I have some ideas why:
It might be the radical hospitality. Never before have I felt so welcomed and cared for in a new community. My host family not only has provided a room in their home but has also brought me into the sacred spaces and traditions of the family. Whether it’s jamming out on guitar with my host-brother, playing video games with my host-sister, or exchanging stories with my host-parents, this hospitality has made the distance from my own family more bearable. A number of families in the church have even hosted all the fellows over for meals, inspiring in us a desire to be hospitable in the ways modeled for us.
It could also be the fellows. This is probably in-group bias, but I have a weird suspicion there is something extra special about this group of people. If I didn’t believe in the theological concept of God’s sovereignty, I’d probably think this arrangement of Capital Fellows was some kind of Presbyterian conspiracy to take over the world for Jesus. Even though the initial energy from the retreat has worn off, I feel a deeper love for my fellow fellows that grows daily as I get to know each of them more in their beautiful complexities. I wasn’t worried about the no-dating rule in the 1st week of the program, but if this keeps up, I might need to ask some people to wait for me until the program finishes.
There is a chance it’s because of the awesome combination of the program leaders and McLean Presbyterian Church. Attempting to hold to analogy without dipping too much into heresy, I cannot imagine this program without this team. Martha Roszak, assistant director of the program, was a Capital Fellow herself, which gives her a unique ability to relate and empathize with us while also being a role model. John Kyle, the director of Capital Fellows, has spent many years focusing on the relationship of the Christian to their vocation, a core idea of the program. MPC with its staff, members and property is how this program is made possible and finds completion.
I think that last idea gave the true answer away. The reason why this program is uniquely different from anything we’ve experienced before is because it’s of the Lord. Not to say those things which took place in our lives before this program were not of the Lord, but that when something is from the Lord, it is new and fresh and different because it’s beyond us. It is from Him.
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Romans 12:2
Pictures from the Week
Capital Fellows sitting in church before being introduced to the congregation
Hanging out on the church porch
Some fellows busy at work in the church office
Pool party! What's David up to there?
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!
As Season 15 settles into the patterns of post-college life, please be praying for stamina, as well as time of rest and reflection. Pray that they would serve one another well as their community forms.
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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