By Sam Trizza
During the first few weeks of Capital Fellows I've heard a nugget of wisdom from church members, former fellows and even, unexpectedly, myself. Since this charge has hit me a few times, it is one that we need to embed in each other and ourselves for our year as Fellows:
To be honest.
While we're learning about the intersection of faith and vocation, service and community, it is important that we're honest about our opinions, how we're feeling adjusting to a new chapter of life, and the state of our hearts. A big area where I am pursuing my honesty is about vocation and the kind of life the Lord calls me to live. I need to be honest about all my gifts, interests, beliefs and motivations - altruistic and selfish - so that I walk down a path that leads to flourishing, not away from him.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
Of course, a large part of the Capital Fellows year is in the name: other Fellows! We are all here to help one another along, and part of that is being honest with each other to build an inclusive and beautiful community that is full of growing individuals. It's a mutual relationship — community and each of us. As one experiences health the other does, too.
On Monday, we all agreed to and signed our Community Covenant which includes commitments of honesty. For example, we reference Matthew 18's conflict resolution model, we vow not to sweep big things under the rug but to let the small things slide, and we always want to "check in, check up, and check out” (hand motions included).
That last one means we ask honest questions of ourselves (in), the Lord (up), and each other (out).
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. - Ephesians 4:25
Paul models honesty in the church community and in relationship with the epistles. Each letter encourages, carefully corrects, and asks tough questions for the benefit of those fellowships he writes to. He does so while acknowledging his own state and God's glory.
Paul definitely checked in, up, and out.
As we dive into our Fellows year, a beneficial, and sometimes tough, thing we can do is be honest. Out of it comes a more full, true life lived. And as I’ve gotten to know these Fellows, I think that’s something we’re after.
Pictures from the Week
The Capital Fellows Cafeteria!
A most beautiful Blue Ridge sunrise
Happy fall! We’re ready for these leaves to change
Two thumbs up to Shenandoah from this national park buff
Become A Capital Fellow in 2021-22
We are now receiving applications for Season 15 of the Capital Fellows program!
The next program year runs from late August 2021 through mid-May 2022. If you are a college senior or recent college graduate, we would love to hear from you! If you know someone that should consider being a fellow, please send them our way.
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week! The fellows wear several hats during their fellows year - employee, student, servant, leader, etc. This week, we're asking that you pray for the fellows as they dig into their coursework. They are taking two courses this fall through Reformed Theological Seminary: a biblical survey course with Dr. Bill Fullilove and a course called leadership, vocation, and society with Dr. Irwyn Ince. These classes are designed to increase their knowledge, but even more, to increase their love for the Lord and desire to follow him. Please pray as they learn to balance reading, study, and class attendance with their other responsibilities.
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 30 fellows programs in The Fellows Initiative network. But, did you know that the sponsors of TFI offer great benefits to Capital Fellows alumni? For example, Reformed Theological Seminary offers a 33% tuition discount for 5 years. You can learn more about TFI's sponsors by clicking here.
If you know of a graduate school, seminary, employer, or other organization that would be interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact TFI by clicking here. Thanks!
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