By Seth Gladysz
The season of preparation and planning is upon the Capital Fellows. The jobs and grad school programs we are applying for will most likely set the course of direction for our lives. I wish this was an overstatement. In just the last week I’ve heard from a number of my fellow Fellows about how their plans are beginning to fall into place or are unexpectedly changing from what they were before. I personally have felt the turbulence of this season as I’ve attempted to solve the complex question of what is next for my own life.
A great reminder for me has been Proverbs 16:9 which says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” My heart is currently searching for a direction to go: whether that be going to seminary, taking a job nearby, or moving to a new city. These are good options to choose between, and this verse acknowledges the reality of this search. However, I find it tempting to go beyond the planning phase by seeking to establish my own direction. This looks like a tireless probing into the possibilities around me and an attempt to lock in the details of this imaginary future. We’ve learned as Fellows that this is a form of idolatry. Augustine calls it “a disordering of the loves, which turns good things into ultimate things.” By seeking to serve my idols of future success and security, I am left stressed, exhausted, and despairing.
The second part of Proverbs 16:9 is helpful in correcting this subtle idolatry; the phrase, “but the Lord establishes,” stands in contrast to the first part of the verse (“the heart of man plans his way”), suggesting a deeper truth that the establishment of these plans is not up to me, but up to the Lord. My overreach into the Lord’s territory of establishment has worn me out because I am just a human. I am limited and prone to mix up the order of good things in my life. The reality that God establishes my steps not only should give me peace, but also should draw my fickle heart closer to him.
It is my prayer that as we continue to make plans for the future, we would not forget that it is the Lord who establishes our steps and, because of this reality, only He is worthy of our heart’s worship.
Recent Capital Fellows Pictures
The Fellows worship with a guitar and cajon while on the Winter Retreat in western Maryland
Washington Capitals game with Jeff, Abram, and Jake (my host-dad, host-brother, and Director of Student Ministries at MPC, respectively)
Preparing the pork tenderloin for Capital Commons with Dawson
The Fellows helping out at the Cornerstone Library
Become A Capital Fellow in 2022-23
We are now receiving applications for Season 16 of the Capital Fellows program!
THE CLASS IS FILLING UP! APPLY TODAY!
IMPORTANT: SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK AT MCLEAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - 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 you are not only paid a salary, but also your Capital Fellows program fees are covered as well!
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!
The Capital Fellows are starting the spring semester of seminary courses, with Dr. Bill Fullilove and Dr. Bill Clark. Please pray for the Fellows as they are step back into class and as they seek to grow in their knowledge of God and of themselves. Please also pray for the professors in the Capital Fellows program that they, also, would be blessed this semester by the Word of God and fellowship with the Class of 2022.
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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