By Brooke Sorenson
Many moments happen throughout the week as a Capital Fellow that I want to tuck away in my heart and remember forever. Karaoke singing in the kitchen during Commons dinner clean up & seeing everyone squished together on couches during class [in the Clark’s basement] make up just a few of these snapshots. One of my favorite things in the world, however, is our director’s many aphorisms. John Kyle (JK, for short) is consistent: always greeting us with a large grin, a nudge on the shoulder to one of us and an exclamation of, “Hello, Fellows!” His many other sayings range from: “You should be applying to 15 jobs a week!” to “Can you dig it?”
In addition to these good-natured phrases, JK also prompts us to go deeper, telling us of the ways that both life and God are “beautifully complicated,” and he constantly counsels us to bring our petitions to “Abba’s knee.” As these maxims are repeated, it is easy for us to take them for granted, falling prey to thinking, “Yeah, yeah, we know, John Kyle–we’ve got it.”
I’m realizing, however, that our leaders repeat things, push us to the same lessons, and point us to the same key points, not because they want to wear us out or they’ve run out of content to work with, but because it’s important. I think God does the same thing with us.
In our Life & Leadership seminars this semester, we’ve been breaking the gospel down into its key parts, looking at justification, sanctification, and glorification. Through these discussions, I’ve realized how easy it is for me to forget the central aspects of the gospel and of who our God is. How easily I can get caught up in the small nuances, the minor terms and confusing verses; all of which are important, yes, but none of which matter without the foundation of who Jesus is and His work on the cross.
This makes me think about the book of Ezekiel, one of my favorites in the Bible. In this book, the phrase, “And you shall know that I am the Lord,” is repeated seventy times. After both trials and triumphs, loss and rejoicing, the Bible repeats this phrase: When God destroys an entire region in Ezekiel, He ends it saying: “And you shall know that I am the Lord.” When He speaks of revealing His holiness to all the nations, it ends: “And you shall know that I am the Lord.” If God repeats something this many times, you know, I just might think it’s kind of a big deal and He wants me to listen.
So, in these last few months of Fellows, I want to tune my ears and my soul to hear what the Lord is saying. I want to take John Kyle, Martha Roszak, and Chin-Chin Minniear’s instruction to heart, learning from their wisdom and love. And, most of all, I want to listen to the Lord; to take notice of the things that He is constantly repeating to me, not to brush off the words I have heard many times, but to let them take root in me. I want to be one of those who knows, truly, deeply, and intimately that He is Lord.
So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord. — Ezekiel 38:23
Recent Capital Fellows Pictures
Celebrating Capital Pres’s 3rd birthday with Katy, our Children’s Ministry extraordinaire!
The ICONIC Lord of the Rings 2-day marathon at the Isler’s house. MANY thanks to Eddie and Kim Isler for hosting us!
No one gives better hugs than Orlane and no one makes Orlane laugh more than Samuel :’)
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 OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AT MCLEAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Most fellows work in the marketplace - for companies, nonprofits, government offices. We are also looking for a Worship Fellow to join our worship team at the church. This is a special Capital Fellows opportunity 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!
As jobs and graduate school opportunities come to fruition for some fellows, the pressure of comparison can rise in those that are still looking. Please pray for both, that they might see the Lord at work in their lives. For those that are still seeking post-Fellows employment or graduate school opportunities, please pray that God would provide for them and enable them to be diligent in their search.
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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