So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2: 19-22
Each year, The Fellows Initiative organizes an annual conference, providing a valuable opportunity for all fellows programs to come together to learn and grow in Christ. This year’s conference was held at Fourth from November 7-9. During this event, I engaged with fellows from across the nation, attended daily keynote sessions, participated in focused breakout seminars, and explored Washington, D.C.
On the last night of the conference, the keynote speaker, Russ Whitfield, Pastor of Grace Mosaic in D.C., addressed the unity of the Church. He encouraged the fellows to be devoted to the Church just as Jesus was—fully committing to, blessing, serving, and preserving the Church. Throughout the conference, I was struck by the community of other fellows around me. In most ways, fellows from other programs were in the same stage of life and pursuing the same goals as the Fourth Fellows—our chief aim being to glorify God and enjoy Him in all we do. Each fellows group had its own identity but, together, beautifully reflected the complexity and diversity of God and His people.
It was this variance that encouraged me to more broadly consider what a “good” community looks like: love and care for one another, unity in spirit and purpose, encouragement and accountability, devotion to prayer and worship, service and generosity, commitment to growth in faith, and openness and hospitality. These appear to be hallmarks of a rooted and flourishing community. Each of these tenets was displayed during the conference. However, I was particularly struck by the encouragement and accountability demonstrated over the weekend. I am encouraged and held accountable by the fellows to see each person as made in the image of God, to conduct myself and my work above reproach, and to keep my identity rooted in Jesus’ definition of me rather than the world’s.
This year, I have had the opportunity to work on the Hill in a congressional office. On Saturday morning of the conference, we broke into groups based on vocation. At the ‘government and public policy’ table, I was incredibly encouraged by those I am working alongside. Prior to fellows, my internships had been in nonprofits and NGOs. Working on the Hill has highlighted the lust for power and control often found in those in the most powerful positions. Transactional interactions are the norm on the Hill. I am learning that being rooted in humility and accountability on the Hill is key to the Christian life in Washington. As Christians, we have the responsibility to see each person we interact with as made in the image of God. Interactions are not transactional but opportunities to learn more about God and His character. Further, we have the freedom to work from approval, not for it. With my identity rooted in Christ, I have the freedom to operate with kindness, service, and humility at the center of my work.
At the conference, I witnessed a glimpse of heaven. Each group and each person played their individual role in an attempt to bring heaven to earth. Aspiring physicians, accountants, artists, and policymakers all filled the room—encouraged and held accountable, united by Christ.
“Be big without pride and small without shame” – Rev. Russ Whitfield
About the Author
Olivia Seal is a member of the Fourth Fellows Class of 2024-2025. She is from Ridgefield, Connecticut, and is a graduate of Furman University. This year, she is working for Congressman Mark Green on Capitol Hill.
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