Lindsay Blake

Dear CFCI Family,

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter — not just for me personally, but for all of us together. As I step into the role of President of Christ For the City International (CFCI), I am deeply aware that this moment is not about a person, but about the ongoing work of God through a faithful community. Thank you for being part of that community.  As we look to the future, I am filled with hope and anticipation for what God will continue to do through us.

And let me be clear from the very beginning: the leadership of this organization is not changing — because God has always been, and will always be, the true leader of CFCI.  We are simply stewards of His mission, and it is our joy to follow where He leads.

In that spirit, I want to begin by honoring someone who has modeled that kind of servant leadership so beautifully — Dr. Chip Anderson. His faithful leadership has been a gift to this organization and to the Kingdom. He has led with wisdom, humility, and a heart fully surrendered to Christ. Because of Chip’s leadership, we are not starting something new —we are building on the strong foundation that he and others have laid.

As we look ahead, it’s important to remember that history, and remember who we are. Our identity is rooted in the values that have shaped CFCI from the beginning. These values are not just words—they are the heartbeat of our organization.

I’d like to highlight a few that will be especially important as we move forward:

COMMUNITY OVER INDIVIDUALISM
We are better together. We choose to live sacrificially for the sake of the gospel, to empower others rather than seek our own success. This is not a solo journey — it is a shared calling. And in a world that often celebrates individualism, we choose community, collaboration, and Christ-centered unity.

BEING BEFORE DOING
Our daily pursuit is to be like Christ — not just in what we do, but in who we are. Disciple-making is not a department — it is our identity. And we do not walk this path alone — we love His bride, the Church, and we serve her with joy.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY
We work hard. We do what we say. We speak truth with grace, and we lead with authenticity. Vulnerability is not weakness — it is strength in the hands of God. This is how trust is built, and how transformation takes root.

A HUNGER FOR IMPACT
Each of us is a co-owner of the mission. We are not spectators — we are participants in God’s redemptive work. We are here to clear away the clouds that obscure His kingdom, and to invite others into the light.

From the very beginning, CFCI has been about inviting more and more people into God’s kingdom and His mission. Jesus compared the Kingdom to a mustard seed — small at first, but destined to grow into a great tree. That growth is inevitable. And so we should expect it, yearn for it, and work toward it. Every day, in every city, in every conversation, we are inviting people in.

So let us move forward — not with fear, but with faith. Let us build on who we are, and trust God for who we are becoming.

Thank you for the honor of serving alongside you. May God continue to lead us, empower us, and use us for His glory.

With deep gratitude and great expectation,

Jake Hjemvick
President & CEO
Christ For the City International