9/11 attacks begot a different kind of church

The September 11 terrorist attacks hit just 10 days after the Rev. Bill Shuler and his family moved from Oklahoma to the D.C. area, prompting him to start a ministry that eventually would blossom into Capital Life Church.

In response to the attacks, the family established a prayer headquarters one block from the Capitol and began to pray for national and international leaders. Soon they were leading Bible studies for leaders. In August 2002, Capital Life Church was founded.

“I thought God wanted us to reach everyone from the man and woman on the street that feel forgotten, to the leaders of our nation, to the international community,” Mr. Shuler says. “That”s a very large vision, yet so far, even though we are only turning five years old now, we are already doing all of that.”

The nondenominational church has a casual atmosphere with contemporary praise and worship led by a full band and music team. The services use multimedia presentations that help the sermons come to life.

Mr. Shuler is the seventh generation in an unbroken line of ministers. His father, the Rev. Jack Shuler, was a well-known evangelist who was a contemporary and close friend of the Rev. Billy Graham. His grandfather, the Rev. Bob Shuler, was named by Los Angeles magazine as the “first of the great radio ministers.”

“I think the church has so much life, that people sincerely care about one another,” Mr. Shuler says. “It”s as if it”s a large friend-family reunion every week. People say they feel so loved every time they get together.”

— Jen Waters