Our Distinctives
Centered in the Gospel
We believe in the Gospel – the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ to save us from God’s judgment for our sin. We often invite people to repent and put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. When a person trusts in Christ, they are completely forgiven, adopted as a child of God, transformed into a new creation and given eternal life. Jesus has given us a commission to proclaim the Gospel to everyone (Acts 1:8). We wholeheartedly agree with the words of Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Building on the Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. We are called to read, study, teach and apply God’s Word. The Bible is God’s truth revealed and it is God’s guide for our lives. We must build our lives and our church upon it. Jesus said in
Matthew 7:24, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Growing in grace
We owe everything to God’ grace! Grace is God’s unmerited favor – His one way love. We are saved by grace, secured by grace, shaped by grace and sustained by God’s grace. Because we have so extravagantly received God’s grace in our own lives, we seek to show God’s grace in all of our relationships – loving others unconditionally, forgiving freely, accepting despite our differences and speaking words of grace to everyone. Our prayer is for Cornerstone Community Church to truly be a “Place of Grace.” 2 Peter 3:18 tells us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
Loving incarnationally
Jesus gave us the perfect example of loving incarnationally. Like Jesus, we want to walk and struggle and rejoice with the people of our community. Our five full-time pastors live and raise their families right in our Kensington community. Most of our congregation also lives near our church. Our outreach is focused on the community surrounding our church. We strive to live up to our declared purpose: “Bringing hope to our community through Jesus Christ and His church.”
Meeting real needs
God’s Word tells us, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) We serve our community in tangible ways. We show the love of Christ through our food cupboard, addiction programs, youth ministries, Thrift shop, block parties, community gardens, participation in community organizations, hospitality and simply caring for our neighbors. We also have an exciting partnership with the House of Adonai – a residential recovery ministry that is impacting many lives.
Faithful for long-term
So many people in our neighborhood are struggling. Families are broken, schools are floundering, and the community is deteriorating. So many people have fled our inner city neighborhood. We are committed to a team approach to ministry and together we are staying. We are devoted to this community. We have had a strong presence and influence for Jesus Christ for 39 years and we are determined to continue making a difference.
Dedicated to diversity
One of the many amazing effects of the Gospel is that it brings together those who are different in many ways. Cornerstone is a place where we truly value our diversity. We are a family of diverse backgrounds, races, ages and gender. We will continue to pursue diversity and unity which comes from a common love for our Lord Jesus Christ and experience of His grace.
Serving every generation
We value every generation at Cornerstone and we seek to serve all ages. We have strong ministries for children, teens, single young adults, couples and seniors. We offer many opportunities for both men and women. We care deeply about building up families and serve them in many ways – especially through our monthly Family Nights. Every generation is also united as we come together for worship, meals, picnics, activities and even an all-church vacation.
Excelling with youth
Jesus truly had a special place in His heart for children. Our church was started as a result of our flourishing children’s ministries. Today we continue to have a deep passion for reaching young people. Throughout the year we offer Kids Club, Teen Club, after school programs, camps, trips, meals, Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday School, children’s church, God Squad (teen discipleship) and much more. We also have great facilities for youth- playground, game room, reading room, gym, basketball and volleyball courts, nursery and picnic grove.
Quality in preaching, teaching, and worship
God’s Word is alive, powerful and life-changing. At Cornerstone the Scriptures are preached and taught with enthusiasm, creativity and passion. Using handouts, audio-visual resources, PowerPoint, illustrations and more, we deeply study God’s Word in a way that is engaging, insightful, memorable and applicable. We are in awe of our incredible God! Our worship powerfully expresses our love, appreciation and admiration of our glorious Lord.