STAFF

Theological Snapshots

The following are brief summaries of a few key practices, philosophies, and historical connections of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship that inform our origins and how we function as a local church community. The Leaders at Cornerstone believe these to be within the boundaries of historical Christian orthodoxy and congruent with the full counsel of Scripture. Cornerstone values diversity within the Body of Christ and seeks to walk with one another in the synergy of grace and truth found in Jesus.

HISTORY

Cornerstone was planted in 1995 by Midway Church of the Brethren (now known as South Lebanon Community Church). Cornerstone has been historically affiliated with the Atlantic Northeast District of The Church of the Brethren. In the fall of 2001, an offshoot of Cornerstone began and eventually became independent of Cornerstone, becoming Calvary Chapel of Lebanon. While we note these historic connections, Cornerstone seeks to embrace and integrate the manifold wisdom of God that goes beyond any single Christian tradition or denomination. (ref: Ephesians 2:7-12, 4:4-5; Mark 9:38-41)

GOVERNANCE

Through church history, various forms of church structure have been employed. At Cornerstone, we choose to lead according to a structure of elders and deacons. Elders provide spiritual leadership, oversight, and protection. Deacons provide practical leadership, awareness, and service to meet the needs within the Body. Staff Members, including pastors, are spiritually and vocationally called ministers who equip and connect the Body of Christ to do the work of the saints. An Oversight Team (Netzer.org), from outside of Cornerstone, offers wisdom and counsel to our staff, pastors, elders, and deacons, ensuring that her foundation is built on nothing other than Christ alone. (references: Ephesians 2:19-22, 4:7-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Matthew 13:16-20)

GENDER ROLES

The Elders at Cornerstone honor the Image of God partnership between men and women, as well as the unique attributes of masculinity and femininity. In considering original and modern cultural dynamics alongside a Gospel interpretation, we affirm, through the overarching narrative of Scripture, that both women and men are vital to all areas of Kingdom work. All persons, male and female, who are of good character and competent, are encouraged to discern their call into specific ministry roles (pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, etc...). (ref: Genesis 1:26-28; Galatians 3:26-29; John 20:11-18)

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Cornerstone Elders affirm, through the overarching narrative of Scripture, that proper sexual behavior is only between one man and one woman in the covenant of marriage. We recognize the complications of same sex attraction and welcome everyone who is being drawn into the church community seeking further connection as a disciple of Christ. (ref: Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 7:20-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

COMMUNION

Cornerstone currently partakes of Communion (Bread and Cup, Eucharist, Lord’s Supper, etc...) monthly during Sunday worship. It is the unique place where we, together in covenantal oneness, gather to: look back in thankful remembrance for Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, realize God is communing with His people in the present, and turn our eyes toward the future hope of Christ’s return. The Lord’s Table directs us as the family of God to the reception and distribution of forgiveness and reconciliation. We confess our brokenness and our dependence on God, that life can come out of death, and how the Gospel informs our relationships with others. (ref: Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Acts 2:42-47)