When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, he came battered, bruised, and unshaken. He had just been beaten and imprisoned in Philippi for preaching the gospel (Acts 16). Most men would have called it quits, but Paul pressed on. He trusted God and kept proclaiming Christ, even “in the midst of much conflict” (1 Thessalonians 2:2). His courage and perseverance remind us that the gospel advances not through comfort, but through conviction.

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul defends his ministry against critics who accused him of greed, flattery, and self-promotion. Six times he reminds the church, “You know,” “You remember,” “You are witnesses.” They had seen his life up close. They knew his motives were pure. He wasn’t chasing fame or fortune. He simply wanted people to know Jesus.

Sharing Your Life

Paul’s words in verse 8 capture the heart of his ministry: “We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” Real ministry is sharing not only the message, but your life. Not just doctrine, but compassion. Not just sermons, but souls.

Paul risked his comfort to share the gospel (v. 2). He refused deceit and manipulation (v. 3). He sought to please God, not men (v. 4). He avoided flattery and greed (v. 5). He opened his heart with affection (v. 7–8). He lived above reproach (v. 10) and encouraged believers like a loving father (v. 11–12). His integrity and tenderness made the gospel believable.

What a model for us! God is calling His people today to the same kind of life: one that risks sharing the soul. That means investing in people beyond the church building. Ninety minutes on Sunday isn’t enough to truly know or be known. Genuine fellowship happens in homes, over meals, in tears and laughter, in times of celebration and loss.

Do Other Christians Know the Real You?

If all others see of you is your Sunday face, they don’t really know you. True fellowship requires vulnerability. It means letting others see your struggles so they can pray with you, encourage you, and strengthen you. And it means doing the same for them.

You might think, “I’m not a leader. I don’t have much to give.” But Scripture says otherwise. You have Christ (Romans 8:10). You have His Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). You have His Word (1 Corinthians 2:13). You have gifts and talents to share (1 Peter 4:10). God created you to be a spring of living water (John 4:14; 7:38). A spring stays healthy only when it flows outward. When we give what we’ve received, we stay clear, vibrant, and life-giving.

Paul’s example—and the old hymn “There Is a Sea”—reminds us of an important truth: the sea that gives stays alive; the one that keeps everything for itself becomes dead. So, what will your legacy be? When tomorrow begins without you, what will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave. You have received God’s good gifts; now share them. Share your heart, your time, your faith, and your soul.

In Acts 11, we are introduced to the church in Antioch. This congregation was born in the wake of persecution in Jerusalem, yet it became one of the most influential churches in the New Testament.

Antioch was the third-largest city in the Roman world, behind only Rome and Alexandria. Thousands of Jews lived there, along with a growing number of Gentile converts. At first, the early Christians shared the gospel only with Jews (Acts 11:19). It wasn’t in their mindset to imagine the gospel reaching non-Jews.

But that soon changed.

“Some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20).

This was a turning point. For the first time, large numbers of Gentiles were coming to faith in Jesus Christ. The message was simple: Jesus is Lord. And it met with great success: “a large number who believed turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21).

When news of this reached Jerusalem, the church sent Barnabas to investigate. What he saw filled him with joy. He found a church that can still serve as a model for us today.

Aggressive Outreach to the Lost

The Antioch church was outward-focused. They didn’t just wait for people to come to them; they went out proclaiming the good news about Jesus (Acts 11:20). The Lord’s hand was with them, and multitudes believed (Acts 11:21).

For a whole year, Barnabas and Saul taught “large numbers” (Acts 11:26). The mission was clear: to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). It’s the same mission Jesus gave us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Grace-Focused, God-Praising Worship

Barnabas and Saul met with the church, worshiped, and built up the disciples (Acts 11:26). Worship was not a ritual; it was a reset—a way to recenter life around God’s grace and praise His name.

The early Christians made assembling a priority because it strengthened them, lifted their hearts, and helped them endure. For them, Sunday was not just another day; it was the Lord’s Day.

Warm, Inclusive Fellowship

At first, the message was only to Jews (Acts 11:19). But by Acts 11:21, Jews and Gentiles were worshiping side by side. Imagine the mix: devout Jews, Hellenistic Jews, and former idol-worshiping Gentiles: all united in Christ.

The name “Christian” first appears here (Acts 11:26). It was their shared identity that broke down cultural and social barriers. What once divided them was replaced by fellowship in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).

Committed Discipleship

Notice Acts 11:26 again: “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” The keyword is disciples. These believers weren’t content with a label; they were learning, maturing, and becoming like Jesus.

Paul later described the goal this way: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity… growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

Benevolent Service

The Antioch church also took care of others. When they heard about a famine in Judea, “each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief” (Acts 11:29-30). They didn’t just look inward; they saw themselves as part of a larger family.

That same spirit moves Christians today when we support missions, disaster relief, food pantries, or help a neighbor in need.

The Antioch Model

What do we learn from Antioch? A growing church:

• Reaches out aggressively to the lost.

• Prioritizes God-praising worship.

• Practices warm, inclusive fellowship.

• Commits to discipleship and growth.

• Serves others with love and generosity.

The church in Acts didn’t just hope for growth; they expected it. And the Lord gave it.

“Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

May the same be said of us.

I’ve preached in pulpits, prayed in huts with dogs on dirt floors, and counseled in quiet church offices. But some of the most profound moments of God’s work I’ve witnessed haven’t happened under in our church buildings—they’ve unfolded around kitchen tables, in living rooms, and over backyard fences. The story of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–31; Luke 4:38–39; Matthew 8:14–15) reminds us of a truth we often overlook: our homes are mission fields, sacred spaces where Christ’s presence transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus has just left the Capernaum synagogue, fresh from teaching with authority and casting out a demon (Mark 1:21–28). The crowd’s still buzzing, but He doesn’t head for a grand stage. Instead, He walks straight into a fisherman's house with Peter, Andrew, James, and John—probably a very modest dwelling. There, Peter’s mother-in-law lies burning with a high fever. The disciples plead for her (Luke 4:38), Jesus touches her hand (Matthew 8:15), and instantly, she’s not just healed—she’s up, serving them supper. That night, the whole city gathers at the door (Mark 1:33). A simple home becomes a palace, a sickbed, a sermon, a meal, a ministry.

What strikes me is how Jesus chooses this domestic stage. Peter’s house wasn’t a synagogue or a temple—it was a home, a place of family, need, and daily grind. Yet Scripture hints it was more. Peter, originally from Bethsaida (John 1:44), had a house in Capernaum, just two miles away. Some suggest he moved there to be near Jesus (C.H. Spurgeon’s conjecture), reorienting his life around the Master’s mission. Whether he did or not, this home became Jesus’ base—where He ate with sinners (Matthew 9:10), taught the curious (Matthew 13:36), and healed the broken (Mark 2:1). It was no accident. Jesus saw the household as a hub of His kingdom.

For us, this is both a challenge and a comfort. Too often, we think ministry happens “out there”—in pews, programs, or distant lands. But Jesus shows us it starts “in here,” where we live. The disciples didn’t hesitate to bring Peter’s mother-in-law to Him; their intercession turned a fever into a testimony. Her immediate, practical service from the heart mirrored their plea. Homes, then and now, are where faith gets feet.

Some of my most powerful moments in ministry have come sitting around a campfire by the barn on our property. We love inviting people over on Sunday evenings. I’ll start a fire and set up some tables and chairs. The women bring food. And we sit there talking about life and spiritual needs. The home can become a healing ground and a launchpad for others.

Spurgeon once said, “True religion displays its greatest marvels around the domestic hearth.” He’s right. Jesus doesn’t need a cathedral to work wonders; He’ll take your kitchen. A fisherman’s hut became a palace because the King walked in. Your apartment, your split-level, your trailer—it’s a palace, too, if He’s there. Where Christ is, spiritual work happens, and service flows.

So, let me encourage you: Look at your doorstep. Who in your household—or congregation — spouse, child, neighbor—needs Jesus’ touch? Pray like the disciples did, bold and specific. Invite Him in—over coffee, through Scripture, in quiet moments. Then serve, not waiting for perfection, but offering what you have, like Peter’s mother-in-law with her meal. Your home’s not just a refuge; it’s a mission field. And when Jesus shows up, the whole city might gather at your door.

What’s one step you can take today to make your home a place where Jesus heals and you serve?

I’m working on a lesson for next Sunday at Cornerstone. It’s on Matthew 13:33, Jesus’ Parable of the Leaven:

Think of how the kingdom began with a handful of shaky disciples in Jerusalem, praying in an upper room, unsure of tomorrow—a baby in Bethlehem, a ragtag group of fishermen—small beginnings. But look at it now! Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

And if we broaden our lens to the broader spectrum of believers, you can see it. Billions are being touched, and lives are changed1. All over the world, hospitals are rising from Christian compassion, and schools are being taught because of Christ’s call to love. Half a million house churches in China meet secretly, and 25 to 50 million believers2 are strong. In Cuba3, faith thrives despite oppression. Across the globe, 63,000 people embrace Christianity daily4, and 1,600 new churches spring up each week. Ninety-five percent5 of the world has the Bible in their language. This isn’t about evil sneaking in, as some might argue. No, Jesus shows us His goodness at work—leaven making the dough better, the kingdom lifting the world.

What about the Churches of Christ?

Many of us might discount what is stated above because of our strict focus on biblical doctrine. This got me to thinking: What about the churches of Christ? Where does our growth compare to the rest of the “Protestant " world, and more specifically, the evangelical world?

As of 2022, here are the most recent tabulated estimates:

• Congregations: 11,776

• Members: 1,087,559

• Adherents: Not specified, but earlier trends suggest around 1.4 million if the ratio holds.

• The 21st Century Christian directory shows a continued downward trend—approximately 176,593 fewer members since 2000 (13.9% decline).

• Meanwhile, an average of almost 37 new congregations are established each year, but this is outpaced by church closures, which average around 50-60 each year.

• 91% of attendees belong to congregations with fewer than 250 people, with 55% of congregations averaging an attendance of only 34 each week. Most congregations remain small and are increasingly becoming vulnerable to closure.

What about the Non-Institutional Churches?

Data is very hard to find, and current estimates are that there are around 1,765 congregations with a membership of possibly around 98,000. However, anecdotal evidence and NI directories suggest a steeper decline, with some estimating 1,000–1,500 congregations and 50,000–80,000 members by 2025. Non-institutional congregations are often rural and small, averaging around 50-60 members, and face issues of aging demographics, urbanization, and cultural shifts toward less rigid faiths.

There is also the problem of the circular firing squad. Congregations that are growing and thriving are often subjected to intense public criticism, suspicion by other preachers and church leaders, and subjected to labels, lies, and slander. Meanwhile, the congregations where the critics attend are dying — many with significantly less attendance than just a decade ago. Some preachers and other church leaders start with bad information, spread it through the internet, and others pass it on with no question or investigation whatsoever.

No wonder many NI congregations are dying.

Is There Room for Optimism?

While these statistics have been in the background for me over the last few years, rereading them again this morning sat me back in my chair. These things need our attention. We need to be aware of the reality right in front of us and use it to motivate us to do what is necessary to grow, not turn it into an opportunity for criticizing our brethren.

With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26), so there is always room for optimism. It’s not all bad. New congregations are being established in urban and suburban areas, especially in the south and southeast. Multiethnic and bilingual congregations are emerging. Many congregations are adapting to the changing culture with digital engagement, reaching younger audiences and those spread across the country. The church is full of young leaders - events like the annual Challenge Youth Conference (with over 13,000 attendees in 2025), powerful college ministries like Buckeyes for Christ in Columbus, OH, and other local and regional efforts (Ignite Youth Conference) are building a sense of identity among teens and young adults.

Individual congregations in suburban areas are growing. (Cornerstone is a great example.) The more conservative universities are seeing record growth and attendance (Florida College, Freed-Hardeman, Faulkner, etc.). Mission work is intense in South America, the Philippines, Eastern Europe, etc. While the Churches of Christ aren’t surging like global Christianity, their steady witness suggests a future where quality, not quantity, defines their story.

Remember, A Congregation Doesn’t Have to be Big to be Mighty

While the numbers may wax and wane, the leaven of Christ still works. Our steady witness—quality over quantity—provides rays of hope. “Take heart,” Jesus says, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Our small acts—teaching a class, mentoring a youth, serving those in need—are leaven in God’s hands. We don’t have to have millions to matter; we need faith that permeates from within.

What are some optimistic things going on with your local congregation or in the larger sphere of congregations that you are seeing? I’d love to hear about it!

Becky and I were in Nashville last week at Connect Conference. This is a three-day gathering for the purpose of inspiring Christians in the work of evangelism and spiritual growth. Classes go for 8 hours each day, with tracks for women, preachers & elders, classes presented in Spanish for our Latin American brethren, and evangelism. Around 1200 people attended the event, and each night featured a keynote speaker, with 30 minutes of singing and praise beforehand. Thursday evening, TJ Kirk delivered an excellent address on the power we have been given in spreading the gospel. In "Everyday, Everywhere, and Everyone" Brother Kirk recounted the conversion of his grandfather sixty years ago. His grandfather was an amateur radio operator who would get on every evening after work and talk with friends. 

After some time, one of those friends invited him to go fishing. He accepted the invitation. They hopped in a boat and went to one of the more remote parts of the lake. After a few hours of talking about everything under the sun, the conversation turned to Jesus. His grandfather was resistant and wanted to change the topic. His friends said they were going to keep talking. Finally, it was time to head back home, and TJ's grandfather stepped off the boat mad. He went home and decided to open his Bible and prove his friends wrong. After a day or two, he walked into the kitchen and told his wife, "I'm going to the church of Christ and be baptized. Everything they told me is what the Bible says." So, on Sunday morning, he, his wife and his children arrived late for the worship service -- walked in during the middle of the sermon -- and as they came down the aisle, he said, "Preacher, I’m here to be baptized." They stopped the service, talked to him, and wound up baptizing his whole family that very day.  From that memorable occasion, TJ's mom and all his aunts eventually became Christians. And as they all grew up, TJ and many of his cousins became Christians. Recently, his family made a trip back to the little church and met some of the grandchildren of members who were at church that day his grandpa walked in. And then he posted a picture of all his family who had been saved because of a conversation in a boat in the middle of the lake. 

We have similar stories here at Cornerstone. Where reaching one person with the gospel changes the trajectory of the entire family for generations to come. The power we each possess is the gospel, which has been given to us through the word of God. And it doesn't have to be a memorized speech -- sharing it can be as simple as talking about what Jesus has done for you. How He has changed your life. How He has given you hope. How He has helped you through the valleys of life. You have your own unique story that comes straight out of your heart that can touch someone else. And by sharing it, you are creating an opportunity for the Word to go to work and penetrate the heart. It was the Hebrew writer who said, "the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart," (Hebrews 4:12). Your job is to help get the Word and its message delivered to those you know and love, Matthew 28:19.

This is the mission. This is what Christianity is all about. We engage in the mission everyday, everywhere we go, with everyone we meet. This is the only commission we have been given. Imagine what the church would be if more of us focused on that instead of our personal agendas. Not only can you impact and help change one life -- but you can also potentially change the trajectory of an entire family for generations to come. You have the power -- no matter who you are and how long you have been in Christ. Do you have the faith and an obedient heart to use it? What can you do this week to put God to the test?

Earlier this evening, Cornerstone Church of Christ baptized its third and fourth person for 2024—from the local community! Rejoice with us!

Paul & Cynthia were out of church for over 30 years. When they first decided to return to church, they tried the place of worship where one of them had grown up. Only 10-20 people were left (a mainline denomination), and they both didn't like how none of the members brought their Bibles with them to worship. So, they started looking online & found Cornerstone. They watched our livestream for several weeks -- our bible class/worship and Your Pathway Home. Once they felt comfortable, they reached out to us via our website.

They started coming to church. Remember, they knew no one when they first walked in the door. Everyone made them feel welcome, and people have been inviting them out to lunch. Kody and I began a study with them about six weeks ago. Cynthia told me they just wanted a church that took Bible study seriously. They've been to every service. They've not missed a week of study with Kody and me. They take notes. They ask questions. Tonight, they were immersed for the remission of their sins.

Livestreaming your bible classes & worship works. I know some congregations that took theirs down after COVID-19 ended because they were worried about members staying home. We've kept ours going -- and are ramping it up. Over 30 families from all over SW Ohio have become a part of Cornerstone during/after the pandemic. (One family drives 90 minutes each way, and others up to 60 minutes — from a radius all around Centerville.) Several of our new members were baptized from the community, and at least 80% of them are due to our livestream. We have 15 to 30 guests at our service each week, much of it because of the livestream. Cornerstone has also played a role in baptisms across the US because people are tuning in to our service.

If your congregation is not using this medium, you are falling behind. Every dollar you can invest is worth it. We’ve been so blessed with a dedicated tech team — who have collectively spent thousands of hours making our system what it is over the last few years. Many of our members share our feeds via social media — reaching thousands of people locally without spending one dollar on advertising. If your congregation is not active on social media or does not regularly update & promote its website — you are falling behind. With that also comes the follow-up and monitoring of those who reach out. It takes a team to do this. Get your young people involved. It will connect them to the local congregation — and the work of the Lord.

Cornerstone has several additional prospects we’re working with — and ongoing work to do in helping our new Christians grow strong in the Lord. Your prayers for us in these endeavors are always welcome and appreciated.

As with other things in life, making a rash decision about where to attend can bring about heartache, regret, and even threaten your soul! So here you are, knowing what you need to do, knowing that you need to be part of a Bible centered, family-oriented group of believers.

But a look across the landscape of today’s religious world is one that seems quite confusing and even discouraging! So many churches competing for your membership, so many offering a wide array of social activities, and sadly, so many changing their beliefs to accommodate the greatest amount of people. So, what to do?

What are things to keep in mind when looking for a church?

Look for a church that is committed to preaching and teaching just what the Bible says. Is this church working to have a biblical identity? This will be the kind of church that endeavors to follow Jesus and do what he said. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father,” Colossians 3:17. This involves holding up the Scriptures as the standard. Churches that do this urge their members to conform their lives and religious practices to that which is found within the Bible. Christians have confessed Jesus as Lord, Colossians 2:6.

Sadly, many in religion today believe exactly the opposite. This has led to conforming God’s word with our modern ways of thinking. Some are now changing long held positions on homosexuality, abortion, the role of women in the church, as well as other important issues. This leads to all sorts of confusion, discouragement, and trouble. The Bible says, “God does not want us to be in disorder but in harmony and peace,” 1 Corinthians 14:33. God wants us to have peace of heart and mind. This can only be accomplished when a church seeks a biblical identity.

Look for a church that has a clear understanding of its mission. What are its goals and plans? What is it doing to meet them? A church’s mission is to seek and save the lost, Luke 19:10. How involved is this church in impacting the local community for Christ? Is it involved in mission work? Where is its primary focus? Ask yourself: is this church primarily interested meeting spiritual needs? So many churches today are into impressing the world by appealing to people’s physical needs. The mission of the church Jesus died for must be reaching the lost with the good news that their sins can be forgiven and that heaven can be theirs.

It is also a good idea to check out what a church teaches concerning God’s plan of salvation. Does this church emphasize the grace of God in providing salvation for mankind, Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-6? Equally important, do they teach all of God’s plan of salvation? One can look back to the New Testament and see how the first century Christians were saved. We can be saved in the same way. Does this church stress the essentiality of belief (John 8:24), repentance (Luke 13:3), and baptism (Acts 22:16)? If a church does not teach that all these are necessary for salvation, it is not a Bible centered church.

Another key component in a church’s mission must be to train people to be like Jesus. Jesus said, “No pupil is greater than his teacher; but every pupil, when he has completed his training, will be like his teacher,” Luke 6:40. A Bible oriented church will help people conform their lives to the principles of Christian living. This is where people truly care and can give practical advice on how to help you make a change for the better in daily life. Christians in a Bible centered church will be more than Christians in name only. They truly care and only want the best for you. Their goal will be to stand together with you in your faith in Christ. In a Christ centered church, you should find those who are eager to tell everyone about how Jesus has changed their life. Peter wrote, “But you are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light,” 1 Peter 2:9.

Look for a church where you can share in a sense of family. Is there an atmosphere of love and warmth? Do you see a constant expression of love toward God and others? Our heart must be full of love for God and for others This is the teaching of Jesus. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” Matthew 22:37-39. This will be a place where brotherly love is the standard, not an abnormality. Is there a warm and pleasant atmosphere when you walk through the door? Can you see people that truly want to help each other get to heaven?

What are you looking for in a church?

If you are looking for a church home, I hope you will strongly consider getting to know the church of Christ a little better. We invite you to examine our practices considering God’s word and please know we’re always ready to answer any question you have.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to travel to middle Tennessee to speak to a group of elders, deacons, and leading men about church growth. It was a great experience for me, and those who were present at this gathering were very encouraging. I do not see myself as an "expert," nor do I think we have "arrived.” I do not write these things to brag. Rather, we praise God for the work He is doing among us. I am confident that Cornerstone is on a promising trajectory, and I pray fervently that in the things we do right, we will excel even more.

Our Story: The Transformation of Cornerstone

Since I began my work in early 2010 with what is now known as the Cornerstone Church of Christ, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Our suburban church, then known as Kettering Church of Christ, was located on a landlocked lot in a residential neighborhood. Our building was constructed in the mid 1960's and was more than adequate for the needs of the time. As the congregation grew through the 70's, 80's, and 90's the facility was expanded. But by early 2011, once again we exceeded its capacity, with more than 200 members and guests squeezing into the space every week. We were bringing out chairs and parking people in the grass outside. During the second half of that year, we responded to these challenges by remodeling our outdated auditorium. Additional deacons were added to accommodate the congregation's growth. This was on top of to two more elders added near the end of 2010.

Between 2012 and 19 we went through several ups and downs in attendance and membership, discovering that we could not sustain our growth once we got over 80-90% capacity, as we rarely remained at 100% capacity for a prolonged time. Fluctuations in the economy, the number of members stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB and those employed with Department of Defense contractors have also impacted our waves of growth and decline. When our attendance grew north of 80% capacity again in 2014, we knew we needed to further expand the footprint of our building and parking lot. After several months of meetings, the city of Kettering denied our petition. From this point, we knew we were going to have to eventually move into a new facility or buy an existing building. This began what would become a five-year search for the right property for us.

To become better equipped to address our need to follow up with guests and contacts, in 2016 we added a second preacher specializing in outreach and discipleship, allowing me to focus on pulpit work and Bible class development. By the end of 2019, several families joined us from area congregations. They all came for various reasons —from aging and stagnant congregations — to leadership issues. They found a breath of fresh air with us. On the Sunday before the pandemic in March 2020, we had 212 in our building for the morning service with cars parked everywhere outside in the mud and slop of winter's thawing ground. God, through providence was working that spring as a larger building five minutes away was listed for sale. This church building would more than meet our needs. Securing a loan during a pandemic and navigating the process while the congregation met online only proved to be a great challenge. But we emerged from the stress of that spring and summer not only intact but strengthened, with continued numerical growth. Our first service in our new location was on August 16, 2020.

Over the last three years our growth rate has continued. We have around 20-30 guests at every Sunday service. During 2023 we have several more families place membership with us as well as a few baptisms.

What has led to our growth?

Seven Key Components

STEADY AND CONSISTENT LEADERSHIP

For the past 14 years, three men have shepherded this congregation with unity, friendship, and excellent communication. One elder has served since 1998. Another since 2002 and the other since 2010. In 2022, we welcomed three more, making a team of six elders who work closely with the preachers and deacons, fostering a team atmosphere unlike the corporate approach seen in many elderships. Now approaching my 14th year of service, the congregation has seen consistency in the pulpit. My family has settled down in the area and if the Lord wills we have plans to stay here for the long term. This stability and consistency in leadership style and approach has helped the congregation to know what to expect with its goals and help it to concentrate fully on its mission.

Looking back through the years our elders and preachers have been united in mission and purpose. We all share similar viewpoints in how we approach our work and service, and we are all friends who are open and vulnerable with each other. There is healthy communication and a strong sense of trust. the church will not be able to sustain its growth over the long-term.

DETAILED PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Our annual Vision Plan is the result of 16 weeks of planning and encompasses all aspects of our congregation's work. It sets a clear theme for the year and aligns all our activities. It signals our commitment to spiritual growth and member development. Having the vision plan provides direction and expectation. When our members walk through the door each week, they have a general idea of the subject matter that will be covered that day. 

Our vision plan communicates to guests and prospective members that the church has goals to achieve, and it also demonstrates an active eldership who is engaged with its members -- looking out for the members’ best interests in what is taught. You can view our vision plans (2010-2024) at cornerstone-coc.com/visionplan.

AN ATMOSPHERE OF REVERENCE AND GRACE

Our worship services focus on reverencing God. On Friday afternoons our preachers publish a "Sunday Preview" via video and blog post that updates our members on what to expect on the Lord's Day. Before every service begins, our worship volunteers know where they are going to serve. Songs are picked in advance to align as best as possible with the lesson of the day. At least one member of our AV team arrives by 7 AM each Sunday to make sure there are no issues with sound, video, or any other aspect of technology. Those who lead prayer come prepared to praise God. And our communion service worship leaders are dedicated to taking our minds back to the cross so we can focus on the power of the Lord's Supper. Our ushers and welcome team are active, greeting and assisting guests with seating, directing them and any children they have to what classes they need to go. Everyone goes out of their way to make our guests feel welcome and loved.

The congregation also works to create an environment where vulnerability is honored, and hope and encouragement are readily found. We believe God has called us to an atmosphere of grace, love, hope, and acceptance — not exclusion and judgment. We are committed to bearing one another’s burdens and demonstrating the love of Christ by being involved in each other’s lives. We are learning to depend on God and the work He is doing to transform us, 2 Corinthians 3.18. You can feel the difference when you walk in the door.

A COMMITMENT TO STAY ON MISSION

Our congregation is diverse in many ways. We come from all sorts of experiences and perspectives. Our members come out of just about every background within the churches of Christ — from the most conservative — to mainstream. Focusing on unity and the principles of Ephesians 4.1-6 and Romans 14-15.1-7, we prioritize our connection to Jesus above all else, managing differing opinions with patience and understanding.

We feel the congregation’s mission is sharing and magnifying Jesus and His gospel. We are serious about reaching the lost and hurting. Over the last few years some of the stories of transformation and growth among our members are simply amazing. It’s all due to the power of God. We are not afraid to discuss issues, but our primary focus is on what brings us together — not where we disagree. We believe unity is not uniformity and that we do not have to agree on everything to fulfill the Spirit’s directive in Ephesians 4.1-3.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

Having already embraced the importance of technology throughout the mid-teens, we were well-positioned before the pandemic to extend our reach online to our local community and beyond. When the pandemic hit, we didn’t have to scramble. Since 2020, we've made significant investments in our digital infrastructure to handle increased bandwidth; added a fiber connection to the building and improved the quality of our sound and camera systems. This has really made the difference as we now draw a worldwide audience of viewers.

Locally, this has impacted our church growth as we have had several current members find us and get to know us first through our livestream broadcasts. It is directly responsible for several baptisms and new members coming from other areas. The livestreaming of our worship and Bible classes have also brought several baptisms across the country and we have been able to direct these new brothers and sisters to local congregations in their area. One church in Romania has reached out to us, informing us that their English-speaking members watch our broadcast together each week. Our weekly 30-minute live Bible talk program, Your Pathway Home, attracts viewers from all over the country. Currently we average around 5-10,000 views and social media interactions each month through our various platforms. Our provider (Subsplash) enables us to simulcast our broadcasts to Facebook, YouTube, our church App, website, Apple TV, and Roku. We post sermon clips, articles, and/or words of encouragement to our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) multiple times each day. 

Rather than just primarily serving as a database and information portal for members, Cornerstone has designed its website for those who are looking for a church. A few years ago, we recorded a welcome video and have that prominently displayed on the front page. The website is updated at least 3-4 days each week with fresh information (class videos, blog articles, sermons, event information, etc.). We have chosen to explain who we are, not who we are not or what we are against. Two of our adult Bible classes, the Sunday sermon, and our weekly webcast are all archived and prominently displayed for on demand viewing so the seeker can get a good idea of who Cornerstone is.

When a guest walks through the door and we go to greet them and introduce ourselves, it is common to hear, “I know you who are, I’ve been watching you online.” Some have been able to identify our elders and other prominent members who appear on our broadcasts on their first visit! Some walk into the auditorium and say, "it feels like I've been here before."

A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND ADAPT

Change is not our enemy; we see it as an opportunity. Our adaptability has been crucial, as we continually assess and adjust our approach and methods, ensuring that they serve the growth of our congregation biblically and effectively. We are not wedded to tradition but respect it too. As someone has said, we honor the past, but we don’t live in it. While tools and methods change, truth does not. As stewards of God’s gospel, He expects us to be nimble and adaptive to be most effective in our changing culture to reach the lost.

DEVELOPING A TOUGH SKIN

With growth comes criticism. A few are suspicious. Instead of rejoicing with us in our success, some in other congregations have labeled us. We have learned to focus on our mission, undeterred by external opinions, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to God, not to the shifting sands of human judgment. We have learned that people will talk about you, but not talk to you. While that is certainly disappointing, we believe in congregational autonomy and are not swayed by the opinions of those who have set themselves up as guardians of the brotherhood. God, in His divine wisdom, has designed local churches to be independent with local elders responsible for their own flock, 1 Peter 5.1-4. Our elders have first committed to honor Jesus and second, to do what is best for this congregation regardless of what critics may think. 

CONCLUSION

I believe the Cornerstone congregation is a testament to what God will do when consistent leadership, meticulous planning, reverence for God and His Word, moving with grace toward one another, and an openness to adapt all come together. Our story continues to unfold. There will more ups and downs … but I think the general direction is toward Jesus. We carry forward with the assurance that while we may not have all the answers, we are committed to seeking them out together, under the guidance of our great God.

What are you doing this Sunday? Come out and be our guest at Cornerstone! You'll be glad you did.