Seven Essentials for Growth

The Story of Cornerstone's Growth Over the Last Few Years

Over the last few years, I have received questions from people all over the country concerning Cornerstone's growth over the last few years. My standard answer is that it's not one thing; it's a hundred little things that have come together at the same time by the providence of God. 

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 During the second half of that year, we responded to these challenges by remodeling our outdated auditorium.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.