Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, PCA

What is the Vision of Cornerstone?

“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10

A Mission, a Vision, a Plan

Jesus Christ had a mission. He came to earth from heaven knowing His purpose. Even at the age of 12, He told his parents, “Did you not know I had to be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). His single-mindedness, determination, and reliance on His heavenly Father’s guidance ensured that at the end of His ministry, He could pray confidently, “I have accomplished the work which You gave me to do” (John 17:4).

He also had a vision. He saw the preferable future, the new humanity His mission would make. He knew what He had to be like—and what His followers had to be like—if the world was to sit up and take notice. He built a community of believers—only twelve at first—that would be the foundation of a vast network of followers who would fulfill His vision. Knowing His disciples’ exciting potential but precarious position, Jesus prayed, “As You have sent Me into the world, I also send them into the world” (John 17:18).

Jesus also had a plan. His ministry unfolded in stages, and He said “No” to many opportunities when they were the right things at the wrong time. With no shortage of need, He had to be selective about the people and possibilities in which He invested. Disciples had to be chosen from among many interested volunteers (and sometimes He called people right out of their preoccupation with other interests!). Workers needed to be trained before being sent. Jesus sometimes moved on to new ministry opportunities even when people wanted Him to stay. He recognized that some “ministry growth” would be detrimental to His long-range plan, so he stifled it—He told certain people He’d just healed not to go public. The control He exercised in relation to His ministry was always in response to the leadings of His heavenly Father—and as the appropriate way to facilitate His mission and vision in accordance with His values.

In His Steps

We who call ourselves Jesus’ followers at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church desire to carry on His mission. We also want to identify our core values and act consistent with them. While the message of Jesus Christ is timeless, the forms and programs we use to further His work are flexible—they must be servants, not masters. We claim no infallibility for any of our ideas, but we believe we’ll be more fruitful if we follow a well-defined strategic plan, always remaining open to how the Spirit may take us in new, unexpected directions. Our corporate imperatives will require mid-course corrections as we face future challenges.

We often say at Cornerstone, “People matter to God.” We humbly recognize that we are among the “lost” Jesus came to seek and save. But so many still wander unreached by His love. Because of Jesus, we too now live “to seek and save that which was lost.” This chapter represents our collective beliefs on who we want to be and how we want to live and minister so that we can do that very thing—all to the glory of God.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

THE MISSION OF CORNERSTONE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

(WHAT WE’RE DOING)

What is a mission statement? A mission statement reflects the essence of what we are all about, and what we “do” in the present and the short-range future. It is the bridge that spans the gulf between the present we now inhabit and the vision of the future that draws us forward. It answers the question: “What is the essential activity of this church, with what aspired to results, and based upon what values?” It short, it describes what we will accomplish ministry.

“Based upon the Bible and Christ, our Cornerstone, it is our mission to exalt God, and to evangelize, edify and equip people to become fully devoted followers of Christ who help others become the same.”

Because Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, we feel compelled to do the same. But Jesus went beyond rescuing people from hell; He wanted to make them fit for heaven. Through the various ministries of the church, we desire people not only to meet Christ but also over time, to grow in their faith so that they live obediently to His commands and become conformed to His character.

THE VISION OF CORNERSTONE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

(WHAT WE’RE BECOMING)

What is a vision statement? Vision is a clear and concise picture of a desired future that describes what Cornerstone’s ministry will look like in 5 years and develops positive mental images and pictures that motivate people to action. It describes, in short, where we are going and what we are becoming. Godly vision promotes faith rather than fear, requires risk taking, and glorifies God, not people. It recognizes God’s desire to bless his people, and flows out of His redemptive purposes. It seeks God’s specific and unique assignment that outlasts the pastor by empowering God’s people for ministry. In sum, vision catches a glimpse of reality from God’s perspective.

What will Cornerstone’s primary ministries or programs look like in 5 years?

By the grace of God and for His glory, Cornerstone will offer a variety of ministries designed to encourage and equip men, women and children to live Christ-centered lives.

These ministries will utilize and develop the unique S.H.A.P.E. of members, and be intentionally designed to meet personal and spiritual needs. By S.H.A.P.E. we mean a person’s unique design and giftedness for ministry consisting of their spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences.

Who will be Cornerstone’s primary participants, and what will be the geographical coverage of our ministry?

Cornerstone will be a regional church, centrally located in Center Valley near the intersection of highways 309 and 378, that will intentionally reach area families, singles, college students and youth. By regional, we mean a church of sufficient size, resources and drawing power to spearhead a church planting movement with the goal of saturating the Lehigh Valley with gospel-centered churches.

What will be the primary effects on the lives of Cornerstone’s participants?

To develop a greater knowledge of, dependence on, and love for the triune God, and a more profound sense of His presence and greatness in our daily lives through both personal and corporate worship;

To lovingly persuade the unchurched to surrender their lives to Christ and to become his followers;

To encourage and equip believers towards personal spiritual growth and maturity – doctrinally, relationally, and functionally – so that they will know what they believe, love others as Christ did, and serve the body of Christ;

To develop biblically literate believers who interpret and engage the world in accordance with a Reformed Christian worldview;

To be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s presence and ministry, leading to personal and corporate conviction, repentance, insight, direction, power and joy;

To train both men and women to be leaders within their individual spheres of influence;

To promote healthy families and marriages where children feel loved and secure;

To regularly pray for, and engage in meeting the needs of the poor, the weak, and the marginalized; and,

To be passionate about planting additional gospel-centered churches in the Lehigh Valley and around the world.

What specific milestones will Cornerstone achieve in 5 years (2008)?

For His glory and by His grace, we believe that Cornerstone will become a regional church with approximately 300 participants, 2-3 full-time pastors, 3-4 part-time staff, 50 volunteer leaders, 150 volunteer workers, and 25 small groups funded by an annual budget of $300,000.00. Cornerstone will have planted a daughter church and be in the process of constructing its first building, which will be designed to promote relationship building.

What outstanding characteristics will distinguish Cornerstone in the eyes of those outside of the church?

Cornerstone will be a blessing in the community and gain a reputation as a gospel-centered church --

where sound, uncompromising Biblical teaching is practiced, truth is promoted, and members know what they believe and live it;

where other people are treated as more important than ourselves, and people feel loved, experience joy, make friends, and discover hope;

where worship is sensitive to historic and contemporary forms, gospel-centered, purposeful, personal, and reverent;

where community involvement is encouraged, needs are met, and nothing is asked in return;

where marriages are strengthened, family unity nurtured, and parents are excited to bring their children;

where prayer is emphasized and practiced on a regular basis;

where ministries and programs are innovative, creative, culturally relevant, and conducted with excellence; and,

where unchurched people are gently and respectfully introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ; and,

where believers are encouraged and equipped to become more spiritually mature; and finally,

where lives overall are impacted and changed for the better in the Lehigh Valley.

We cannot fulfill Christ’s mission alone as individuals. We are a church because God wants us to be something together and represent Him with our unified diversity. Our goal together is to further His kingdom in our midst, but we also, in obedience to His Great Commission, labor to extend His kingdom worldwide. Our work is not over when we become a biblical community-we’re a biblical community so that we can accurately reflect Him to the world.

From the early days of Cornerstone, we’ve used a fivefold outline to describe God’s design for his church. To the extent we engage in these activities, we fulfill God’s purposes in our midst.

Magnify: We celebrate God's presence in worship.

Ministry: We demonstrate God's love through service.

Mission: We communicate God's Word through evangelism.

Membership: We incorporate God's family into our fellowship.

Maturity: We educate God's people through discipleship.