Philosophy of Ministry
Distinctives of Cornerstone
Churches today take on many shapes and forms. Cornerstone Baptist Church has purposed to center all of our ministries on the truths found in the Word of God with the intent to “extend the hand and heart of Christ” to Chicago, its surrounding communities, and throughout the world. We seek to accomplish this God-ordained mission through several biblical distinctives.
- EXPOSITORY PREACHING
We believe the pulpit is sacred, in that it is the central focal point of teaching in the church. Expository teaching from the pulpit involves revealing Scripture in the context in which it was originally written, which was verse-by-verse. By teaching from this perspective, Scripture inherently exposes truth as God intended it and maintains the authority and integrity of God’s Word. This takes the emphasis off the messenger and allows those hearing the message to focus on Scripture and its application to their lives more than a particular topic or the messenger himself. Because of its verse-by-verse nature, expository preaching also lends itself to greater accountability than that of more topical sermons.
- BIBLICAL WORSHIP
We strive to remember that true worship involves the state of your mind and heart, and not a particular style of service. Every aspect of our services, including the music, are purposed to be God-honoring and thoroughly biblical. Our hope and prayer is that being reminded of the glory and goodness of God will allow you to draw near to Him and express your adoration through praise and worship. This can be expressed with anything from shouts of joy to quiet moments of reflection. All of our services are designed to place the focus on our Heavenly Father and prepare us to meet with Him through His Word. The focus of our worship is God, and not ourselves.
- PRAYER DRIVEN
Prayer is the bedrock for everything we are and attempt to do at Cornerstone. Our desire is to be a body of believers that seeks nothing on our own, but instead bathes every aspect of ministry and service in asking God that His will be done in and through us. To that end, we meet every Thursday evening for a designated time of intercession for God to work in the life of our church, our members, our community, and our country. We also include an email prayer chain for those not able to attend these prayer services each week.
- SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
The Bible makes it clear that the New Testament church was to be busy equipping the saints for the work of service. Though are facilities are small, we have committed to making small group Bible study available for every age group, from nursery through couples and single adult classes. The purpose for these groups is three-fold: to study and learn from the Word of God; to sharpen one another through discipleship; and to minister to one another’s needs through prayer and fellowship. These classes are held each Sunday one hour prior to our corporate worship services.
- CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY
Jesus demonstrated His favor toward children when He chastised His disciples for forbidding them to come to Him. Other Scripture illustrates how important it is to train up children and teach them the way they should go so they will not depart from it when they grow old. Cornerstone places an emphasis on our children by allowing them individual small groups, as well as a special Children’s Church program, every week. Vacation Bible Schools and other events are also held throughout the year to help children establish a biblical foothold at a young age. Our youth program likewise meets for small group Bible study each week and holds outings periodically to encourage godly fellowship and camaraderie as teenagers navigate one of life’s most difficult battlefields. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to participate in all children and youth events.
- EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS-MINDED
Cornerstone has more than eight different nationalities represented in our church so being evangelistic and missions-minded comes naturally to us. More than that, we are a church that is committed to the Great Commission, which calls us to leave the comforts we are accustomed to and reach out to those around us with the good news of the Gospel. We accomplish this locally by intentionally telling others about Christ through everything from door-to-door evangelism to community block parties. Our intentions internationally are to send teams to Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mexico in the near future, and to be watchful for other doors of opportunity God may open for us in His perfect timing.
