Cornerstone Leadership
Empowering and Equipping the Next Generation of Leaders
Where faith and family grow.
Cornerstone Church is an elder-led congregational church. We have a church led by men who submit to the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Timothy 5:17-20), and we have a church body that submits to its appointed leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17). The biblical term “elder” is used interchangeably with words like pastor, overseer, and shepherd throughout Scripture. Though we call our vocational elders “pastors” because they are supported financially to fulfill the role of elder, ultimately, all elders are pastors, and all pastors are elders (Acts 20:13-37; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
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Deacon Board
The responsibilities of the Deacon Board include overseeing the administration of the facilities and finances of Cornerstone Church and providing support for the vulnerable in our church body and community.
Current members are:
Tim Messer: Deacon Board Chair/Finance
Becky Bell: Widows/Isolated
Rob Taylor: Building/Facility
Jeff Scherer: Benevolence
Meegan Dyrland: Office/Communications
Diane Herschberger:
If you would like to contact the board, please send an email to: thedeacons [at] cornerstone-marion.org
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Sunday Worship begins at 9:25 AM in-person and online.
Dress however you’d like. Jeans, ties, and flip flops are all welcome. As you feel comfortable, please join us in the singing and reading of Scripture.
Our Sunday worship service is the focal point and highlight of the week. We meet Sunday mornings at 9:25 a.m to adore the God of the Gospel through the Word preached, the receiving of the LORD’s supper (weekly), and with offerings of prayers, praise, and financial gifts. Join us as we intentionally humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His greatness.
Nursery is provided for the entire service for children 3 years of age and younger, and children’s church is available for children 4 years through-kindergarten (children’s church kids start in the corporate worship service and are dismissed about half-way into the service).
Though we broadcast a Facebook Live service each Sunday, we strongly believe the best place to grow as a Christian and to learn about Christianity is to be present and active in a local church family each Sunday; the online service is to minister to those with current health concerns for themselves and loved ones.
Biblical Instruction (A.K.A. Sunday School) for all ages begins at 11:00 AM. Parents are welcome to join their kids classes in order to get to know the teachers and see how we instruct little ones about Jesus.
Learn about Cornerstone Church’s beliefs about Jesus, the Church, theology and more can be found here.
Attending Cornerstone Church is a unique and wonderful experience. Our smaller community of around 100-150 attendees on Sunday creates an intimate, family-like atmosphere. We welcome all generations and mean it when we say we’re multi-generational. Our church members genuinely care for each other and strive to make everyone feel included. We’re conveniently located just down Blairs Ferry from Thomas Park in Marion, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
New to Cornerstone? Everything to help you get ready for your first visit is right here.
When you walk through the doors of Cornerstone, you can expect to find a body of believers gathered for the purpose of making a heart connection with the Lord. Though we meet in a warehouse, we desire to continue with historic Christianity’s purpose for the gathered church:
1) To hear God’s most holy Word.
2) To set forth His most worthy praise.
You will discover that everything from the preaching, to our giving of tithes and offerings, to the music is an act of worship. You will be challenged through verse by verse Bible teaching for your everyday life. You will hear songs that reflect a blend of the rich tradition of the hymns and heartfelt praises of contemporary worship songs. Typically, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together on the third Sunday of each month.
Other frequently asked questions:
What will my kids do?
We have child care for the entire service for infants through 3 years of age. We love having older kids join us in the sanctuary for singing and the first half of the service. Then, we have a children’s church for kids 4 years of age through kindergarten, but if you desire older kids to attend children’s church so you can focus on the sermon, feel free to send them too. At 11AM, we have classes for all ages of kids and adults.
When should I be there?
The Morning Worship service starts at 9:25 am Sunday mornings. It’s wise to arrive 5-10 minutes before start times to grab a cup of coffee and find your way to our sanctuary.
What should I wear?
Come as you are and you’ll fit right in. Dress generally ranges from t-shirts and jeans to jackets and ties; it’s up to you.
Which musical style is reflected in the service?
We have a band on stage that leads the congregation in singing a creative blend of classic hymns and contemporary worship.
How do we get there?
Cornerstone meets at 925 Blairs Ferry Road. We are located next to Metro Transmission and across the street from Q-Dogs BBQ. Take the Lyons Lane frontage road to gain access to our parking lot.
Click HERE for our online Church Calendar.
At Cornerstone, we believe giving is an act of worship, honoring God. Every contribution, regardless of amount, makes a difference in lives and furthers God’s work. We understand unique financial situations and encourage joyful giving. Your support is appreciated.
Our church also takes a monthly benevolence offering to help assist people and organizations with financial needs. If you have a financial need, please reach out to a Pastor or Deacon.
For those looking for it, our online giving area can be found here.
Cornerstone Church is an elder-led congregational church. That is, we have a church led by men who submit to the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Timothy 5:17-20), and we have a church body that submits to its appointed leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17). The biblical term “elder” is used interchangeably with other words like pastor, overseer, and shepherd throughout Scripture. Though we call our vocational elders “pastors” because they are supported financially to fulfill the role of elder, ultimately all elders are pastors and all pastors are elders (Acts 20:13-37; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Matt Proctor serves as our teaching pastor. He met his wife Carrie at Iowa State University. They have 3 boys and a girl. Matt is a native Iowan who loves people, sports, and books (click here for his recommended reading list). Matt serves as a volunteer chaplain for the Marion Police Department and is a board member for Serve the City.
Pastor Gary Hoobler grew up in Illinois and is married to Patsy. They have three grown sons and a daughter still at home. For over 30 years, Gary has served local churches in worship ministry, and is the associate pastor at Cornerstone dedicated to disciple-making and leadership development ministries.
Darrel Herschberger is married to Diane. They have two college-aged kids, John and Nancy. Darrel recently retired from Collians Aerospace. Diane loves ministering to kids and young moms. Darrel leads prayer initiatives, helps take care of people in need, and sings on the worship team.
Dave Bell and his wife Becky grew up in Iowa and returned in 2017 after retirement. Dave was a statistician for a power cooperative in Ohio. Becky presented programs for seniors with County Extension. Dave loves Hawkeye sports and fishing. He works with the men’s prayer station and rotates teaching adult Sunday School. Becky works with the women’s prayer station, women’s Bible study and senior ladies.
David Gardner is married to Colleen. Together, they have served Cornerstone Church since Cornerstone’s earliest days. David is retired from Collins Aerospace. Colleen homeschooled three children. David loves a good project, whether at home or at the church. Colleen pours into young hearts and young women.
Alex Steele is married to Megan and they have two adorable twins, Silas and Ezra. Alex works by day as a luthier (guitar maker/repair) and by night for Hooker Towing. He ministers to our middle school students, serves on our worship team, and dedicates many hours to the ministry of the Word and prayer.
Michael Biegler is married to Kayla and has been working with the Youth Group at Cornerstone since they began coming in 2015. Michael enjoys learning and teaching God’s word, creating art in just about any medium, and spending time with Kayla and their two kids, Charlie and Phoebe.
Jeff Olson serves in many roles and has been involved since the very beginning of Cornerstone. Jeff was married in 2021 to Jayne, whom he met on Cornerstone’s Short Term Missions trip to Ukraine in 2019. They are planning to return to Ukraine together in 2022., where Jayne has served the Lord since 2000. Until that timing is clear Jeff will continue to serve as elder, worship leader, youth group helper, missions team chairman, and seeking God for church planting. Jeff is a retired Air Traffic Controller.
Deacon Board
The responsibilities of the Deacon Board include overseeing the administration of the facilities and finances of Cornerstone Church, and providing support for the vulnerable in our church body and community. Current members are:
Tim Messer-Deacon Board Chair/Finance
Becky Bell-Widows/Isolated
Scott Case-Building/Facility
Greg Dryden
Meegan Dyrland-Office/Communications
Diane Herschberger-Benevolence
Lisa Weber-Meals
If you would like to contact the board, please send an email to: thedeacons [at] cornerstone-marion.org