What We Believe

Statement of Faith

The Evangelical Free Church of America’s Statement of Faith is:

God

We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

The Bible

We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

The Human Condition

We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image,* but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel’s promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

The Work of Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

The Church

We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

Christian Living

We believe that God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.

Christ’s Return

We believe in the personal, bodily and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.

Response and Eternal Destiny

We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

*In June 2017, the Evangelical Free Church affirmed a Resolution on Biblical Sexuality and the Covenant of Marriage to give clarity to related matters of being made in God’s image.

** In June 2023, the Evangelical Free Church articulated a clear position on current theological hot topics such as Critical Theory, Complementarianism/Egalitarianism, Christian Nationalism, etc. – “Where We Stand in the EFCA: Denials and Affirmations”

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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.

The Evangelical Free Church of America’s Statement of Faith is:

God

We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

The Bible

We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

The Human Condition

We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image,1 but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel’s promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

The Work of Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

The Church

We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

Christian Living

We believe that God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.

Christ’s Return

We believe in the personal, bodily and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.

Response and Eternal Destiny

We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

*In June 2017, the Evangelical Free Church affirmed a Resolution on Biblical Sexuality and the Covenant of Marriage to give clarity to related matters of being made in God’s image.

** In June 2023, the Evangelical Free Church articulated a clear position on current theological hot topics such as Critical Theory, Egalitarianism Christian Nationalism, etc. – “Where We Stand in the EFCA: Denials and Affirmations”

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