Frequently Asked Questions

In the words of our Mission Statement: Reaching Beyond Ourselves is a membership driven campaign designed to help us understand and define God’s plan for the future of our Cornerstone Family at the Bush River and Dutch Fork Campuses. This campaign offers all members the opportunity to take an ownership position in our vision through work, prayer and heartfelt giving. Over a three-year period (2001-2004), the Session diligently studied various ways to continue growing our church in a swiftly changing environment. The Session developed a two-phased approach to growth. The first phase committed us to open a second campus north of I-26. Since September of 2004, a group has been meeting at the Dutch Fork High School auditorium. In the summer of 2006, with our lease agreement with the school district nearing its end, 40 acres of property near the Peak Exit became available at an attractive price and the congregation voted to acquire the property. The second phase of the plan focuses on the Bush River Campus. Plans are already underway to complete improvements such as repaving the entrance drive and the lower parking lot, upgrading restroom facilities and improving playgrounds. Another critical element will include a reexamination of our outreach strategies for the Bush River Ministry. Although no one will knock at your front door asking for your commitment, you will be asked to pray, to thank and encourage those involved, and to follow God’s guidance regarding your participation. Since our agreement for the use of Dutch Fork High School will expire within the next two years, we must make plans to build a facility. We are currently planning to build a multipurpose building as soon as possible. This building will be designed to handle Sunday school and worship service needs as well as fellowship and sports activities. While this approach is somewhat new to the Southeast, it has worked well in other cities and it seems to fit our situation. In its simplest form, we will continue to have one church family meeting for worship services and Sunday school at two different locations. Our church will continue to be guided by a single Session made up of members from both campuses. We envision a senior pastor who will oversee the pastor(s) and staff for each campus and work closely with the Elders. Preparations for the campaign are already underway. Scores of our members are working to lay the groundwork for the exciting weeks ahead. The initial phase of the campaign will culminate in a series of activities between Easter and the end of May. In fact, a calendar of events will be posted on the Cornerstone website. This concept was debated by the Session at length and rejected because a split would leave each of the two congregations with insufficient members and resources to continue the programs and philosophies that form the foundation of our church. By remaining together, each campus gains significant benefits from the other. The Dutch Fork Campus brings tremendous growth potential as new neighborhoods are built in the area, while the Bush River Campus brings existing facilities, the SOAR ministry and a mature staff and organizational structure. We are stronger together than we are apart. In the past, we communicated decisions to the congregation after they were made. We now plan to keep the congregation better informed as things are being discussed so you can provide input and pray for those charged with making decisions for the church.

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