Foundational Convictions

  1. The causes of poverty are complex. More complex than most would like to admit.

  2. Many approaches to "helping" can unintentionally undermine the dignity and agency of those being served, creating dependence. We seek a better, more sustainable solution.

  3. Cornerstone defines poverty by the brokenness people experience in key relationships with God, self, others, and the world. Therefore, our poverty alleviation initiatives are rooted and grounded in relational approaches.

  4. We believe that lasting transformation is the work of God. Rather than claiming to "change lives" as staff or volunteers, we understand our role as participating in the ongoing work that God is already doing in the lives of our participants.

  5. Cornerstone program participants are “image-bearers” of God and they are worthy of the best of our time, attention, and resourcing.

  6. Cornerstone is not a church; we partner with and serve the Church. We intentionally direct our participants to local church engagement.

Statement of Faith

We believe in God.

We believe in God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17).

We believe God is the creator of all things.

We believe in Jesus

We believe Jesus in God’s Son and the Savior of the world. We believe salvation comes by grace through faith in Him. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8-11)

We believe in the Holy Spirit.

We believe the Holy Spirit lives within each follower of Jesus and equips each one for ministry. (John 16:5-15)

We believe in the Bible.

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the final authority for all matters of faith.

(2 Timothy 3:16)

We believe in the Church.

We believe the Church is God’s plan “A” for the world and is the body and bride of Jesus on the earth. (Acts 2:14-47)

We believe in Humanity.

We believe that all humanity is made in the image of God and possesses intrinsic dignity, worth. and a role in stewarding God’s good creation. (Gen. 1:27-30)