Jim and his wife, Carole, have been married since 1995 and have two sons: Ben (Megan) and Sam (Erin), as well as three grandkids (so far). Jim is a retired public school band director who now teaches at JALC, directs two community bands, and works at Lowe’s. He enjoys exercising, fishing, golfing, performing music in the area, and babysitting his grandchildren.

The Childers family has been attending Cornerstone for five years. They have served in several ways including leading a small group and welcoming people at weekend services. One thing Jim enjoys about Cornerstone is the opportunities for everyone to serve—particularly seeing students serving in production or welcoming in the lobby.

When asked about his faith journey, Jim said, “I was saved at a vacation Bible school when I was nine years old. My family did not regularly attend church. Therefore, I floundered for a while. In high school, I rededicated, was baptized, and started to be discipled.”

Nick and his wife, Brenda, have been married since 1999 and have three children: Caleb, Elaina, and Hailey. Nick currently works as a Project Control Coordinator. His hobbies include playing games and sports. This would be his second term serving as an Elder.

The Martin family has been attending Cornerstone since 2010. They are involved in small groups and Cornerstone Kids ministry. Nick is also involved in Cornerstone Men’s ministry. When asked about his salvation story, Nick said, “I was raised in a Christian home as a child and came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior. From that day many years ago, I have grown steadily knowing God through prayer, personal study, and with other believers in the church.”

Nick enjoys getting the opportunity to serve in the Kids Ministry at Cornerstone. In his words, “I love meeting new families that God has brought to Cornerstone and making them feel comfortable and safe in our kids’ ministry. Cornerstone is home, and we treat each other like family. We are more than just getting together for a meeting, but a community coming together for engaging worship that points to the glory of God.”

Andrew and his wife, Ronny, have been married since 2005 and have three kids: Liam, Lincoln, and Audrey. The Pearson family has been attending Cornerstone for fourteen years and Andrew previously served on the Elder Board from 2016 to 2023. In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing disc golf whenever possible. Professionally, he works in Inside Sales at Winsupply of Carterville.

Andrew was raised in church and learned to be “good,” but it was in his early twenties that he truly saw himself as someone who was dead and brought to life by the cross of Christ. This realization marked a significant pivot in his faith that has shaped the rest of his life. The most meaningful aspect of Cornerstone for Andrew is the relationships he has formed. He is deeply passionate about our church growing in wisdom and theology as we grow closer to Jesus.

Andrew’s commitment to spiritual development has been displayed in his roles as a small group leader and table leader for the "How To Study The Bible" classes, as well as leading classes for new members. He has also served consistently on the worship team for over a decade.

Jonathan and his wife, Cherrish, have been married since 2008 and have two children: Bohdan and Mackenzie. Professionally, Jonathan is a TMOD (Talent Management/Organizational Development) Manager at Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Jonathan and Cherrish have attended Cornerstone since Spring 2019. He serves on the worship team and also leads a small group with his wife based out of their home. When asked about our church, Jonathan shared, “I love the way that Cornerstone invites people to encounter Christ regardless of where they are currently at on their faith journey. In addition to engaging and connecting with our family, we are an equipping church. God has provided growth in several areas of my life as a direct result of the resources provided, the community of believers, and leadership found at Cornerstone.”

Jonah has been an integral part of the Cornerstone community for over 14 years. He and his wife, Jordan, have been married since 2010 and are blessed with four children: Jonah Jr. (12), Oliver (10), Gideon (8), and Iris (5). Jonah works as a Producer and Director at Guerrilla Film and enjoys working out and coaching kids' sports in his free time. He and Jordan are also passionate about fostering and extending their love and support to children in need.

At Cornerstone, Jonah is passionate about developing a vibrant community and encouraging people to actively pursue their faith in Jesus. He has been involved in various ministries, including the worship band, prayer team, and serving as a small group leader. Jonah’s journey of faith began in his teenage years when he was saved at a youth rally. After a period of spiritual struggle in college, he recommitted to his faith in his early 20s. In recent years, Jonah and Jordan have felt a renewed call to deepen their relationship with Christ and live out their faith with greater sincerity and action.

Michael and his wife, Casey, have been married since 2008 and have four kids: Will, Ben, Emmie, and Hux. Michael is a civil engineer who enjoys hunting, fishing, and goat farming. The Rolape family has attended Cornerstone since 2012 and Micahel previously served on the Elder Board from 2016 to 2023. He has also served as a small group leader, security team member, Cornerstone Kids volunteer, and prayer team member.

When asked about what he’s excited about at Cornerstone, he shared, “I find the relationships within this body of believers to be very meaningful. Cornerstone is the place my family and I have found our deepest community to be rooted. It’s encouraging to see how God has worked in 2024, and I’m excited to see what he has for us in 2025.”

Michael was raised in a Christian home where his single mom, who cared for three children, played a pivotal role in his decision to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. God worked through her in countless ways as she nurtured them. He fondly recalls their discussions while sitting on the living room floor, reading scripture together.