Cornerstone Growth Strategy
Cornerstone is one church with congregations meeting at different locations, each with its own personality and expression of our common mission and values. The congregations are currently located at Concord, Eastwood, Homebush Bay, Kellyville, Kogarah, Rhodes, Strathfield, and Willoughby, and have their own pulpit ministry and leadership team.
Local Outreach
One of the great benefits of being a small church is that people can more effectively reach and adapt to the community they serve. Planting congregations in new neighbourhoods enables the church to make better connections with those who live and play in the surrounding area.
Relationships
In a small church new people are easily recognised, and those who may slip through the gaps can be more easily noticed and cared for.
Involvement and Growth
Small churches provide more opportunities for people to be trained and grown in leadership.
Shared resources (People, Finances, Property)
Big churches have greater access to a wider range of resources, people, gifts and finances. They can offer opportunities for people with particular gifts to flourish and grow in service and leadership.
Combined ministries
A large church provides opportunities for members to relate with a wider range and number of people.
Mission
Large churches are able to support mission initiatives that would require more finances than a small church could afford.
Team Ministries
A large church is able to build a pastoral team with all the benefits that come with a team ministry at the pastoral level.
Although Cornerstone consists of multiple congregations, it is also one church. Unity comes through more than just gospel convictions.
Leadership
Each congregation is under the spiritual care of its elders and pastor. The combined Session, represented by elders of all congregations, gives oversight on values, policies, direction and vision for Cornerstone as a whole.
Relationships
Members of different congregations know each other, love and care for each other, and maintain relationships outside of Sunday gatherings.
We believe church planting is a biblical and effective way to mobilise God's people to reach more people with the gospel. New church plants create opportunities to connect with new people, and sending congregations are revitalised as they step up to fill ministry gaps.
Better Resourced
Church planting involves deep sacrifice. A body of congregations can more effectively commit people, finances, time, and prayer to a new congregation.
Efficiency
When Cornerstone plants a new church, the people can be sourced from all other congregations. This spreads the burden and helps the new church grow with the necessary resources.
Commitment and Support
The new church plant benefits from the experience and expertise of years of church planting in Sydney.