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Bible, Community, Mission

A quick glance at the Bible, Community, and Mission opportunities around the church for Fall 2023.

Jump to:  Bible  |  Community  |  Mission

So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.

Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

Acts 2:41–47

Bible

Cornerstone’s Equipping Ministry creates multi-generational contexts to provide deep theological roots, biblical literacy, and practical application for wise living in places God has positioned us.

Crash Courses

Free, workshop-style classes providing a deep dive on a theological subject for Christian life, practice, and discipline. Monthly on Sundays at 6p.

Technology & Virtue

Virtual Event

Due to scheduling conflicts, the Technology and Virtue crash course will be available on the Equip Course Archive podcast, and this will not be an in-person event.

Like never before in history, technology and connectivity shape the ecosystem of our world. Things we consider normal today were considered SciFi less than fifty years ago. In a world profoundly shaped by technology, Christians must learn to apply timeless truths of virtue to an ever-changing world. In this Crash Course, we will discuss Biblical principles and practical tools to become people of virtue in a world overly-saturated with technology and its temptations and addictions.

Teacher: Nick Harsh

World Religions

Sunday, 6:00-8:00p
in The Box

Perhaps as a Christian, you feel comfortable and clear on the basic tenants of the Christian faith. But what about the pillars of faith and belief systems for other major world religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Tribalism, and the like? This crash course will provide a 30,000 ft overview of world religions, provide you with clarity and curiosity for non-Christians around the world, and instill courage and confidence when engaging in gospel conversations with those of different faiths and worldviews.

Teacher: Eric Warren with guest panelists

Women, the Church, and Gender Roles

Sunday, 6:00-8:00p
in The Box

If both men and women are image-bearers with equal worth, value and dignity before God, why exactly does that translate to distinct roles in the church that often limit women and elevate men? Even more, why is the church responsible for so much of the marginalization of women, and does this accurately reflect the way women were treated in scripture? Bluntly: Does Paul the Apostle devalue women? This crash course will unpack a biblical framework for women as image-bearers, how Christ’s life and ministry gives dignity and significance to women, and how women lead in the church from a complementarian viewpoint.

Teachers: Mark Vance and Alanna Sellinger

101 Classes

Foundational classes for all ages introducing participants to Christian beliefs and practices. Each 101 is four weeks on Sunday mornings, and taught by a variety of staff and lay-leaders.

Fall Term 1

September 10 – October 1

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Bible 101

If the Bible is the most important book for Christians, it’s worth our while to understand why the Bible matters, how we got the Bible, and how we read and interact with it. This class will cover just that and provide you with a renewed love for God’s word and practical ways to study and apply it to everyday life.

Teachers: Simeon Bell & Alanna Sellinger

Cost: $10

Blueprint 101: Life Rhythms

A class to help shape and inform your life rhythms by establishing daily plans, weekly and quarterly goals, seasonal themes and lifetime dreams within the scope of work and rest. This class is one of three Blueprint courses, a gospel-centered life design curriculum, offered at Cornerstone.

Teachers: Mark Duvick & Jackie Bong

Cost: $10

Sharing Your Faith 101

As Christians we know the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is directed at us, but how exactly do we live it out in obedience? Whether it’s to a neighbor or to the nations, this class will provide you with practical ways to articulate and share your faith with others, live as a faithful presence and fruitful witness right where you are, and take steps to become a global Christian whose heart for the nations aligns with the heart of God.

Teachers: John LaRavia, Tim Gartin, Mel Pearson, & Eric Warren

Cost: $10

Marriage 101

A class designed for any married, engaged, or seriously dating couple. Addressing common challenges, foundational principles, and practical wisdom from a biblical perspective, this 101 class includes large group teaching and small group table discussion with mentor couples.

Teachers: Steve Jones

Cost: $10

Fall Term 2

October 22 – November 12

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Essential Theology 101

In an ever-changing cultural time where “your truth” and “my truth” are supposed to co-exist, Christians must form deep roots in the truths of the Christian faith that have held the test of time for centuries. This class will discuss “the faith delivered once for all to the saints” as it unpacks the essential theology of the Bible, Trinity, Humanity and Sin, Angels and Demons, and End Times, Heaven and Hell.

Teachers: Alanna Sellinger & Alex Tuckness

Cost: $10

Finance 101

This class is designed to provide you with biblical wisdom and guidance to see and steward financial resources that God owns and entrusts to us. Regardless of your stage of life or financial situation, you’ll learn foundational principles and practical tools to give first, save second, live within your means with contentment, and avoid bad debt.

Teachers: Val Duvick and Justin Bennett

Cost: $10

Apologetics 101

Have you ever been faced with a question about Christianity that you didn’t know how to answer? Or, have you wrestled with your own doubts and questions based on the claims of Christianity? Perhaps you’re not quite sure how to engage with others in opposition with grace and truth? This class will discuss common questions and oppositions to the Christian faith: a suffering world and a good God, science and Christianity, why Christianity condones injustice and opposes homosexuality, and how Christianity can exclusively claim one way to God. Participants will have a more robust understanding of what Christians believe, why, and how to seek faith with understanding when faced with doubt and questions.

Teachers: Ryan Allan & Dan Johnston

Cost: $10

Blueprint 101: Sweet Spot

This class explores the nature of calling and the ways in which our God-given abilities, passions, and contexts help to maximize our impact in advancing God’s Kingdom here on earth. Participants will utilize a variety of tools, assessments and reflections to examine personal callings and their own “sweet spot.” This class is one of three Blueprint courses, a gospel-centered life design curriculum, offered at Cornerstone.

Teachers: Alanna Sellinger & Jeremy Horton

Cost: $10

Equip Weekend

Intensive seminars providing theological understanding & training on a particular subject and how it relates to Christian beliefs & practices. One weekend each semester.

The Political Gospel

with Patrick Schreiner

It seems that everyone disagrees about politics. Christians, in particular, are divided about how to engage in the political realm. These sessions will equip you from the Scriptures concerning how to engage in politics by going back to the Bible. While we tend to view the Bible as a “religious” document it has much more to say than we think about politics.  By looking at the Scriptures we will explore what it means to have a biblical public witness in a supercharged political climate.

Equip Weekend: The Political Gospel is a free event for anyone in Ames or the surrounding community to attend. No registration required. Light refreshments will be served, and childcare is not provided.

Copies of Patrick Schreiner’s book, The Political Gospel, will be available for purchase throughout the weekend event.

Community

The Groups Ministry at Cornerstone provides a variety of contexts where gospel friendships can flourish. We want every person to belong inside of a meaningful group that meets unique life stages and seasonal needs.

Connection Groups

Connection groups are the most common kind of group at Cornerstone. These groups are led by lay-leaders and meet on weeknights in homes across town. Most Connection Groups utilize the Bible, Community, Mission rhythm as its structure: Bible study and discussion, Community life together with gospel friendships, and Mission engagement through evangelism. You can view all Connection Groups, along with their times and locations, to find one!

More Groups

Salt Company Connection Groups

Weeknights, college-age students

International Student Family Groups

Weeknights, international students

Cornerstone Youth Small Groups

Wednesdays, middle and high school students

Encore Groups

Sundays: monthly, empty-nesters and retirees

Men’s Groups

Thursdays at 6:00a, all men welcome

Women's Groups

Wednesdays at 6:30p or Thursdays at 8:45a, all women welcome

Cornerstone Recovery Group

Mondays at 6:30p, anyone recovering from hurts, habits, and hangups

GriefShare Groups

Tuesdays at 6:30p, anyone grieving the death of a loved one

Mission

City Ministries at Cornerstone strives to be a faithful presence and fruitful witness here in Ames and beyond. Plus, it takes a lot of people to make ministry happen on Sunday mornings! This means we rely on ministry partners who ask, “How can I help?”

Sundays

Kids Ministry Volunteer
Hospitality/Greeting Volunteer
Coffee Bar Volunteer
Worship Team
Production Team
Choir Ministry
Equipping Set Up Volunteer
Faith and Finances Class Ally

Community

Public School Volunteer
Home For Awhile Ally
English Conversation Partner
Youth Mentor
Benevolence Ally
Cornerstone Recovery Volunteer
Van Ministry
City Ministries Ad Hoc Needs