TO RAISE UP NEXT-GENERATION LEADERS

Raising up next-generation leaders is a significant part of Cornerstone’s vision. The Cornerstone School of Theology is one of the primary ways that we equip these future church leaders to carry the gospel. As a resident, CST students get to not only receive theological education, but to engage in ministry, first-hand. These profiles show how the gospel has transformed their lives and how they’re bringing that hope to the next generation. 

My Life to Advance His Kingdom
Stephen Jones

I grew up in a Christian home and came to understand and trust in the gospel in elementary school. There were two significant moments in my life where my faith matured. The first was in junior high at a Bible camp. Stan Hayek was preaching at the camp, and God used His sermons to reveal to me how I had been living in sin. That weekend opened my eyes to how the gospel leads us to living in obedience to God’s word. I began fighting sin and my life began to be transformed throughout high school.

My freshman year of college was again a major turning point in my faith. I turned 18 and was at a crossroads in my faith. I was really asking the question, “Will I continue to live for God and His kingdom or will I live for myself and follow my selfish desires?” I came to Iowa State in 2012 and tried to have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. Towards the end of the first month of college, I could not live two lives anymore. Would I live for God or would I live for myself? By God’s grace, he put men in my life who challenged me and loved me. God used my friendships and the teaching at Salt Company to change my life. My freshman year was transformational in my faith.

As a CST student, I have begun to be fully equipped for ministry in a local church. CST has taught me the importance of the church being grounded in the Bible. It has also taught me the necessity of multiple leaders guiding the church. The theological training that I have received from CST is invaluable.

At Cornerstone, I work with The Salt Company. At Salt, I disciple student leaders, teach and organize the Theology of the Gospel class for our students, and help with outreach to ISU. It has been a great experience getting to learn in the classroom and then having an immediate ministry context to apply what I am learning.

It is my prayer that God would use my life to advance His kingdom. After CST, I want to continue on the path of becoming a pastor at a church someday. My wife and I are excited to think about the potential doors that God will open after the completion of CST. We ultimately want to continue to live for God’s glory. We are excited for how God would use our lives for His kingdom.