TEST

missions

We believe that Jesus has given us his vision (The Great Commission) for how the local church is to take the Gospel out into our world when he stated, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts1:8).  It was in Jerusalem, where the disciples already were, that Jesus commanded them to bring the Good News. In time they would plant churches throughout the region and throughout the ancient world.  We seek to faithfully follow this pattern. As such, we long for our people to live as missionaries right where you are. Being equipped for the work of the Gospel (Ephesians 4).

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations

Matthew 28:19

In response to the Great Commission our missionary efforts will begin with our “Jerusalem, (our backyard of LWR, SRQ, and Bradenton), move beyond LWR (our Jerusalem) to nearby geographical areas we will over time add budget support for, future church-planting efforts full-time domestic missionaries (MNA), RUF, seminary students and finally, continue to our support of full-time foreign missionaries and those who have gone to “the ends of the earth,” and in the future add new efforts when possible.

Seminary Partnership

Cornerstone is committed to equipping the local church with seminary trained men and women.
It is a joy to support our very own Taylor White (Covenant Theological Seminary) and Rebecca Woods (Reformed Theological Seminary) as they pursue theological training while serving here at Cornerstone.

Newtown Connection

The overall vision of Newtown Connection, in tandem with Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, is to introduce a new and diverse group of youth to an after-school program centered on Sports, Health and Education. Newtown Connection will seek to recruit children ages 6-12 years old who are NEP members. They will participate in fast-paced, inclusive baseball activities while receiving an important after-school enrichment curriculum that helps ensure their success both on and off the field. This program will introduce baseball to youth that may lack access to the sport because of financial hardship, transportation, lack of safe green spaces to play, skill level, and/or even having proper sports equipment. The major focuses of the program include sports, health and education, trauma recovery, and positive character trait development.Lucas Tanner is the campus minister of RUF at FGCU.  Lucas was born and raised in Naples, Florida. He met his wife Bobbilee while studying business at the University of Florida. They got married in November 2004 and have three children: Isaac, Sadie and Molly. Lucas earned a Master of Divinity from Knox Theological Seminary and has been a minister to students for 18 years.

Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)

Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) is a campus ministry that reaches college students from all backgrounds with the hope of Jesus Christ. College is a time when beliefs are explored, decisions are made, and lives are changed. We invite students into authentic relationships and the study of God’s Word. Through the ministry of RUF, students discover the love of Christ, find their significance in God’s redemptive story, and engage in the life of His church.
The 2 campuses highlighted below are currently supported by Cornerstone.

 RUF at USF (Alise Berrojo)

Meet Alise Berrojo! We first met Alise as a freshman in high school when she started attending youth group in 2018. Shortly after, she became a member of Cornerstone in 2021. After graduating high school, she attended USF where she met her husband, Joseph, became involved in Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) and finally graduating with a Bachelors in Health Science.

With prayerful consideration, support from her RUF campus ministers and community around Alise, she felt the call to be an intern with RUF. This past Sunday, Alise came back and visited Cornerstone and shared her journey with us. We know that God has some great things in store for Alise and would encourage anyone wanting to know more about this ministry to reach out to her.

RUF at South University Florida

Aldo Mondin is the campus minister for RUF. Aldo graduated from the University of North Florida in 2015 and attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Abby, were involved in RUF in college and have loved it ever since. They have one son: Winston, who always fills their home with laughter. Aldo enjoys reading, cycling, and watching his beloved soccer team: Liverpool FC. Aldo joined RUF in 2019 and is excited to be the campus minister at USF! He just preached for us in June of 2022. You can find his sermon, below:

RUF at Florida Gulf Coast University

Lucas Tanner is the campus minister of RUF at FGCU.  Lucas was born and raised in Naples, Florida. He met his wife Bobbilee while studying business at the University of Florida. They got married in November 2004 and have three children: Isaac, Sadie and Molly. Lucas earned a Master of Divinity from Knox Theological Seminary and has been a minister to students for 18 years.

Mission to the Russian Speaking World

MTRW (Mission to the Russian Speaking World) provides theological education for potential church planters and ministers among Russian-speaking people. Cornerstone currently covers the cost of an entire year of theological education for one student from Belarus at the ERSU (Evangelical Reformed Seminary of Ukraine).

Covenant of Grace

Covenant of Grace, the first Russian Presbyterian Church in America, located in North Port, uniquely positioned to bring the gospel to immigrants from Eastern Europe. Pastor Aleksey preached here at Cornerstone last year. 

Operation Christmas Child

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.