Cornerstone Ministries’ humble beginnings in the early 1980s started with a small group of dedicated folks meeting for worship services in a warehouse. Over the years, this small congregation continued to grow. In 1988, Cornerstone Ministries then found its permanent home in Murrysville, and the new facilities were dedicated to the Lord in May of that year.
The stage was set for a new season of ministry, as Dr. Donn S. Chapman stepped into the role of Senior Pastor in January 2000. Over the span of two decades, Cornerstone Ministries grew from a congregation of approximately 300 to a vibrant tapestry of 2,200 weekend attendees, and a talented team of 50 staff members.
Today, Cornerstone Ministries continues to extend its reach beyond the confines of its walls, acquiring two neighboring warehouses to house the growing Student Ministries and the Hope Center. The Hope Center is the foundation of multiple ministries that impact the community in tangible ways by meeting their physical needs through Food Pantry distribution, car repairs, home repairs, and counseling offices. These Caring Ministries offer the compassionate embrace of the congregation to the community, embodying the love that lies at the heart of Cornerstone’s mission.
Job Description
About the Senior Pastor:
The ideal Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Ministries will lead with vision and spiritual guidance, steering the congregation towards its mission through preaching, teaching, shepherding, and discipleship of its leaders.
He is responsible for crafting and conveying vision and mission for both the staff and church body. As the primary teaching pastor, he must deliver the truths of God’s Word faithfully in accordance with sound biblical doctrine, ensuring relevance, authenticity, and personal applicability. Additionally, he must excel as a relational leader, fostering a healthy staff culture.
The Senior Pastor’s Responsibilities Include:
Must demonstrate a strong commitment to Christian living, supporting others in nurturing a deep connection with God, and growth in Christ-like character through personal and corporate disciplines.
Must have a personal passion for preaching the eternal, inerrant, and unalterable Word of God as revealed in the Old and New Testaments.
Must provide servant leadership in helping to support and fulfill the established Vision & Values, mission, and goals of the church.
His communication style must be genuine, transparent, easily comprehensible, and practical.
Must be able to collaborate with church leadership and staff to establish and implement a vision and strategic plan for the church’s growth and leadership development.
He will be expected to meet regularly with his direct reports.
What You Bring:
The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:
Education & Experience
Must have a minimum of 7–10 years of pastoral leadership experience, demonstrating proficiency in leading through substantial transitions and fostering positive team cultures.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a recognized, accredited college or university; A Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent is preferred.
Personal Characteristics & Qualifications
Has a clear testimony of a saving faith in Jesus Christ and a vibrant, growing relationship with Him
Faithfully committed to personally follow and apply Biblical principles and possess a high level of integrity
Passionate for reaching the lost in the local area and beyond to continue the rich heritage of missions at Cornerstone
Knows how to discern and deliver biblical truth in a culturally relevant way that points people to a vibrant walk with Christ
Dynamic and engaging, with a chemistry that fits the culture and theology of Cornerstone Ministries
Culturally engaged and excited about reaching people for Christ
The ability to work and collaborate with others, incorporating both authority and influence
Has a deep desire to cultivate the next generation of leaders and vision and motivation to see it happen in every generation
A heart for multi-generational ministry and the discipline to leverage this as an asset in the advancement of spiritual and numerical growth
What it’s Like to Live in Murrysville, Pennsylvania:
Murrysville, Pennsylvania, situated in Westmoreland County, is an outer ring suburb of Pittsburgh with a population of 21,000 residents. Known as one of the finest residential areas in Pennsylvania, Murrysville offers its residents a suburban ambiance. Travel time to downtown Pittsburgh is around 25 and 35 minutes.
Being in close proximity to downtown Pittsburgh, home of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, you’ll find many dedicated and enthusiastic sports fans. Pittsburgh also boasts a 14-square block Cultural District with 90 retail shops, 50 dining establishments, seven world-class theaters, including Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center, eight public parks and art installations, and a dozen art galleries.
The Murrysville area public schools (Franklin Regional School District) are held in high regard, ensuring quality education for their children. Murrysville offers local conveniences like smaller shopping centers, dining options, both familiar chains, and a few noteworthy local establishments.
Other suburban venues such as Monroeville and Greensburg, offer a wide array of shopping and dining experiences. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Murrysville’s picturesque parks, including Duff and Pleasant Valley, offering an array of hiking and biking trails.