Our Story
Founded in Scripture
Vero Beach’s Cornerstone Christian Church is an independent Christian Church and was founded in October 1999. Our name is derived from two passages of scripture.
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
- Ephesians 2:19-20
“As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him– you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
- 1 Peter 2:4-6
The Beginning
Cornerstone Christian Church held services at Glendale Elementary School from 1999 to 2011. Small Groups, the Missions Team, the Shepherds, Naomi’s Corner (Ladies Ministry) and others met in homes during the week.
Upon This Rock
In 2004, the congregation purchased 9.5 acres of land on 12th Street, just west of 58th Avenue. In 2005, we paid off that piece of property. In 2007, we began our capital campaign, “Upon This Rock”, to help finance our first building. In 2008, we signed a contract for construction but due to a general economic downturn, groundbreaking and actual construction work was postponed until mid-year 2010. In October, 2010 the Jack Ballard Church Builders arrived on site to finish out the interior of the structure. Our first service was held at 5950 12th street, Vero Beach on March 27, 2011.
Campus Improvements
In November 2019 CCC completed a 4 year project connecting to Indian River Country water. What a blessing to have clean, clear water in our buildings. This project was completely funded by the congregation.
The need for additional space especially for our elementary children was met when CCC purchased a 76 x 14 portable that we call the MAC – Ministry Activity Center. It took several months to get it ready including the deck, but in February 2020 we got our final permit and dedicated not only the MAC but the playground too. This project was also completely funded by the generosity of the congregation.
Staff Additions
As CCC grew numerically the need for additional staff also increased. In October 2016, Steve Trinkle was added as a part-time Minister with a focus on Senior Adults. Steve transitioned from part-time to full-time in the summer of 2021.
In March of 2023, the congregation voted to add Jeff Minor as a part-time Minister. And in July of 2023, with a unanimous vote, CCC hired Krystal McKenzie to be our Next Gen Ministry Director. We are grateful for their passion and their desire to serve.
Now
In 2020, Cornerstone began partnering with E2 – Effective Elders. Under Dr. Gary Johnson’s leadership we began to pray, plan and dream about our future; our next chapter. Gary lead 2 different weekend seminars with between 15-20 people from Cornerstone to help us determine where we were going as a congregation. From this was born a 3 year strategic plan called: Next Wave. During this year 3 plan the focus was to:
To Dive Farther – through Evangelism
To Dive Deeper – through Disciple-Making
To Dive Younger – by reaching the Next Generation
In January of 2024, CCC launched THE WAY. THE WAY focuses on growing God’s Kingdom from within our congregation. Inspired by the grace, love, and wisdom of Jesus Christ, together we will mature believers, reach the community, and mentor our youth as they prepare to lead the Church of tomorrow.
This totally organic undertaking, developed by CCC, allows our steadfast focus on Jesus to permeate more of what we do at Cornerstone. More outreach, more compassion, more mentoring, more leaning — more of what God expects of us, and the resources to help get it done.