Pastors and Elders
Cornerstone is a non-denominational elder-led church. The elders oversee all areas of ministry and set the vision and direction for our church so that we can accomplish our mission to work together to make disciples of Jesus who transform their world. Learn more about our leadership team!
Mike Morris
lead Pastor
How long have you been attending Cornerstone?
Our family started attending in December of 2004, not long after the church started meeting. I officially came on full-time as pastor in June of 2007. It’s been a wild and crazy adventure, but God has blessed our family and our church.
What makes Cornerstone unique?
I love that Cornerstone is a church that welcomes people from all backgrounds. Cornerstone truly is a community church that is involved in ministries all over the twin counties and around the world. I have watched my children grow up and learn to walk with Jesus through our amazing children’s and youth programs here.
What do you like to do for fun?
Spending time with the family is what energizes me. We love to hike, bike, run, and just spend time outside. I’m still a little bit of a computer nerd, so I also like spending time creating and designing things online.
What is a book that you recommend and why?
I love to read, so it’s tough to pick a favorite. I read a lot of books about ministry, and some of my favorite authors are Ed Stetzer, C.S. Lewis, Mark Batterson, Matt Chandler, Larry Osborne, and Francis Chan.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to fly. Just think about how much time you could save and think about all the places you could visit and see.
Eugene McCurdy
Elder
How long have you been attending Cornerstone?
My family and I have been going to Cornerstone since 2010 (and have lived in 5 different houses since then.)
What makes Cornerstone unique?
I love both the non-typical music style, plus the teaching/preaching style of the messages.
What do you like to do for fun?
Fun? What’s that? I enjoy hanging out with my family and playing games or going out to the river in the summer. I like getting out on my bike and riding on the trail on occasion.
What is a book that you recommend and why?
I’m more of a tech geek than a book reader, but I love listening to anything from Matt Chandler or Francis Chan.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To stretch and be taller or just be Batman, with all of his money and gadgets.
Caleb Sizemore
Elder
How long have you been attending Cornerstone?
My family and I have been attending Cornerstone since March of 2015.
What makes Cornerstone unique?
The great ability to get plugged in and start doing. While looking for a home church, one of the most important criteria that we were looking for was the ability to get involved in the mission of the church. At Cornerstone, if you want to show your faith by your works, you can.
What do you like to do for fun?
The typical things I do for fun are Mountain biking and Road biking. I run for fun which makes no sense at all. I have also picked up RC rock crawling with my kids (If you want to have fun, have kids). I’m a movie buff. I dabble in gaming. Sleeping is a favorite past time of mine as well.
What is a book that you recommend and why?
If I had to give everyone a recommendation on a book, It would have to be “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist”. It is deep, hard to grasp in the first read (which means you may need to read it more than once), and eye-opening with all its wonderful common sense.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
This should be obvious to all men but since I have to say it, selective mind reading. This would go perfectly with our selective hearing. What man wouldn’t love to know what his wife is thinking in certain situations. Not because of all the horrible things she thinks about you, “that’s where the selective part comes in, but because you never know when it’s a good time to bring up important things like fishing, hunting, biking, buying a new “toy” for yourself, etc. This power “if used correctly” could stop any argument before it starts, give a good understanding on when to come home, and give you a perfect idea on what and where she wants to eat. This power could single-handedly lift all the weight off my shoulders better than Super Man ever could.
Larry VanHoose
connections Pastor
How long have you been attending Cornerstone?
My family and I moved to the Galax area from Arizona in the late ‘90s. Giving my life to Lord over 40 years ago, I have often served as a small group leader, church planter, and as a facilitator for men’s ministry. I have had more than my share of second-chances and because of that I am compelled to share of the grace of God from both scripture and from life-lessons learned through practical, Biblical application. My wife, Trina, and I publish a regional lifestyle magazine and we are passionate about writing, compiling, and sharing inspirational stories and helpful articles. We began attending Cornerstone in early 2011 after moving the short trip across the border from Alleghany County, North Carolina.
What makes Cornerstone unique?
Not growing up in church and having almost no exposure to the Gospel, through no fault of their own I have often felt out of place in many of the “traditional” churches in the area. Cornerstone, however, attracted us by combining excellent Biblical teaching, friendly, caring small groups (Lifegroups), contemporary music, a casual, relaxed atmosphere, and a congregation with a commitment to loving service to the community. These Christ-like elements made the choice of a new church home easy for us when the time came. For “fun,” my wife and I are currently remodeling the family farm while I am simultaneously pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Intercultural Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.
What do you like to do for fun?
When possible, we also like to sneak away on a camping trip, full complement of dogs included, in order to get a break from the constant workload that living in the home you are currently remodeling seems to entail.
What is a book that you recommend and why?
For now, my favorite Christian book is probably Wild Goose Chase, by Mark Batterson, which challenges everyday Christianity with a look into the amazing full-life adventure that Jesus actually calls us. As for pure literary adventure, nothing beats the Lord of the Rings trilogy!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Finally, if I could have any superpower it would be to have the ability to hold my own tongue. I’ve gotten in waaaaaaay too many difficulties when that wasn’t done promptly or appropriately. Of course, I’d like to fly like superman too – just so I can get out and see all of this awesome world we live in just a bit easier.
Austin Pinckney
Elder
How long have you been attending Cornerstone?
I have been attending Cornerstone for 7 years
What makes Cornerstone unique?
There are two things I see that make Cornerstone unique. First, Cornerstone is located downtown which places it in a central location for outreach to the community. Second, there aren’t any generational gaps at Cornerstone. Many churches, especially in small towns or rural settings, get stuck in a sort-of generational rut. At Cornerstone, I see each generation pouring into the next.
What do you like to do for fun?
For fun, I like reading, canoeing, archery, skateboarding, and playing chess.
What is a book that you recommend and why?
I recommend Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. It is an easy-to-follow case for the Christian faith that answers many hard questions Christians might wrestle with. I also really like Huckleberry Finn and The Lord of the Rings.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to instantly make anything in a house or building square, plumb, and level.
Lucas Austin
Elder
How long have you been attending Cornerstone?
Give or take a year 10 years.
What makes Cornerstone unique?
To me Cornerstone has always had a modern feel with a solid foundation of preaching the word that is applicable to today’s culture without straying from its true meaning.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to run with my wife, spend time my family in the outdoors in many ways(hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, exploring new places) competing in any way possible! Beginning to enjoy reading!
What is a book that you recommend and why?
Lead for God’s Sake. A coaching friend recently gave me a copy. Great leadership book especially for coaching!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Definitely flying. I love exploring nature! This would bring it to a whole new level!
Our Staff & Ministry LEaders
Cornerstone has an incredible team of Ministry Leaders & Staff who are serving throughout the week. These leaders are passionate about making disciples and reaching our community for Christ.
- Part-Time Administrative Assistant – Paula Robinson
- Part-Time Children’s Ministry Director – Brandy Waller
- Cornerstone Student Ministries Director – Jennifer Morris
- Worship Team Leader – Luke Sawyer
- Connections Pastor/LifeGroup Director – Larry Van Hoose
- Hospitality Team Leader – Tom McChesney
- Cafe Director – Tony Price
- Benevolence Coordinator – Sonda Tracy
- Daily Bread Meals Ministry – Karen Jordan
Our Administrative Team
The Administrative Team is responsible for providing oversight and guidance in all areas of finance, stewardship, and legal and administrative issues regarding the church. They serve three-year terms and they also plan our annual church budget.
- Tim Sellers – Chairman
- Rhonda Smith
- Rod Senecal
- Mike McCandless
- Cindy McCandless