Cornerstone Church of Poway

I am very proud to call cornerstone my home church. I feel that the congregation is genuine and welcoming. Pastor Ed has unmatched integrity and has really changed my life. He is very knowledgeable and down to earth. The associate pastor David Saenz really cares for people and has such a servants heart. He has amazing messages that really help you think deeply. You will feel comfortable as a new member to this church. There is a free coffee/​tea bar with yummy pastries. The children’s ministry is great. The children’s director and volunteers work very hard at making your children have a great church experience and learn in a safe and fun environment. The worship team is very talented and enjoyable to listen to. Please come and enjoy a service! :)

I feel like Cornerstone is a progressive church. They are Christian non denominational. They have innovative groups such as hiking, growing kids God’s way, and financial peace. The Pastor tries hard to do things to grab your attention. They have donuts and coffee. I would only say sit in the back the music is a little loud in the front.

The Pastor is outstanding as well as the children’s ministry; however, the issue is the people that attend there really aren’t that welcoming. The ones that disagree are the ones that already go there and therefore don’t see the issue, as would someone from the outside such as myself. There really isn’t anyone there to welcome you. They have a welcome booth but they do not go out of their way to say hi. They are chit chatting with friends, which is fine, but if the goal is to welcome people then do so. The ones that where the Cornerstone T-​Shirts that basically ask «How may I serve you?» also don’t do much but stand around and talk to their friends. We went a church potluck and sat with someone that wore one of their shirts. We tried to engage in conversation, but while they were not rude, it was obvious they wanted to speak in their own circles. It’s a good church, but you have to already be a member and in a circle of friends. Outsiders are on their own. We have been going for more than six months and have tried to get involved, but haven’t been able to do so. We have tried joining small groups but were told they were already in progress. No one is rude or obnoxious, but again you have to already go there to really be a part of things. I grew up in the church and have done a lot with the church. We moved to the area last year and were really looking forward to connecting and being part of a new church family. Let’s just say if we never came back, no one would ever notice. I would really recommend the people that were the Cornerstone Shirts to really make an effort. Extend your hand to someone new and introduce yourself. Show them around the campus of the church. Be friendly and outgoing or don’t wear the shirt. The ones at the booth, please welcome people and pay attention, because for the past six months you have been trying to offer me a gift for my first visit. Yes, I did fill out the connection card more than once.

Cornerstone is the best place to go to church, because they have wonderful Sunday school teachers and wonderful services! There never mean there’s always something new to learn each time you come to Cornerstone! They also have so great summer camps that are very fun to go to! They care about you and they have imaginative ideas for the summer camps! (There is nothing bad about corner stone!) (In my opinion !)

Before I list the pros and cons I want to let the reader know that this is not a criticism of Cornerstone but a critique. Criticism is often intended to hurt people, whereas a critique identifies things that are good and bad (in the eyes of the beholder I might add.)
It appears that this church is in the building process and their are many opportunities for growth. It is a warm friendly church with much to offer.
*** Observations
Pastor is a mid west style preacher
Seems they have developed organization over organism, so programs and events are driving the church whereas our preference would be an organism that is driving the need for organization
Appears to have an attendance of about 300 over three services
A well balanced mix of young and old parishners
*** Pro’s
This is a well run church that is obviously conservative and Bible based
Seems that from an organizational standpoint they are on their way
Evangelical message with an obvious passion for the lost
Friendly greeting by very nice people
Excellent help with children and information
Nice campus in a nice neighborhood
The worship band was talented
The kids loved their Sunday School
*** Con’s
The point of the pastors sermon was lost on all of us
Pastor used lots of verses but he was all over the place and we were not able to keep up with him or discern what he wanted us to get out of it
No cell/​community life groups, they do however, have some small groups that meet weekly
The worship leader sings out of key most of the time
The song selection was not inspiring and rather worn out
We assume the group could all sing, the only voice you could hear was the worship leader
The drums drowned out the rest of the instruments and vocalists, it is a shame the sound was mixed so poorly because the other players were good musicians that could have added much to the impact of the music