Our church takes a high view of the Scripture and doctrinally aligns with the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Langham Partnership Statement of Faith. 

Below is an excerpt from our church by-laws to respond to FAQ's. Further details on specific doctrinal questions are available with a conversation over a cup of coffee.

What is the church position on biblical authority?

The Bible itself, as the revealed counsel and will of God, provides the infallible rule for faith, truth, morality, life, and the proper conduct of mankind. It is the sole and final source of all that we believe (Matthew 5:17-20).

• Church by-laws

What is the church position on marriage and sexuality?

At Cornerstone we believe that marriage is a lifelong covenant of faithfulness between a man and a woman (Genesis 1-3, Matthew 19:5-6, Mark 10:6-9, Ephesians 5:31, Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 18:22, Ecclesiastes 9:9).

The following statement accurately reflects our views of sexuality.

“The way of Jesus calls us to key distinctives in how we relate to our sexual formation. We believe that living in the way of Jesus means embracing His vision of faithfulness in sexuality.  This practically looks like abstaining from all sexual relationships outside of the historic vision of Christian marriage expressed in whole life covenant union between a man and woman, avoiding pornography, inappropriate relationships that compromise our witness, and pursuing life giving holiness by the grace of God.” 

- Sexual Formation Statement by the Church of the City New York

Furthermore, we believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of this church.

• Church By-Laws

What is the church position on gifts of the Spirit (or the charismatic gifts)? 

We believe that the spiritual gifts are for the common good and health of the church (as listed in Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; and 1 Corinthians 12:28). Typically, people want to know our position on the so-called charismatic gifts (working of miracles, healing, prophecy, speaking in tongues). We DO NOT believe that the charismatic gifts have ceased, as there is no clear indication in Scripture to that effect. Furthermore, we see in church history many testimonies of all these gifts in action.

We are aware that many abuses have been worked in the name of the practice of spiritual gifts. Many prayers for healing have been hurtful. Many declarations of prophecy have been false. We see throughout Scripture that often the miraculous gifts are more common in certain seasons (1 Samuel 3:1, Ps 74:9, Amos 8:11-12) and we recognize that they can sometimes be difficult to understand (1 Samuel 19:24).  We believe that when practiced, these miraculous gifts should be practiced in accordance with biblical guidance (tongues must have an interpretation, prophecy must be truthful, see 1 Corinthians 14 and 2 Peter 1:21). 

What is the church position on women and leadership?

We believe that both men and women are gifted and equipped for leadership roles within the church. We believe that all gifts are given to both men and women (Ephesians 4:1-16), when used in biblically appropriate roles and offices. Our practice is that the role of the elder/overseer is exclusively male by design (1 Timothy 3:2). We agree with the position that the role of deacon may be held by both men and women (Rom 16:1, 1 Timothy 3:11).