Our Distinctives

What makes us unique...

Although we belong to the universal church that includes all Christian churches we acknowledge that each church has certain distinctive characteristics, traditions, beliefs, and practices, the combination of which distinguish it from other Christian churches.  We feel it would be helpful to articulate a few of Cornerstone’s distinctive qualities.  These are not the most important things we hold to but rather we recognize that these often are important factors for people when they are making the decision to join a church.

Male Elders

We hold that the church is to be led by a plurality of male Elders who are responsible for leading, feeding, caring for, and protecting the flock (1 Timothy 2:12-15; 5:17, Acts 20:27-31, James 5:14-15, 1 Peter 5:1-4).  Male eldership affirms God’s design of male headship in both the church and in the family (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-21; Titus 2:1-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7).  Christ-like leadership is best characterized by servant leadership that is willing to sacrifice for the good of others (John 10:11; Matthew 23:11).  We also affirm that God has given leadership gifts to many women as well and they should be given the opportunity to lead and preach if called to do so, while remaining under the authority of the male elders (1 Corinthians 11:3-10; Acts 18:24-26). 

Spiritual Gifts

We hold that all of the spiritual gifts mentioned in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4, are present today and should be exercised for the building up of the church and in a spirit of love (1 Corinthians 13).  While the Holy Spirit ultimately determines which gifts an individual receives we believe our desires play a factor in the process (1 Corinthians 14:1, 13) and so we should pursue and develop these gifts for the good of others.  Because the church works as a body, we should have mutual appreciation for each person’s contribution to growing God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:14-27).  The absence or presence of a particular gift is not an indication of salvation or spiritual maturity (1 Corinthians 12:30). We believe that spiritual gifts should be practiced in such a way as to maintain orderliness (1 Corinthians 14:29-33, 40) and those who practice them must be submissive to the elders (Hebrews 13:17). 

Baptism

We hold to and practice Believer’s Baptism, that is, that all those who can understand and respond to the gospel are eligible to be water baptized (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12; 16:33-34; 18:8).  Therefore, we do not baptize infants but offer parents the opportunity to dedicate themselves to raising their children in the instruction of the Lord (Deut. 6:6-8; Prov. 22:6).  We believe that baptism by full immersion provides the most complete symbolism of Christ’s atoning work on the cross and our new life in Him.  We also believe that every person who receives salvation through faith in Christ is baptized by the Holy Spirit upon conversion (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:38-39) and that we are commanded to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit subsequent to conversion (Ephesians 5:18).  

Extensively But Not Exclusively Asian-American

We feel uniquely positioned to reach people who are English speaking Asians living in the greater Seattle area.  However, our overriding calling as Christians is to love all people, including and inviting them to faith in Christ and to become a part of our church family.  (Galatians 2:7-8)