| Cornerstone Conference is a body of IPHC Churches existing to equip ministers and churches to fulfill the Great Commission! | THE FULL EXTENT OF HIS LOVE By Bishop Mike Ainsworth During the last hours that Jesus spent with His disciples, He ate with them, instituted the Lord’s Supper, gave them last-minute instructions and encouragement, and prayed for them. Then Jesus went alone to face the betrayal, rejection, and the agonizing death on a Roman cross. It is the reason He had come into the world. Uniquely, John begins his account of these last hours with the words, “He now showed them the full extent of his love.” (John 13:1) If someone were to ask you, “How did Jesus show the full extent of his love?”, you would most certainly point to the cross. The cross is one of the most common symbols of the Christian faith. The cross represents what Jesus did for humanity. It’s about the supreme sacrifice He paid so we could be free from sin and live for Him for all eternity. But I believe that John wants us to see that everything Jesus did in the upper room and beyond was to show His disciples the full extent of His love. When He instituted the Lord’s Supper, it was to show His love for them. When He washed their feet, it was to show His love for them. He did more than just tell them that He loved them. He showed them. He demonstrated the love of God to us in Communion and the love of God through us when He washed His disciples feet. We see how God loves us and we see how we are to love others! Paul would later tell us, "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." (1 Corinthians 11:26) Jesus asked them the question, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” (John 13:12). This question comes shortly after Jesus performed the task of a lowly servant: washing the feet of His own disciples. Jesus is showing His disciples that if the Master acts in love and service to others, those who follow are obligated to do the same. The point is not about literal washing of feet, but an attitude of humility and self-sacrifice. In a dynamic and compelling way, Jesus showed His disciples (and us) that love is first and foremost a sacrifice. In the meal that He instituted, Jesus used two of the frailest of elements as symbols of His body and blood and initiated them to be a monument to His death and resurrection. It was not a monument of carved marble or molded brass, but of bread and drink. At the cross, Love Himself, was broken and poured out. The price of this victory over the grave was paid for us at Calvary by Jesus Christ, God Incarnate. He is our wonderful Savior! I look forward to the opportunity for us to gather in worship this Easter Sunday to celebrate what Jesus did for each of us. As we worship, pray, fellowship and minister the Word of God, we do so knowing that He has showed us the full extent of His love to us! We are so very grateful to God for you and your family! Our love and prayers, Mike | FIVE ESSENTIALS TO LEADING AND MOTIVATING VOLUNTEERS Bishop Mike Ainsworth, Office of the Superintendent __________ Article By Dan Reiland Have your volunteers returned? As more of your congregation return to church, your need for quality and committed volunteers increases. However, that might produce a unique kind of tension. It’s good that people are coming back, and new people are coming, but my hunch is that some of your best volunteers haven’t returned yet. Tension can increase at the thought of people returning to a sub-standard worship and ministry experience if you don’t have your full volunteer teams back. You feel the pressure. However, don’t pass that pressure on to your volunteers. Guilt is not a good motivator; instead, invite them back to a big vision. If a volunteer isn’t back yet because of heightened health risks, go slow and give them time. Pray for their health and encourage them. For your volunteers who have returned to most of their “regular” lives but not church, it’s good to engage in an honest and encouraging conversation. Perhaps something like: “We’d love to have you back on the team; you carry an important role in reaching people for Christ. Have you thought about when you will return? That helps us prepare for you.” I’m surprised at how many wonderful volunteers are responding with “I really haven’t thought about that.” I’ve recently suggested, “How about Easter?” Their response, “Yes, Easter!” I know that’s just my experience, but the principle is to reach out and engage. That communicates care. Being pushy and using guilt expresses desperation. Read Entire Article Here | CAMP DAYSPRING 2021 - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Joel Boyles, Resident Director of Discipleship Ministries We are so excited to be able to announce CAMP DAYSPRING 2021 COMING THIS JUNE! Camp DaySpring is a Christian camp located in beautiful Browns Summit, NC and is a branch of Cornerstone Conference Discipleship Ministries. Our 150 acre campus offers exciting activities for all ages including a Rock Wall, Zipline, Giant Swing, and a lake area fully equipped with slides, canoes, paddle boards, and yes….THE BLOB! This year we are even adding another piece of lake equipment! Each summer, hundreds of kids and teens gather here to renew friendships, conquer new challenges and most importantly, grow in their relationship with Christ. Our mission is to lead students to Salvation and Christian maturity by engaging the heart, mind, body and soul of our campers during their Camp DaySpring experience. By clicking on the link below, you will have access to all camper and staff applications as well as important information about Camp DaySpring. | If you have any questions about Camp DaySpring, please contact our Discipleship Ministries staff below. Joel Boyles
Camp DaySpring Director
336.656.7936 x. 116 Leah McCullar
Camp DaySpring Administrator
336.656.7936 x. 111 | | WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN JUNE! | Five Ways to Reach Those Who Stopped Attending Worship Services Jonathan Hill, Resident Director of Evangelism Ministries Article By Thom S. Rainer It’s a challenge that has been around for decades, but it has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Members who were once active have stopped attending worship.
Indeed, some of the most frequent questions we get at Church Answers are related to this issue. How can we get those who stopped attending to return? What is the best approach? Is it worth our effort or is it a lost cause? To be blunt, these members are indeed hard to get back. Once they left, they established new patterns and habits, and church was not one of them. Some of them may not be Christians; they attended worship to be accepted or to please someone. But, biblically, we must not give up on the one who has gone astray. Evangelistically, we have an opportunity to keep the gospel before them. Even if the efforts are difficult, they can really make a difference. As we hear from church leaders around the world, we are listening carefully to some of the most effective approaches to reach those who have left. These are five approaches that are used by a number of churches. 1. Call them once.Yes, it can be that simple. One pastor took a Sunday afternoon and called twelve persons representing twelve families. He simply told them that he missed them and hoped they would return. He then prayed for them. Three of the twelve families returned within a month.
| 1. | Call them once.Yes, it can be that simple. One pastor took a Sunday afternoon and called twelve persons representing twelve families. He simply told them that he missed them and hoped they would return. He then prayed for them. Three of the twelve families returned within a month. | Read Entire Article Here | THE MOST OVERLOOKED PERSON IN YOUR CHURCH (AND 5 WAYS TO INVEST IN THEM) Patricia Ainsworth, Director of Minister's Wives' Fellowship Article By Jeff Henderson
Jeff is a leading voice on how to create and grow momentum for organizations and leaders and is a member of Carey Nieuwhof's Speaking Team.
__________ The most overlooked person in your church is the spouse of your lead pastor. Let me tell you why and the reason this is so dangerous for the health of a local church. When I was growing up, I went to church three times a week. My Dad was the pastor. On Sunday nights, we would come back home after church where my brothers, sister and I would watch the Wonderful World of Disney. My parents would make some coffee and talk in the kitchen. I can’t quite remember how old I was, maybe 8 or 9. We lived in a small house so it wasn’t hard to hear their conversation. Here’s how it sounded: “Deacon so-and-so is upset because of this…” my Dad would say. “This person is mad about that…. Deacon so-and-so didn’t like this….” On and on and on. Over time, a question formed in my mind. “Why do these people hate my Dad?” Read Entire Article Here |  Isaac & Yadira Villarreal |  Josué and Andrea Valverde | | | GOD IS ON THE MOVE By Joel Pava, Resident Director of Hispanic Ministries In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hispanic Ministry continues to flourish! All efforts are concentrated in planting and revitalizing churches, equipping ministers and leaders, and providing new opportunities for the believers to serve God. In May of 2020, Thomasville, NC experienced the birth of El Camino, La Verdad y la Vida church. Isaac and Yadira Villarreal (Puerto Ricans) accepted the call of God to lead the church. The church is currently averaging between 15-20 in attendance on Sundays. Pastor Mark Ainsworth, Senior pastor at God’s Harvest Worship Center, opened the doors of the American church to the new Hispanic congregation. Recently on February 7th, Josué and Andrea Valverde (Costa Ricans) accepted the call of God to be part of the reactivation team for The Journey en Español church in Siler City, NC. The reactivation plan is in the first phase. Since the beginning Rev. Mark. Richardson, Senior Pastor at The Journey church in Siler City, embraced the idea of the reactivation and has been very supportive to the reactivation plan. In order to get connected, Josué and Andrea are currently attending services at The Journey Church on Sunday mornings, and hold prayer meetings on Sunday afternoon. On Wednesdays they lead an online time of prayer. Josué and Andrea have 3 children. There is no doubt that the Lord of the harvest, is answering prayers and He is sending forth laborers into His harvest. God has also raised up two other couples during this time. While pastors Juan Carlos and LucyAnn Vazquez entered a sabatical, the congregation at Trinty en Español, in Burlington, NC, needed a new leader. God raised Moisés and Carolina Santacruz (Guatemalans) to take the role of pastors. The Santacruz family has been part of the church since the church started in 2015. Reopening or replanting in Haw River, NC? They heard the Lord ask: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then Filadelfo and Ana Mejía (Hondurans) said “Here am I; send me”. Therefore, Haw River is on target for the reactivation of Trinity Haw River in the second semester of 2021 . Currently, Filadelfo and Ana María are having Bible studies on Sundays and Wednesdays with some families of the Haw River area, to continue planting the seed. Following God’s will, Rev. Darrell Cox, Senior pastor at Trinity in Burlington, NC, has favored all efforts for the raising of the Hispanic ministry in Burlington and Haw River. God is on the move, on the move, Hallelujah! While God is on the move, prayers are needed for every one of this projects. | WMM COVID-19 INTERNATIONAL RELIEF FUND UPDATE Keith Gilliam, World Missions Ministries Director _________ World Missions Ministries [WMM] COVID-19 International Relief Fund has dispersed $724,945.58 to 65 countries to-date. This financial support has been so impactful as many continue to be in desperate need. The IPHC has a ministry presence in 99 countries globally, not including the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Our relief resources have served two-thirds of our global church family – that is an extensive reach. World Missions reallocated 2020-2021 budgeted resources and has provided $311,742.07 of the relief aid to-date. The need is still ongoing as many countries continue to be affected by COVID restrictions, lockdowns, unemployment, and uncertainty. We still need your help as our available resources have almost been depleted. Let me reiterate our pledge to you that 100% of every contribution is being disbursed to the field to assist with the many requests. Currently, our missionary personnel remain under international travel restrictions based on advisories issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department, in addition to restrictions placed on them by the countries that they reside in. World Missions is still requesting that all planned trips by mission teams and other short-term ministry trips be deferred until the present crisis is resolved. Be assured that World Missions Ministries continues to process contributions and make monthly disbursements to our missionaries around the world, thanks to the diligent and outstanding service of Debra Lybrand and Mandi Patterson. To contribute to this fund or learn more about the relief efforts that these funds are assisting with, visit https://iphc.org/missions/covid-19-international-relief-fund-report/. Bishop Talmadge Gardner
IPHC Executive Director WMM | LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR... By Pam Rooker, Girls' Ministries Director "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 NIV) We know that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of heart, that part is easy but how about loving our neighbor as ourselves? If our neighbor is a friend, loving may be easy. Our world has changed dramatically in the past year and everyone needs a little more love. In a world where we have to limit interactions and social distance from one another we have to remind ourselves of what Jesus said “love your neighbor as yourself.” We truly don‟t know what others are going through. Are they struggling with fear or sadness or maybe even depression? Take a moment and notice those around you and ask yourself, "Can this person see Jesus in me?" I encourage you to be intentional in loving your neighbor. Here are a few easy ways to share love and kindness: Just smile.
Text or call a friend you haven‟t seen in a while.
Pay for a meal at a drive thru.
Send a simple thinking of you note in the mail. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." ______________ A lot of children are attending in person classes again and this may cause anxiety and fear. They may be anxious about being back in school after being at home for so long; they may also be concerned about being exposed to Covid. PRAY for the kids God has placed in your life, check in and make sure they know you are there for them. If our Girls' Ministries team can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Pam Rooker, Girls' Ministries Director
252-432-7750
pamrooker@yahoo.com | HISPANIC MEN'S RETREAT - APRIL 3 Joel Pava, Resident Director of Hispanic Ministries You don't want to miss our Hispanic Men's Retreat on April 3! Retreat will be held from 9 AM - 3 PM at our Cornerstone Conference Ministry Center! We look forward to seeing you there! For more information call 910-874-0403 or 336-656-7936 ext. 129. | UPCOMING ONLINE BMI CLASSES __________________ APRIL 9-10 CLASSES IPHC History
Instructor: Stan York
Text: Old Time Power by Vinson Synan Pastoral Care and Counseling
Instructor: Darrell Greene
Text: Biblical Counseling by Tim Clinton & Ron Hawkins
__________________ MAY 7-8 CLASSES Classical Pentecostalism
Instructor: Garry Yeatts
Text: The Beauty of the Balance by Terry Tramel Apologetics
Instructor: Tim Wolfe
Text: I Don't Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist by Frank Turek To register for classes or for more information, please contact Tennille Nichols @ tnichols@ccrdc.org. | | THANK YOU FOR CONNECTING WITH CORNERSTONE! | |
