Jacob Young

Lead Pastor

Jacob is the lead visionary and pastor at Cornerstone Church. He sets overall strategy for Cornerstone, as well as being the primary teaching voice. Jacob holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in theology from Ohio Christian University. Jacob and his wife Jessica live in the Akron area with their two daughters, Eden and Evelyn, and their son, Griffin.

Brenda Young

Counseling & Care Pastor

Brenda is Pastor Emerita and Counseling & Care Pastor at Cornerstone Church. She has served Cornerstone in one capacity or another since 1978 and was the lead pastor from 1996-2020. She is also the founder and director of Clear Blue Global Water Project and a graduate of Ohio Christian University and Asbury Theological Seminary, with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the Center for Contemporary Christianity in Bangalore, India. She is a frequent speaker at both national and international conferences and seminars. She is also an author: Only God (co-authored with Dwight Mason) and Grace and Truth: Finding Balance in the Christian Life, Beauty on the Mountains, and Poppy's Work Glove.

Cornerstone Staff

Rachel Carpenter

Chief of Staff

Rachel contributes to the design, development, and implementation of vision-inspired strategies for the church. She helps guide day-to-day operations, including leadership of teams, staff, and the organizational culture.

Rachel Ebner

Finance Administrator

Rachel brings her business experience and finance expertise to Cornerstone; implementing budgeting and making the most effective use of our resources. She graduated from Ohio Christian University with a BA in Organizational Leadership. She is passionate about fulfilling the vision of Cornerstone by ensuring integrity through our financial matters.

Matthew Ellis

Production Arts Director

Matthew has been actively serving on Cornerstone's Worship and Production teams for nearly ten years. He combines his experience in music and tech to bring our mission and vision to life. Matt has a passion for Production Ministry, for leading Ministry Partners, and serving the broader church.

Madison Higgins

Administrative Assistant

Madison is a detail-driven person, which makes her uniquely gifted for administration! In her position as the Administrative Assistant, Madison helps connect small details to the bigger picture to help communicate the mission and vision of Cornerstone Church.

Caleb Mason

Executive Director

Caleb is a problem-solver and people-developer who loves using his skills to help the Church flourish. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Kent State University and a Master’s degree in Strategic Ministry from Johnson University. In his role as Executive Director, Caleb leads the business and financial administration departments at Cornerstone, as well as contributing to strategic growth and development ministry-wide.

Bruce Oberlin

Compassion Ministries Director

Bruce is passionate to reach the lowest and the least, and those who are far from God. In his position as Compassion Ministries Director, he oversees the efforts and leadership of many cTeams.

Debbie Ring

Next Steps Director

Debbie is a gifted people-person. Her responsibilities as cLife Director include helping adults of all ages connect and grow through cGroups, Ministry Partnerships, Leadership Development, Freedom in Christ, and various Ministry cTeams.

Brian Woods

Worship Arts Director

Brian comes from a vast musical background in music ministry, stage performance, and teaching. Brian is the musical director for Cleveland Time Records and a teacher at the African-American Music Institute in Pittsburgh. Brian loves music, but he believes worship is a way of life and a vehicle that can transport people directly into the presence of God.