Staff
Michael Nave
Lead Pastor
Michael is the Lead Pastor and Vision Caster for Cornerstone Church. He and his wife Carol Ann were both raised in a small town in East-Central Illinois named Martinsville. They have three boys, Zachary, Parker and Layton. Michael pastored in Indiana and Arizona before coming to Cornerstone and genuinely believes God has been orchestrating his life experiences as preparation for his exciting role at Cornerstone.
He says, “My favorite passages of Scripture are the ‘words in red’ (Jesus’ teachings).”
Gregg Donaldson
Executive Pastor
Gregg was raised in the Pacific Northwest and met his wife Rita in Edmonton, Alberta at college. They have 3 married children and 6 grandchildren. Gregg entered the pastorate at age 32 and served as a senior pastor for 20 years before serving as a district executive for 6 years. He arrived at Cornerstone in August of 2010 and seeks to use his many years of experience to help Cornerstone realize its fullest potential in helping people find their way back to God.
He says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Ephesians 2:8-10, 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.'"
Robbey Smith
Johnston City Campus Pastor
Robbey is the father of two sons and married to the love of his life. When not at the church you will normally find him on the sidelines coaching his boys at some sporting event. Shortly after arriving at Cornerstone Robbey’s family was called to plant a campus in West Frankfort. He and his wife Angie began assembling a launch team and considers it a privilege to lead an awesome group of people in Johnston City that love Jesus.
He says, “My favorite passage of Scripture changes weekly.”
Jared Sparks
Carterville Campus Pastor
Jared recently completed a two-year internship becoming the Campus Pastor for the Carterville Campus, which launched on January 15, 2012. He is married to Jordan (yes that does make her name Jordan Sparks). God saved Jared when he was a young boy and now his desire is to be obedient to living out the Great Commission every day wherever he finds himself. He and Jordan are very excited about what God has in store for them.
He says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Ephesians 1."
Tim Buehler
Marion Campus Student Pastor
Tim is the Marion Campus Student Pastor. He and his wife Maria have three children, Sophia, Immanuel and Carston. Tim has never met a sport he doesn’t enjoy playing and especially enjoys paintball and basketball.
He says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Philippians 2:3, 4, ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Robin Tarlton
Marion Campus Children’s Minister
Robin is the Marion Campus Children's Minister. Robin and her husband Mike have five children Justin, Brandon, Andrew, Lauren, and Noah plus Princess the family dog. Robin also volunteers for CASA in her spare time.
She says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"
Nathan Ralls
Marion Campus Worship Leader
Nathan is the Marion Campus Worship Leader for Cornerstone Church. He and his wife Tia have been blissfully married since July of 2010. Nathan is incredibly passionate about music and is captivated by every detail of the worship encounter.
He says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Philippians 2."
Robert Ward
Johnston City Campus Worship Leader
Robert is the Johnston City Campus Worship Leader for Cornerstone Church. He and his fiance Kellie are eagerly planning their wedding for this upcoming Spring. Robert spends most of his free time studying scripture and writing music. Robert and Kellie started the "Ward" hometeam this fall and are excited to see God working in the lives of friends here at Cornerstone!
When asked about his favorite passage of Scripture he asks, “How do I pick just one? I'm so thankful for the Bible as a whole. It has completely transformed my life, but what else would you expect from the WORD OF GOD?"
Melody Fletcher
Johnston City Campus Children’s Minister
Melody is the Johnston City Campus Children’s Minister. She lives in Benton with her husband David and their two sons, Collin and Clayce. Melody enjoys reading a good mystery novel, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
She says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Philippians 4:13, ‘I Can Do All Things Through Christ who strengthens me.’"
Jodi Donaldson
Financial Administrator
Jodi is the Financial Administrator for Cornerstone Church. She and her husband Geoff have two children, Isaac and Sydney. Jodi enjoys the outdoors including running on the trails and kayaking.
She says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Matt Crain
Campus Pastor Intern
Matt is in charge of assimilating those who attend the Marion Campus into Home Teams.
Brett Sapp
Celebrate Recovery Pastor
Brett Is the Celebrate Recovery Pastor for Cornerstone Church. He and his wife Janet have two grown children. Their son Chris works with the Students and plays drums for the band. Brett is a Cub fan and thinks that 102 years is not as long as it seems.
He says, “My favorite passage of Scripture is Hebrews 12:1-3, 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.'"