At Cornerstone we believe in the “Plurality of Elders/Pastors” as a biblical model for church government.
“Having a plurality of elders seems to be biblical teaching and a biblical pattern. When Paul planted churches during his missionary journey, he started working backward halfway through it, and Luke tells us in the Acts of the Apostles that he appointed elders in every single church he planted. Further, when Paul wrote to the Philippians, he wrote to the Philippian church together with their overseers or elders and their deacons.“
“Having a plurality of elders supplies the congregation with greater pastoral care by bringing men with different gifts into the church’s leadership so that they can complement the pastor’s strengths and compensate for his weaknesses.”
Paul Mathenia
Pastor Emeritus
Dr. Paul Mathenia is passionate about proclaiming the truth of God’s Word so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will transform souls. Paul was born into a pastor’s home in Southern Illinois and grew up experiencing life in Christ’s church. Through this life training, God prepared him to become a pastor in 1973 at the age of 22. His pastoral ministry has continued for over 51 years, serving the Lord’s churches in five states.
Pastor Paul noted, “My current position at Cornerstone Baptist Church, a new church plant from two churches brought together in God’s providence, is exciting and challenging. As always, I am confident of the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to enable His servants to serve wherever He calls them.”
He earned his bachelor’s degree (BA) from Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, KY, where he majored in Bible. He received his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Oxford Graduate School (recently changed to Omega), American Centre for Religion/Society Studies, in Dayton, TN.
Email: [email protected]
Todd Richardson
Worship/Pastoral Care Pastor
Pastor Todd has been in pastoral ministry for over two decades and has served churches in several states. He is a two-time alumnus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has attended Southern Seminary here in Louisville to do graduate work as well as post-graduate work.
He enjoys music, and reading, and adores his beautiful wife Melissa who has been too kind to him. He also loves his two children Sam and Betsy, as well as their spouses and his grandchild, Esme.
Email: [email protected]
Chris Korves
Preaching/Teaching Pastor
Pastor Chris is the Preaching & Teaching Pastor starting September 1st, 2024. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2005 and a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2021.
His previous experience includes serving as the Associate Pastor at Beechmont Baptist church from 2021-2024. His passions include preaching & teaching the Word of God and discipling believers to grow into mature disciples of Christ. In addition to being a pastor, he also works as a chemist in Louisville. He is happily married to Megan and together they have two children and one dog. Outside of ministry, he enjoys spending time with his family, following his favorite sports teams, reading, and eating yummy desserts.
Email: [email protected]
Sam Richardson
Family/Outreach Pastor
Pastor Sam is a thankful disciple of Jesus and the proud husband of Kristin. He is from Louisville but mostly grew up in Louisiana. Sam earned his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Worldview at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently finishing his Master of Arts in Apologetics at Southern Seminary. Sam serves as the primary teacher for the youth (6th to 12th grade), coordinates the ministry for the kids and babies, and connects with families.
He also leads our church’s outreach and coordinates accessibility needs. Sam loves to teach Bible studies, answer theology questions, share the gospel, and study with a hot cup of coffee. When he’s not at the church office, Sam’s probably working his side job in retail security or at home with his wife and cat.
Email: [email protected]
