Our Team

Matt grew up in Iowa, but has spent most of his adult life in the Chicagoland area.  He received a B.A. in Film from Full Sail University in 2006, after which he worked for and volunteered in several churches in the Des Moines area while contemplating his calling. He and his wife Jessica met during that time and were married on June 11, 2011. A year after their marriage, they moved to Chicago for Matt to attend Moody Theological Seminary and Jess taught art in the inner city. Matt graduated from Moody Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2015. Matt loves storytelling and seeing lives changed through effective communication of the Bible, and is currently working on a Doctorate in Practical Theology focused on helping people better understand God’s Word. Matt and Jess have two children, Lucy and Levi. As a family, the Johnson’s love exploring new playgrounds, cooking food, playing Frisbee, and reading books.

Matt was born in Hawaii and grew up in Okinawa, Japan.  He graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Pastoral studies. He also studied Biblical Counseling at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently working on obtaining his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  Matt and his wife, Ai, have been part of our church family for many years.  Ai works as a nurse and they recently had their first son.  Their utmost desire is to reach the Japanese people with the good news of the Gospel.

Daniel grew up in our church and attended Northeastern University where he majored in business. He then attended Moody Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master in Divinity where he also met his wife, Alayna. Daniel currently works in the financial industry and he and Alyana have two daughters and they are very active in our church life. Daniel also loves leading worship and writing worship songs.

Sami is a moody student studying youth ministry. He has always had a passion for discipling youth and is thrilled to be pouring into the students at Cornerstone. He grew up in Boise, loves playing soccer and loves Jesus.

Abby is a student at Moody Bible Institute.  She is majoring in Children and Family Ministry.  Abby was raised in a Christian home, took ownership of her faith in high school, and continues to grow and learn how to be more Christ-like every day.  In addition to her love for Christ and the city of Chicago, Abby has a heart for children and has been serving in children’s ministry with kids of all ages for nearly a decade. When Abby is not at Cornerstone or school, she is playing games with friends and family, working in a coffee shop, or painting.

Amber is a current student at Moody Bible Institute. She has always had a love for the Lord at an early age however, when she was a junior in high school, that’s when she took hold of her faith. God is constantly growing her in many new areas. Amber loves to help young students and has a huge heart for children who frequently don’t get seen. In addition to her work as a part-time Church Administrator and Children’s director at Cornerstone Church and has been leading a girl’s high school small group for the past 7 years. In Amber’s free time, you can find her making coffee.

Gia is studying at Moody Bible Institute. She is majoring in Children and Family Ministry. Gia took hold of her own faith in 8th grade and since then she has continued to grow in it. Gia loves working with kids and helping others learn about the Lord and His goodness. Gia has also been a high school girl’s small group leader for 3 years and enjoys encouraging others to grow their relationship with the Lord. When Gia is not at Cornerstone or school she is out with friends and family.