Resignation From Cornerstone

Exactly 18 years ago, Terri, 3-month-old Caleb, and I drove into Howard County, Maryland, to start a church.  It was an “against all odds” story on many levels, but by the grace of God a church was born.

 Over the next several years a lot happened in the life of Cornerstone: over 150 people were baptized, and many people were discipled and sent out all over the world. Relational evangelism took place, several church plants were birthed and supported, worship was authentic and engaging, children and youth were discipled, leadership structures were set up and engaged to do the mission of God, justice and compassion ministries were not only born but done on a healthy kingdom level such as the CWS, Paul's Place, Samaritan Women, and the D.R. ministries. In short, “ community” happened.

 Of course along the way, there were bumps in the road, mistakes were made, and there were necessary improvements – we are messy people.  Out of God’s grace we learned and grew – God’s mission continued.  

 Some time ago, Terri and I began a process of evaluating God’s call in our lives. We have always wanted to only be where God called us to be.  For the first time in the entire history of this church, I created a resumé to test the waters so to speak.  I put that resumé in the hands of only 23 people and much to my surprise; it saw a lot of activity. That activity quickly became opportunities.  One by one, we turned them down.  I think of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19.  He was listening for the voice of God, but it was not found in the strong winds, tremendous earthquake and mighty fire, but, instead, in the gentle whisper.  The offers were tremendous and amazing, but Terri and I could not hear the whisper of God for us to accept those offers. All along we were also looking for the voice of God to tell us to stay at Cornerstone as well.

Then we heard the whisper of God.  In truth, it is the new definition of insanity, to pursue this opportunity.  The pay cut will be huge and the risk will be high. It is an opportunity to be missionaries, for the second time, here in the United States.  

The President of Bluefield College, along with The Ecclesia Network that Cornerstone is a part of, approached Terri and I to come to Bluefield, Virginia to plant a church with the eventual hope to also launch a church planting training center there.  This will be a bi-vocational opportunity as I will also be an adjunct professor, part time campus spiritual formation director, and possible consultant to new church starts as well as established churches.

Even though the opportunity focuses on many of my “sweet spots,” Terri and I never thought we would go back into the world of being missionaries/ church planters.  Yet the call was clear, to head to this college town to being a new work.

On paper it does not make sense as here we are in our mid 40s, taking such risks and to go back into fund raising to make this work.  Yet it is where we are called.

As one pastor buddy put it, “Spending the second half of your life pouring into the next generation is not a bad way to invest yourself.”

So on that note, it is with great sadness that we stand before you saying words we thought we would not be saying until retirement: We are resigning our position at Cornerstone Community Church to pursue this new calling in our life.

Let me say a word to you as a community.  You will be fine.  You are in the hands of capable leadership and they are ready to lead you if you let them.  God has great plans for this place, Kingdom plans.  This is not the ending of an era, it is the birthing of a new season.  God’s hand is on this body and if you let the Holy Sprit do His work, Cornerstone Community Church will blossom and continue to transform lives.  One day you will have a new pastor, and already I am a bit envious, this is a great place to be pastor.

The list of people we wish to thank is too numerous for us to count and we will try to thank people in person as much as we can.  I think of the folks that have been with us for approximately 10 years or more such as: John and Michelle Lisenbee, Mary McCarty, Kim and Audie Lea Richeson, Mark and Janene Pruim, Bernadette Olean, James and Kim Nobel, Matt and Jenny Zin, Bob and Andrea Desantis, Donna Hagerty, Paul and Bonnie Benedetta, Ed and LeAnn Rice, Dallas and Betty Pearson, Judi Heyn, Roma Slyter , Terri Souder, Gay and Noel Paloma, David and Joan Colbert, Margot Thies, Patti and Attilio Abate, Becky Copeland, Chuck and Carol McGinnis, Skeet and Peggy Newlen, and I am sure I left out a few.    I think of the transition leadership team who walked with me during difficult times, I will always credit them for saving a pastor in the ministry.  While they did not know that I had my resume out until mid march, they always encouraged me to be faithful to God’s call in my life.  I think of so many more, too many to list – each and every person warms our hearts in a special and unique way.

We love Cornerstone Community Church so much.  Thank you for allowing us to serve all of these years, I pray that we served you as well as you served us.  It is my prayer that you will not see this as a rejection, but the sending out of missionaries, as Cornerstone has always been about the mission of God.  It is our prayer that the friendships, which sprung out of doing life and ministry together, will always be cherished and hopefully will continue. This is a great place, you are wonderful people, and we love each and every one of you.

Warmly in Christ,

Bruce and Terri Hopler