Michael’s Bio

My Role at Cornerstone

As Lead Pastor, I work with our team of elder-pastors and lead our church into fulfilling the vision and mission God has called us to. Our vision is to see God glorified in and through us from here to the ends of the earth. Our mission is, to God’s glory in Christ Jesus, we love God supremely, love people sacrificially and disciple others to do the same. I shepherd the flock, preach in worship services, align the ministries of the church and equip others so they fulfill the ministry God has prepared for them.

My Family

I am a native Texan and grew up in central Texas. My wife Chelsy, from California, is my best friend and we have four children, two boys and two girls, ages 2 to 7. At this busy stage in life, we like to take our children out to explore parks, playgrounds and other things they might find fun.

My Ministry

I have served in a variety of ministry areas over the past 24 years including youth ministry, singles ministry, worship ministry, and teaching pastor. I have also served as Lead Pastor for 13 years—12 of which were in Orange County, California. I am eager to see what God is going to do through Cornerstone as we serve this region that is rapidly growing with people from all over the world.

My Education

I studied Speech Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, graduated with my Masters from Dallas Theological Seminary and completed my Doctor of Ministry in discipleship from Talbot School of Theology.

My Favorite books, authors, influencers

​​My longtime favorite books include J.I. Packer’s “Knowing God,” John Piper’s “Desiring God” and A.W. Tozer’s “The Pursuit of God.” I am consistently inspired by the spiritual riches of the English Puritans and am challenged by their teaching, ministries and lives. I also like sermons from the late British Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, as well as the late Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones who also pastored in London. Both faithfully preached God’s Word verse by verse and clearly proclaimed the gospel of God’s grace in their respective generations.