Cornerstone Church began as a Bible study in the home of Gwen and Charles Brown in 2005. In August of that year, the Brown family found themselves ministering to new Christians and to others who had become disengaged with the church. Attendance at the Bible study grew and participants expressed interest in moving beyond simply meeting as a study group. With prayer, discernment and leading of the Holy Spirit, this small Bible study established itself as a church. Cornerstone initially met in several locations in past years and then purchased our current church building in Snellville,Georgia. 

From its founding, Gwen Brown served as Cornerstone’s pastor until her passing in August 2013. In a step of faith and to prepare to serve and lead the church, she enrolled in seminary and graduated in 2010 from the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University, earning a Master of Divinity degree. Gwen excelled as a student and as a leader among McAfee students and was selected as the winner of the William Ollie and Nell R. Key Excellence in Leadership Award, 2009-2010 and the 2010 Addie Davis Award for Excellence in Pastoral Leadership. During her seminary years, Gwen interned at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Snellville, Georgia, and was mentored by that church’s pastor, Rev. Elijah Collins Jr. of New Jerusalem ordained Gwen to the gospel ministry in 2007. In September 2013, Rev. Elijah Collins Jr. of New Jerusalem ordained Charles L. Brown to the gospel ministry and Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church.