The Cornerstone

Moving Again?

Yes, again. It seems that our current location is once again highly desirable for the University. We’ve been told that the BSU “needs” this property. And they will not renew our planned lease option, because legally speaking, they do not have to. We originally leased this property from a private owner who, unfortunately, passed away a couple years ago. The unfortunate part for us was that his family donated this business complex to Boise State.

Yes, we did try, long and hard, to persuade the University of our value to the BSU student community, and why we should stay where we are at for some time to come. We were thorough in all angle of our argument. But, ultimately, they viewed their “mission” to be more important than our mission. Well, they are the “big kid on the block” and you can’t fault them for desiring to expand as the student population reaches the 20,000 mark.

Congratulations to BSU Alumni – Hope You Like It:

We were surprised to find out how much BSU really liked our construction work and decor. We had presumed they would completely remodel the place, but it appears that our classy color scheme, the built in book shelving, the kitchen with appliances, the second floor mezzanine, the two bathrooms, the office, etc. – in other words, all the support structure and atmosphere that makes The Cornerstone to be such a great place for students to visit and hang out, also will make a very fine BSU Alumni Center as well. (So, really, this is a compliment – sort of!)

Brownie Points:

And, to the University’s credit, they recognized that Cornerstone has on a number of occasions been “prejudiced negatively by the university’s actions.” (I have an annoying habit of reminding them of that fact in most of my correspondence.) Although they did not believe they were under any legal obligation to do anything, they agreed to give us time for what they termed as an “exit strategy”. Naturally, we had already been discussing our “exit/entrance strategy” with The Biblical Studies Center on the other side of campus. Also to their credit, BSU also agreed to three months free rent (equivalent of $6,000) and recently, they agreed to $2500 cash for various fixtures that we had wanted to take with us. So, I give them some “brownie points” for consideration. They have insisted that, despite appearances, the University is not “out to get Cornerstone.” Thanks!

…For The Good:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) Joseph’s recap in Gen. 50:19 also comes to mind: “You intended to harm me…but God intended for good…” But, for the public record, we are saying that the implied “you” in our circumstances equals the darker spiritual forces around this campus, not the BSU administration!

How will it work for the good? Well, look at some of these advantages:

o The Biblical Studies Center facility has more space, about two and a half times as big as our current location! In this main floor entrance area, we can re-create much of the Cornerstone atmosphere that students like so well and have our book resources. There are also three offices rooms on this floor.

o Downstairs is a large kitchen and recreation room. It has dining room tables, couches, two ping-pong tables, a Foos ball table, a pool table, and even a big screen TV. In other words, all vital components for spiritual growth and discipleship! (Well, for college students, they really help!)

o Upstairs there is a large library which also serves as a meeting room, a classroom which can hold several dozen students and a more private conference room for small groups. There is even a fairly large “closet” which we will convert to a personal and group “Prayer Room Closet”!

Not too shabby!

I should confess that this location is very near two of Cornerstone’s previous locations, and (here I hang my head in shame), I confess to having “coveted” this building many times in the past, especially in our early days. “Oh the things we could do with a larger facility like that!” By admitting this, I am not advocating “coveting”, just remembering that God knows the desires of your heart.

The Ministry:

The Biblical Studies Center used to be quite active in the past, providing bible classes for the students and for the community. These classes are accredited through Oklahoma Christian University and our transferable to Boise State. The director, John Moreland, was the primary teacher then and had a very effective ministry. But the Lord called him elsewhere and for a variety of reasons, not the least is the cultural shift that is happening in a younger generation, the ministry diminished. Unfortunately, it has not been used to anywhere near its potential for a long time. But that is now changing!

The Center has a new, inter-church board and a revitalized vision for the campus. Furthermore, they have opened their doors wide not only to us but to other campus ministries. And, indeed, with Cornerstone’s influence and connection to campus ministries, we hope to, in time help fill this facility with students pursuing truth and fellowship together.

The Center staff will continue to focus on teaching accredited Bible classes and we will focus on our relational & more informal teaching approach to student ministry while promoting top quality worldview resources both to the students and the community. We at The Cornerstone also strive stay in touch with the pulse of this increasingly post-modern culture, always seeking to bridge the gap between the eternal truths of Scripture and the ever changing, rather fickle culture of the campus.

With this in mind, we will be striving to make The Center into a place that any student, believer, or seeker, would feel quite comfortable at. The facility, though well laid out, was constructed thirty years ago and is in need for considerable “modernization”. But God has already provided many resources for these changes and we will trust Him to continue that process.

The Center is also blessed to house “Impact Ministries” led by Bill Westfall. Bill is a close friend and also the “president” of the Campus Minister’s Association. Under his voluntary leadership and the cooperation various campus ministry staff, we have an outstanding example of Biblical unity among the evangelical campus ministries.

…For The Good, Indeed!

So, while the enemy may have thought he won a battle, we know that this concentration of God’s spiritual forces and campus ministry resources will prove to be even more effective as we continue to reach out to the students at Boise State University. And please remember, you are part of the team here too. We need your prayers and support to further this work.

Steve Barry