MATT WRIGHT, PhD
Lead PASTOR
Dr. Matt Wright serves as Cornerstone’s founding and lead pastor. He grew up in Ocala, Florida, raised in a ministry home; his father and brother both serve in ministry. Matt received a BA from Florida Christian College (now Johnson University Florida) and then an MA in historical and systematic theology from Wheaton College. He received a Ph.D. in the philosophy and theology of leadership from Johnson University. He served at two churches in Florida before being called to plant Cornerstone Christian Church in 2005, and has been the lead pastor since the church’s start. Matt has one son, Caleb, who was born in 2006.
Tracie Cicero
Community & Children’s Ministry DIRECTOR
I was born in Burbank, Illinois, a town not far from Midway airport. It was there that I attended my family’s church, with my Gramma, Mom, my Aunts & Uncles and cousins. (My kids were 4th generation) I grew up in that church and in 8th grade decided to start teaching Sunday School. I should have been in the Choir, but being with all the “old ladies” didn’t appeal to me. I decided to continue teaching and even though I have switched churches, I have continued to teach for over 25 years. I have never questioned God’s journey for me in the Sunday School. It’s where I belong. It’s also where my kids (Ashleigh & Dominic) belong. What better place to be in God’s house then with the ones you love.
JOANN HUMPHREY
WOMEN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
I was born and raised in the beautiful State of Virginia, and I have been a member of Cornerstone since 2012. I have a love for my Sisters-In-Christ of all ages that are a part of Cornerstone, and I was thrilled when asked to take on the position as the Women’s Ministry Director. My goal is to serve women and to teach them how to serve others. It is action based and focuses on living a Christian life based on the Bible. Some of my tasks include hosting Bible studies, retreats, service projects, or women gathering events. My primary goal is to assemble the women of the church to spend time together developing their knowledge of God and to be more Christlike. What a wonderful position to have at Cornerstone!
Al Martell
Worship Leader
Al Martell serves as Cornerstone’s worship leader each Sunday. He was born in Lancaster, California. He was raised in the Philippines for 6 years then moved to Skokie Illinois where he currently lives. Al attended Evanston Township High School and graduated in 2014. He then studied worship music at Hillsong College in Sydney Australia.
PAUL SHEPHERED
TEEN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Paul served in a ministry as a Campus director among University Students at Campus Mission and as a Pastor of New Delhi Bethel Church. After moving from India to Chicago in 2008, Paul served as an Outreach Pastor. Paul studied in India and got his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Delhi University and Master of Divinity from Throne of Grace Theological Seminary. Paul is married to his wife Aly. Paul and Aly have 3 Children, Paul Salem, Grace and Hannah.