Here’s Part II of our Songwriting Process Series. You got to hear from Brian on Tuesday about how he puts a song together, and now it’s Ryan’s turn. Ryan has given some great insights and put together an excellent post on the topic, so without further ado, here’s what Ryan Axtell has to say about the Songwriting Process. “Almost without exception, every great songwriter whom I know personally or that I’ve heard of or read [...]

We are super fortunate at Cornerstone to have incredibly talented people in our music ministry, and that comes from the top down. Our Worship Directors at Cornerstone, Brian Wurzell and Ryan Axtell, are both intensely passionate about what they do, and are constantly working to better themselves in their art. This past year, Ryan wrote and recorded an amazing album called “This Valley” that I’m sure most of you have heard. What you may not [...]

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, Kingston Ryan Axtell has been born safe and sound! Baby and mom are both doing well! Thanks for your prayers and support for Ryan and Danielle! Head over to Ryan’s blog at the link below to see the new Dad’s post about this wonderful occasion! Head Over to Ryan’s Blog And Don’t forget to check out Ryan’s record “This Valley” Show some love and support the new parents! Check out ‘This [...]

Hey Friends, a special update: Ryan Axtell, one of our worship leaders, and his wife Danielle are currently in the hospital about to have their baby boy. Take the time right now to say a prayer for this great family, for a safe delivery for baby and mom. Ryan is a great friend and an amazing part of our ministry at Cornerstone! Lift them up in prayer, and if you haven’t done it yet, go [...]

The Cornerstone Worship Arts and Creative Arts team is a family. Wait, not just a regular family, like a really BIG family. The kind of family that is so big, you could potentially be a part of the Creative or Worship Arts team, and go forever without meeting some of the members, and we’re not having that, pal. Brian and Ryan are pretty good about getting the word out to everyone about our quarterly get [...]

As members of a Worship Arts Team, a common topic of conversation is just how integral Music is to Worship. At times in today’s church, the two words seem almost synonymous. In our constant journey to grow closer to Christ in our lives and through our ministry, I think it’s important for us to take a step back every now and then and think about this topic. Does our worship exist because of the music, [...]

In 2007 Hillsong United released my favorite worship album of all time, All of the Above. It was their first studio project, and contains some of the most powerful and simple moments of worship I’ve ever heard. I found this acoustic version of the song Devotion, and wanted to share it today! I’ve been running, trying to be one who sees I’ve been working, this salvation out on my knees There is nothing better than [...]

It’s Time again for our favorite feature on the blog, our Volunteer Highlight! Each month we’re going to introduce you to another of our amazing volunteers, and this month, we’d like you to meet James Kaufman! Without further ado, here’s a bit about James! What’s Your Name? Do you have a nickname? James Kaufman – I don’t really have a nickname that I know of. What instrument do you play at Cornerstone? Bass guitar. I [...]

I can’t hide it, I’m a complete and total Switchfoot fan. They have been my favorite band for about 8 years now. Something about the way Jon Foreman writes songs completely connects with me. I wanted to share this song in particular because I think it’s an amazing story of change. It goes beautifully from a blunt indictment of our deepest sins, to complete redemption through Him. It shows that God has a plan and [...]

Amazing Grace is one of the most well known Christian Hymns in the world. The song was written by English Poet John Newton, and published in 1779. Newton wrote the song out of his own experiences. He was raised without any particular religious upbringing, and consistently found himself in trouble. He eventually was Pressed (drafted) into joining the Royal Navy, where he became a sailor, and eventually found himself participating in the slave trade. One [...]