Elders
Elders shepherd and pray for the flock and exercise government and discipline. They are to exhibit the characteristics listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. They should instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the Church. They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by their zeal to evangelize the unconverted, make disciples, and demonstrate hospitality. All members are assigned a Shepherding Elder and encouraged to attend a Life Group to receive the care of an elder. Ruling Elders are nominated and voted on by the congregation and undergo an 18-month mentoring training process. Pastors in the Presbyterian Church in America are Teaching Elders who are called by the congregation and examined by the Presbytery in the areas of personal character, Bible knowledge, theology, Church history, the Sacraments, the principles and rules of the government and discipline of the church, and the biblical languages.
Billy Haines
Senior Pastor
Biography
Pastor Billy grew up in southern Delaware where he enjoyed time at the beach and fishing in the bay. While he attended church his whole life, it was not until he attended a youth retreat in late high school, that he came to saving faith in Jesus. It was at the closing ceremonies for this retreat that he met for the first time his future wife Laura. (It was a really good weekend!)
He attended the University of Delaware where he majored in education and got involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. During this time he also found a great church—Cornerstone! He was drawn to the church primarily because of the convicting, practical preaching and the vibrant community.
After graduating college, he and Laura were married and he became an eighth grade science teacher at a public school in Newark. During this time he and Laura served as youth group volunteers at Cornerstone. Through experiences like this, he began to sense the Lord’s calling into vocational ministry and in response, enrolled as a part-time student at Westminster Seminary to prepare for whatever the Lord had in store. In 2007 he enrolled full-time at Biblical Theological Seminary and became a campus pastor with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Delaware. After graduating seminary he began the very lengthy ordination process for our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, and was ordained in 2014. After serving for 9 years as a campus pastor, he was called to ministry at Cornerstone.
Billy and Laura have 3 children, Ben, Elsie, and Clara, and live a few minutes south of the church in Newark. He enjoys any time he can get to be outside doing things like running, hiking, or watching his kids play sports.
He attended the University of Delaware where he majored in education and got involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. During this time he also found a great church—Cornerstone! He was drawn to the church primarily because of the convicting, practical preaching and the vibrant community.
After graduating college, he and Laura were married and he became an eighth grade science teacher at a public school in Newark. During this time he and Laura served as youth group volunteers at Cornerstone. Through experiences like this, he began to sense the Lord’s calling into vocational ministry and in response, enrolled as a part-time student at Westminster Seminary to prepare for whatever the Lord had in store. In 2007 he enrolled full-time at Biblical Theological Seminary and became a campus pastor with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Delaware. After graduating seminary he began the very lengthy ordination process for our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, and was ordained in 2014. After serving for 9 years as a campus pastor, he was called to ministry at Cornerstone.
Billy and Laura have 3 children, Ben, Elsie, and Clara, and live a few minutes south of the church in Newark. He enjoys any time he can get to be outside doing things like running, hiking, or watching his kids play sports.
David Phillips
Associate Pastor
Biography
David testifies to the LORD’s promise of being a, “faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9). A third generation Presbyterian minister, Dave’s parents taught him to pray from the time he could talk, and he first responded to the gospel though a sermon his own dad preached on the second commandment. The Holy Spirit graciously opened David’s eyes to see not only the idols in his life which had become more important than the Creator of all things, but also to see that his good works were never good enough to satisfy a Judge who is infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His holiness. Only Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross could put David in right standing before God the Father, without blemish and free from accusation. Having been exposed to universalism and higher critical views of Scripture at a Roman Catholic high school in Rochester, New York, Dave decided to major in Philosophy at Wheaton College (Illinois) in order to have an answer for the hope that he held. His academic advisor and spiritual mentor Mark R. Talbot introduced him to Augustine and John Owen, and also encouraged him to pursue further studies. After a few years as the Director of Family Service Ministries at the Salvation Army in Aurora, Illinois, Dave moved to the north shore of Boston to study at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. A missions class and a one year missions internship in East Asia resulted in his pursuit of Bible translation work and his marriage to a gifted linguist whom he met at church. Dave and Ginny spent 12 years ministering cross-culturally with Wycliffe Bible Translators in South Asia, with their final term in administration, where he recognized that the Lord was preparing him for pastoral ministry.
David was installed as Associate Pastor in October, 2017. He enjoys serving Cornerstone in the areas of adult Christian education, shepherding, and men’s ministry. Dave’s hobbies include reading novels with his wife Ginny, playing volleyball and disc golf, and going for walks in nature. Dave and Ginny are licensed resource parents in Chester County and desire to reflect God the Father’s adoptive love to foster children.
David was installed as Associate Pastor in October, 2017. He enjoys serving Cornerstone in the areas of adult Christian education, shepherding, and men’s ministry. Dave’s hobbies include reading novels with his wife Ginny, playing volleyball and disc golf, and going for walks in nature. Dave and Ginny are licensed resource parents in Chester County and desire to reflect God the Father’s adoptive love to foster children.
Tim Malone
Family Ministries Director
Biography
Tim grew up in the best neighborhood in the world in a small development in Ellicott City, MD. He has and always will love sports of all kinds, especially those played in the backyard. Tim graduated from Towson University with a degree in Physical Education, and taught school for several years before accepting a full-time calling in ministry with Cornerstone in 2002.
Tim married up, to the incredible Julie Dallwig, and they have four amazing, beautiful and sometimes silly daughters. Tim also has a MA degree from Westminster Seminary in Biblical Counseling. He enjoys working with the teens and people at Cornerstone, struggling together to love God and love others!
Tim married up, to the incredible Julie Dallwig, and they have four amazing, beautiful and sometimes silly daughters. Tim also has a MA degree from Westminster Seminary in Biblical Counseling. He enjoys working with the teens and people at Cornerstone, struggling together to love God and love others!
Craig Weaver
Elder
Biography
Craig grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA where he inconsistently attended a church which was not founded in sound biblical teaching. He did undergraduate studies at James Madison University after which he completed graduate school for Physical Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. During his high school and college years, Craig struggled with a sense of emptiness in his life and feelings of “not fitting into” the communities that surrounded him. It was during his time at Jefferson that Craig met his future wife, Heidi, who grew up in a Christian home and who was instrumental in Craig’s slow progression towards understanding and ultimate acceptance of the gospel and realization that his emptiness was to be filled by Jesus Christ.
Heidi and Craig have been married for 28 years and came to CPC in 2000 when they moved to the area. Craig has been involved with various ministries including Praise Team and has had a passion for Men’s Ministry during his time at CPC. Professionally, Craig has been a physical therapist for 30 years. Craig and Heidi reside in Pennsylvania a full 4 miles from CPC and are thankful to have 3 young adult children, Kayla, Jeremy, and Erika.
Heidi and Craig have been married for 28 years and came to CPC in 2000 when they moved to the area. Craig has been involved with various ministries including Praise Team and has had a passion for Men’s Ministry during his time at CPC. Professionally, Craig has been a physical therapist for 30 years. Craig and Heidi reside in Pennsylvania a full 4 miles from CPC and are thankful to have 3 young adult children, Kayla, Jeremy, and Erika.
Seth Watts
Elder
Biography
Seth is thankful for the strong Christian heritage that has been passed down through his family. He has known Christ’s love and forgiveness from an early age. Seth grew up in Newark, DE, graduated from the University of Delaware, and met his wife Jill a few years later. They have four children, Julia, Abby, Noah and Micah and are enjoying growing in their faith together as a family. Seth and Jill have been involved in various ministries at Cornerstone since 2002 and are very thankful to be part of the Cornerstone community.
George Pauley
Elder
Biography
George and his wife Gail have been at Cornerstone since 2005. Previously, they were active in several PCA churches where he helped establish evangelism training ministries. He has had the privilege at Cornerstone to teach Sunday school classes on evangelism, apologetics and church history, along with leading a home group. He has also been serving as a ruling elder since 2011. Occupationally, George was a high school history teacher teacher and coach in Delaware for 30 years. Currently George manages a small business in Wilmington, Delaware. George and Gail married in 1970, raised two children and now have five grandchildren. George’s Christian walk began in 1985. It was then that he transferred his trust for eternal life from his own works to what Jesus did for him at the Cross. The works and salvation of the Mormon Church that he was raised in and believed was no match for the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Kevin Smith
Ralph Jarrell
Elder
Biography
Kevin grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA. Although his family attended church, he never trusted Christ for his salvation until college at the University of Delaware. It was then that he first realized that his “good works” gain him nothing in the sight of God. He met his wife Jen in college and they have been married since 1994. Kevin and Jen have four children (Maddie, Marshall, Morgan and Mitchell). They currently live in Newark, Delaware.
Elder
Biography
Ralph was born and raised in Newark, Delaware. His family went to church frequently, but they never really spoke about God at home. When he was in elementary school they started attending a church where the gospel was preached. When Ralph was eight years old, he heard the gospel in a way that he understood and he believed it. Ralph prayed with one of the Sunday school teachers that day. Since that time, God has drawn him closer to himself.
When Ralph entered fifth grade, his parents began sending him to Christian school. He is thankful for the eight years of Christian education that he received. When he graduated from high school, he decided to attend the University of Delaware. While at UD, he got involved with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. It was during these years where he was challenged in his faith and he grew more deeply in his relationship with Christ.
After college, Ralph was very involved with Young Life, an outreach mission to unchurched high school students. It was there that he met his wife, Danica, while leading together at the same school. They have been married for 23 years. God has blessed them with three children, Annabelle, Gavin, and Emma.
He is fortunate to work in a career that he loves. After college, he worked in the banking industry for 13 years. As he advanced in his career, he became more and more dissatisfied with what he was doing and has switched careers. He has now been teaching high school mathematics at Wilmington Christian School for 20 years.
When Ralph entered fifth grade, his parents began sending him to Christian school. He is thankful for the eight years of Christian education that he received. When he graduated from high school, he decided to attend the University of Delaware. While at UD, he got involved with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. It was during these years where he was challenged in his faith and he grew more deeply in his relationship with Christ.
After college, Ralph was very involved with Young Life, an outreach mission to unchurched high school students. It was there that he met his wife, Danica, while leading together at the same school. They have been married for 23 years. God has blessed them with three children, Annabelle, Gavin, and Emma.
He is fortunate to work in a career that he loves. After college, he worked in the banking industry for 13 years. As he advanced in his career, he became more and more dissatisfied with what he was doing and has switched careers. He has now been teaching high school mathematics at Wilmington Christian School for 20 years.
Shepherding Associates
Shepherding Associates work with Elders (including Pastors) and Deacons to bring spiritual care to women in difficulty. Shepherding Associates have completed a full year of training and are skilled listeners with the ability to ask good questions and apply biblical principles to life experience. They are recognized as demonstrating the spiritual gifts of mercy, wisdom, and discernment. A woman might engage the assistance of a Shepherding Associate by her own request or through the recommendation of pastoral staff, ministry leaders, or a friend.
Sandy Baker
Shepherding associate
Biography
Sandy and her husband Greg have three grown daughters and two grandchildren. Sandy works full time as a faculty member at a university and supports her husband in a ministry to college students, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Her favorite verse is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Nancy Brower
Shepherding associate
Biography
Raised in the Landenberg area, I attended church throughout childhood, but did not understand the grace and hope of the gospel until my first baby was born. God’s undeniable power to change my mind about sin and His forgiveness left me grateful and eager to find answers to life, marriage, parenting, faith and fellowship in the Scriptures… an inexhaustible resource! My search for Biblical doctrine led me to the PCA where I grew and served in Bible studies, music ministry, vacation Bible school, nursery supervision, and women’s ministry. God was preparing me to raise 3 children, care for, and later lose my husband of 31 years to leukemia and then experience the care and death of a second husband to esophageal/gastric cancer. These years were hard, but God provided me the privilege for working in my profession to help pay the bills. One of my jobs was educating teens and young women in crisis pregnancies and teaching birthing classes. These new lives brought happiness to several adoptive couples.
My life has truly been abundant, just as God promised in His Word. Today I work as a part-time nurse in a family practice and lead a community caregiver support group. Music, learning, cooking, entertaining, and open, honest communication with others are some of my passions. But my heart’s desire for myself and others is found in Micah 6:8, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
My life has truly been abundant, just as God promised in His Word. Today I work as a part-time nurse in a family practice and lead a community caregiver support group. Music, learning, cooking, entertaining, and open, honest communication with others are some of my passions. But my heart’s desire for myself and others is found in Micah 6:8, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Linda Comyns
Diaconal associate & Shepherding associate
Biography
I have many wonderful memories growing up in a very close knit family of 6 children with parents who were loving and supportive. As I look back, I can see how God used some uncertain family times, a brother who was a new Christian, and the Scriptures to soften my heart to repentance and receive the gift of salvation at the age of 26 on an Easter morning. This new relationship with the Savior Jesus changed my life immediately. God’s spirit began to teach me as I consistently heard the Word taught at a local Bible church and became involved in a singles Bible study. God began to give me opportunities to serve and grow at the church through choir, high school girls’ ministry, and a short term mission trip to Ireland. In 1991, I met my husband Jim and we married in 1993. We moved to Philadelphia and I began to attend Tenth Presbyterian Church (Jim already attended there) where we grew spiritually under the teaching of James Boice for several years. Our son was born in 1994 and we moved to Oxford in July of 1998. We started to attend a small church in Oxford where God opened opportunities for us to grow and serve. I co-led worship each week and Jim and I led a Home Group in our home for 4 1/2 years. Jim and I had always had a heart for adoption and through God’s miraculous provision, Jim and I were able to adopt our oldest daughter from China in 2001. We started to attend Cornerstone in 2008. In 2010, God again opened the way and called us to adopt our 2nd daughter from China. I have always enjoyed being around children and what blessings my children have been in my life. I also enjoy walking, being on the beach, a good cup of coffee, riding bikes, watching football, spending time with family, and playing board games.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from West Chester University and have taken some counseling courses at Biblical Theological Seminary. Before having a family I worked in the medical field for doctor-owned kidney dialysis facilities starting as an administrative assistant, payables department, and the last few years as the Human Resource Director. During our children’s elementary years at Bethany Christian School, I taught pre-school, was a substitute teacher, worked in the administrative offices, created their yearbooks, and volunteered wherever needed. In 2016, I started to work at Landenberg Christian Academy in the finance department and created their yearbooks. I worked there until the school closed in June 2020.
In 2017, my husband Jim went home to his Savior. The years without Jim have been hard, but God’s grace and strength in my life have given me all I need. God has since cultivated in my heart a desire and compassion to come along side others going through grief and/or difficulties in their life. I am eternally grateful for God’s mercies to me and opportunities as I continue to grow in Him. To God Be the Glory!
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from West Chester University and have taken some counseling courses at Biblical Theological Seminary. Before having a family I worked in the medical field for doctor-owned kidney dialysis facilities starting as an administrative assistant, payables department, and the last few years as the Human Resource Director. During our children’s elementary years at Bethany Christian School, I taught pre-school, was a substitute teacher, worked in the administrative offices, created their yearbooks, and volunteered wherever needed. In 2016, I started to work at Landenberg Christian Academy in the finance department and created their yearbooks. I worked there until the school closed in June 2020.
In 2017, my husband Jim went home to his Savior. The years without Jim have been hard, but God’s grace and strength in my life have given me all I need. God has since cultivated in my heart a desire and compassion to come along side others going through grief and/or difficulties in their life. I am eternally grateful for God’s mercies to me and opportunities as I continue to grow in Him. To God Be the Glory!
Jill Hill
Shepherding associate
Biography
Jill has been married to her husband Jim for 44 years and they have 3 adult children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. They live in Landenberg, PA where they own and operate Hill’s Auction. Jill came to Cornerstone in 1999 and has served in various teaching ministries over the years and currently oversees the Sunday morning “Refreshments Team.” She has been a follower of Jesus for many years and brings a wealth of life experience to the role of Shepherding Associate. Jill is excited to share the love of Jesus as she helps to bring spiritual care to other women!
Jamie Irwin
Shepherding associate
Biography
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Jamie followed her husband, Joe to California after college. During that time away from everyone and everything familiar, the Lord made his forgiveness and gift of salvation real to her. Since moving to Landenberg in 2004, Jamie and Joe, along with their three children, have been blessed to call Cornerstone their church home. Jamie has been involved in different ministries through the years and currently serves in Women’s Ministry and is the Shepherding Associates Facilitator.
Colleen McNeill
Shepherding associate
Biography
I was born in Delaware and grew up going to church with my family. It was in college at the University of Delaware that I came to understand salvation through faith, and accept Jesus as my personal Savior. Through college and for many years following, I attended a church in Delaware where I met and married Corbin, my best friend and husband of 32 years. We have been worshiping at Cornerstone since December 1999 and have raised two sons and one daughter, now young adults. I love walking our dog, travel, nature, photography and all things artistic. During our years here at Cornerstone, I have been involved in VBS, Nursery Ministry and Women’s Bible studies. I love the opportunity to help care for women as they grow in wisdom and knowledge and hope in our Lord Jesus.
A favorite verse of mine is Ephesians 1:18-21, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
A favorite verse of mine is Ephesians 1:18-21, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
Becky Mercer
Shepherding associate
Biography
I was born and raised in Newark, Delaware. Mom and Dad laid a faith foundation when I was a child, then I made a renewed commitment to Jesus as a junior in high school through the youth ministry, Young Life. I attended the University of Delaware and grew in my faith while involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I graduated from UD with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services.
I’ve been married to my husband Bob since 1995. We have two adult children, a son, Robert James, born in 2001, and a daughter, Anna Beth born in 2003.
Our family homeschooled for 14 busy years filled with art classes, play rehearsals, volleyball games, and homeschool co-operatives. I enjoy gardening, trying out new recipes, decorating, reading, walking, and hiking. I am a freelance graphic designer and often have the opportunity to design materials for Cornerstone.
We’ve been attending Cornerstone since 2015. I love being involved in the Women’s Ministry, women’s morning Bible study, and facilitating the monthly women’s prayer group. Bob and I lead a life group that discusses faith and hope whilst facing the joys and trials of the empty-nesting stage of life.
My first life verse was given to me the weekend I accepted Christ: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17.) Another verse that I have written on the tablet of my heart is Philippians 4:6-7, which encouraged me during a long and difficult season of anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I’ve been married to my husband Bob since 1995. We have two adult children, a son, Robert James, born in 2001, and a daughter, Anna Beth born in 2003.
Our family homeschooled for 14 busy years filled with art classes, play rehearsals, volleyball games, and homeschool co-operatives. I enjoy gardening, trying out new recipes, decorating, reading, walking, and hiking. I am a freelance graphic designer and often have the opportunity to design materials for Cornerstone.
We’ve been attending Cornerstone since 2015. I love being involved in the Women’s Ministry, women’s morning Bible study, and facilitating the monthly women’s prayer group. Bob and I lead a life group that discusses faith and hope whilst facing the joys and trials of the empty-nesting stage of life.
My first life verse was given to me the weekend I accepted Christ: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17.) Another verse that I have written on the tablet of my heart is Philippians 4:6-7, which encouraged me during a long and difficult season of anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Serena Reyle
Shepherding associate
Biography
Serena is a retired pediatric nurse, married to Walter for 34 years, mother of 6 grown children and grandma to Hector! Her favorite verse is John 11:25 – “Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me shall live!” She’s so thankful that Jesus is all about making blind men see, broken things restored, and dead things more and more alive. That’s her long messy story…she loves long walks, listening, laughing, and pointing women to the faithful embrace of our sympathetic High Priest who welcomes us with grace and mercy – ALWAYS!
Sue Smith
Disability Coordinator & Shepherding associate
Biography
I was born and raised in a Christian home in Delaware County, PA. I don’t remember ever not knowing Jesus and the plan of salvation. When I was 16, I made a public profession of faith and was baptized at my local church. I have been married to my sweet husband for 32 years. We have six children (including our sweet daughter in law) and one grand daughter. Dan and I have been attending Cornerstone for over 25 years. At church, I teach Sunday School, Girls’ Life, and Vacation Bible School. Dan and I host a life group in Oxford. I am so thankful for my church family!