Our Team

Matt grew up in Iowa, but has spent most of his adult life in the Chicagoland area.  He received a B.A. in Film from Full Sail University in 2006, after which he worked for and volunteered in several churches in the Des Moines area while contemplating his calling. He and his wife Jessica met during that time and were married on June 11, 2011. A year after their marriage, they moved to Chicago for Matt to attend Moody Theological Seminary and Jess taught art in the inner city. Matt graduated from Moody Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2015. Matt loves storytelling and seeing lives changed through effective communication of the Bible, and is currently working on a Doctorate in Practical Theology focused on helping people better understand God’s Word. Matt and Jess have two children, Lucy and Levi. As a family, the Johnson’s love exploring new playgrounds, cooking food, playing Frisbee, and reading books.

Matt was born in Hawaii and grew up in Okinawa, Japan.  He graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Pastoral studies. He also studied Biblical Counseling at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  Matt and his wife, Ai, have been part of our church family for many years.  Ai works as a nurse and they recently had their first son.  Their utmost desire is to reach the Japanese people with the good news of the Gospel.

Daniel grew up in our church and attended Northeastern University where he majored in business. He then attended Moody Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master in Divinity where he also met his wife, Alayna. Daniel currently works in the financial industry and he and Alyana have two daughters and they are very active in our church life. Daniel also loves leading worship and writing worship songs.

Sami (SAH-me) was born in Ethiopia, adopted at the age of eleven and made his way to Boise, Idaho, where he found a new home and Christian community. His journey led him to Moody Bible Institute, where he played soccer and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry. Sami met his wife, Abby, at Moody. They both are excited to be at Cornerstone. With a deep passion for discipling youth, Sami is thrilled to be pouring into the students at Cornerstone. From a young age, he developed a love for playing soccer and a strong faith in Jesus, both of which continue to shape his life and ministry today. He is excited to connect with and inspire the next generation as they grow together in faith.

Abby grew up in church and attended the Moody Bible Institute.  She received a BA in Children and Family Ministry. At Moody, she met her husband, Sami. They both have a passion for serving the Lord and teaching the next generation the truth of the gospel. Abby and Sami started attending Cornerstone during college and have loved the community, biblical focus, and the opportunity to learn and grow. In her free time, Abby is painting, cooking, or beating Sami in board games.