CORNERSTONE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Minister to Youth, Children, and Families
Christi joined our church staff in January 2018 as our Minister to Youth, Children and Families. She oversees and coordinates all of our student ministries.
Christi is a graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science. She has worked in journalism and communications and volunteered for many years in youth and children's ministries before being called into full-time youth and children's ministries. Christi has a heart for teaching and walking alongside young people as they grow in their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ and understand more fully the call that God has on their lives.
Joslyn's favorite scripture is Romans 8:28: "…We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."
She enjoys being able to help others in their ministries. Joslyn coordinates all church scheduling, oversees administrative and secretarial duties, and is the first face most of you see when dropping by the church.
Joslyn has served since June 2015. She and her family are faithful and active members of Cornerstone.
Laura joined our church staff in September of 2017 as our Music Minister, leading our chancel choir and praise band and coordinating all music groups for special services.
Laura is a 2017 graduate of Delta State University and completed her Masters Degree at Arkansas State University in Collaborative Piano in May 2019. Before coming to Jonesboro, Laura served in four other United Methodist Churches in Mississippi. Laura is a Collaborative Pianist at Arkansas State and teaches piano and voice locally. Laura has a wonderful heart for leading people in worship through music and welcomes anyone who wishes to participate in music ministries at Cornerstone to join!
Pastor Jonathan and his family came to Cornerstone UMC after pastoring churches in Heber Springs, Arkansas, Nicholasville, Kentucky, and most recently Elm Springs, Elm Springs Arkansas. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at Asbury Theological Seminary and his Bachelor of Science degree from John Brown University. Before seminary, the Griesses served overseas for several years as missionaries in Germany. Their two children were born there during that time.
"While the culture and the Church are constantly changing, God's love does not," Griesse said. "Jesus will still find us when we're lost, use us when we feel useless and love us when we seem unlovable. I'm living proof."
Jonathan completed a two-year cohort in the Institute for Clergy and Civic Engagement. He is most passionate about preaching/teaching and using "fresh" or innovative approaches to share the love of Jesus with people who are not part of a church.
When he's not in the office or out serving the Northeast Arkansas community, you can find Jonathan playing with his kids, riding his mountain bike or tackling DIY projects around the house. You can email him at jo nathan.griesse@arumc.org or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on his website/blog, griesse.org.