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Overall Episode Summary In Episode 124 of Tearing Down High Places, host Average Joe sits down with Pastors Jeff and Tim Robinson to discuss an exciting new opportunity: Cornerstone Church is considering the purchase of a large, historic multi-acre campus in Collingswood, New Jersey. The property, once associated with Carl McIntyre and Francis Schaeffer, includes a 1,300-seat sanctuary, basketball gym, classrooms, fellowship hall, and more. The pastors share their vision for expanded evangelism, sports ministry, discipleship, and Christian education in a spiritually needy area. They highlight faithful stewardship, contingency plans, and the importance of church unity ahead of the congregational vote on July 12.
Digestible Show Notes Sections
The Big Opportunity
- Cornerstone Church has the opportunity to purchase a historic campus in central Collingswood, NJ.
- Features include a 1,300-seat brick sanctuary, full basketball gym, 12–20 classrooms, large fellowship hall, industrial kitchen, playground, covered walkway, and parsonage.
- High-visibility corner location on Haddon Avenue with a longstanding Ten Commandments display.
- Congregational vote scheduled for July 12.
Why Collingswood?
- The area is spiritually dark with limited Bible-teaching churches and a large annual Pride Parade.
- Strategic location near Camden offers broader ministry potential.
- Chance to plant a strong gospel witness on historically significant ground.
Vision & Ministry Plans
- Sports Ministry: Use the gym for basketball and indoor soccer leagues to reach kids, families, and adults with the gospel.
- Education Building: Potential future Christian school, homeschool co-op, or expanded discipleship spaces.
- Sanctuary & Fellowship: Unified 10 a.m. services, expanded prayer ministry, and community gathering space.
- Possible shuttle service for elderly members from the current Mount Laurel campus.
- Plans to maintain the Mount Laurel property for ongoing weekday ministries.
Financial Wisdom & Faith
- Opportunity to acquire the property at a fraction of its market value.
- No mortgage planned — seller-financed payments over 7 years while keeping reserves for renovations.
- Strong contingency plans in place if needed.
- Emphasizes patience and wise stewardship to avoid debt-driven compromise.
Call to the Church
- Prayerfully consider the opportunity and vote on July 12.
- Unity is key — stay committed with your “feet” regardless of the vote outcome.
- Encouragement to step out in obedience to the Great Commission and trust God for the results.
- Recent baptisms of passionate young men serve as powerful encouragement.
Historical & Personal Notes
- Ties to faithful voices like Carl McIntyre (who stood against modernism) and Francis Schaeffer.
- Pastors share basketball stories, family updates, and excitement about raising children in a strong Bible-teaching church.
- Average Joe shares his personal connection to the Collingswood area.
Closing Encouragement “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3)