Chuck Ryan has been Cornerstone’s Senior Minister since 2004.

Chuck was born in 1973 in the little town of Hammond, Indiana. He grew up in a Christian home with parents who truly modeled what Christian family/parents should be like. He considers himself very fortunate to have such a solid family background. However, after high school, like many youth who grew up in a Christian home, he did his best to show God and everyone else that he “knew better.” After his arrogance had run its course and he could no longer “run from God,” Chuck fell to his knees and said, “God, if you can use someone like me, I will go where you want and do what you ask.”

God answered and Chuck went to Minnesota Bible College. He graduated in 2000 with honors and with a double major in Biblical Studies and Theology and Christian Counseling and Discipleship. In 2013, Chuck received a Master’s Degree in Christian Studies and Theology and a Doctorate in 20XX.

Chuck’s first ministry was as a youth pastor in Hessville, Indiana. He was there for 2-1/2 years until he felt called by God to plant a church in Fitchburg, Wisconsin (a suburb of Madison). That did not work out so well, but if you ask him, Chuck will be more than happy to tell you about what NOT to do when planting a church. So, he sent out a lot of resumes to a lot of churches. Since his wife grew up in Iowa, when Chuck saw that Cornerstone was searching for a pastor he thought, “Hey, here’s a church in Iowa looking for a pastor! I think I’ll send one to these guys and make my wife happy.”

Wouldn’t you know it? This Cornerstone Church of Christ sent a portion of what their core beliefs and programs were all about as well as some of their methods and philosophies. Chuck said, “If these guys actually do half of this, then I think this is gonna be a good fit.” After much prayer and many sleepless nights, Chuck was invited to Cornerstone to give a trial sermon. The rest, as they say, is history.

Chuck and his wife Amanda live in Zearing with their family.