Senior Ministry Strategist
Brad Kalajainen was the founding and lead pastor of Cornerstone UMC in Grand Rapids. MI. Cornerstone began as a church plant in 1990 in the Michigan Conference of the UMC. Cornerstone experienced continual growth over 30 years as they pursue the mission of “Helping people know Jesus and making Him known.” Approximately 2,650 people worship on one of the Cornerstone campuses every week.
Cornerstone relocated in 2008 in the heart of the economic recession onto a 38-acre parcel of land. The 13 million-dollar project was completed and debt-free in less than 10 years.
Since 2013, Cornerstone has launched a campus in the heart of the urban area of Grand Rapids which now averages over 300 in attendance. A third campus was launched on the west side of the city and has grown to over 300. Building projects and renovations have been completed on both campuses.
Through Brad’s 30 years at Cornerstone, he successfully led the church through seven capital campaigns and multiple building projects. Brad helped to develop the congregation’s generous culture that led the church to be deeply involved in mission.
Cornerstone works to break the cycle of poverty in the Grand Rapids area through several community partnerships. All of the campuses are connected with local schools and involved in mentoring and character development. Cornerstone has established a global outreach to northern Kenya and Guatemala through child sponsorships, clean water, and evangelism efforts.
Brad’s passion is helping churches recover their vision and effectiveness. He has taught extensively on small groups, preaching, staff and organizational development, transitions, and more. Brad coaches, consults in areas of new stewardship, generosity, church revitalization, leadership, growth, and multisite ministry-related topics.
Brad has been married to Colleen for 41 years. They have two grown children, Kaylee and Ben, one son-in-law Mitch, and two grandchildren, Avery Joy & Maddox. Brad retired from Cornerstone in May of 2021. He and Colleen moved to Madison, WI, to be nearer to family.