History
In 1994, Dr. Eddie Beaver founded The Cornerstone Foundation with a simple desire—to meet the needs of the church community and help advance the work of the Gospel to the nations. Under his leadership and inspired vision, Cornerstone has had the privilege of supporting churches, Christian education, equipping leaders, encouraging pastors, and assisting ministries and missions around the world.
In recent years, much of our focus has been on supporting Christian schools and ministry partners in West Africa. In 2025 Dr. Beaver stepped aside from leadership and prayerfully entrusted Cornerstone to new leadership. Cornerstone is committed to carrying forward that original mission and vision
Today, we honor the legacy that Dr. Beaver established while looking ahead with faith and anticipation —building on the foundation that has been laid while seeking new ways to serve the Church and advance the Gospel.
MISSION
Operating since 1994, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, Cornerstone Foundation has been dedicated to building lives on the unchanging foundation of Jesus Christ—here at home and around the world. Guided by the authority of Scripture and the great Commission, we:
- Advance Christian education.
- Equip leaders for faithful and effective ministry.
- Develop and provide biblical resources that strengthen ministries.
- Collaborate with like-minded ministries to expand the reach of the Gospel and multiply Kingdom impact
VISION
We envision transformed lives, churches, and communities that have been built on the
foundation of Jesus Christ.
Leadership Team
Mark W. Leavell, Ph.D.
President
Dr. Mark Leavell brings a diverse background in educational psychology, Christian counseling, business, pastoral ministry, and international missions to The Cornerstone Foundation. Mark founded two Christian counseling centers and served for four years as Executive Director of Friends of West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS). He and his wife, Marybeth, spent two years serving at WATS in Lagos, Nigeria, and another year and a half at Emmaus University of Haiti. Mark is passionate about stewardship and the responsibility to use what God provides for the benefit of others. Through his bi-weekly blog, His Rivers, he encourages readers with a simple guiding principle: “Be a River and not a Reservoir.”
Marybeth Leavell, Ed.D.
Vice President of Operations
Dr. Marybeth Leavell brings extensive experience in education, healthcare administration, nonprofit leadership, and international ministry to The Cornerstone Foundation. She currently serves part-time as Adjunct Faculty, Administrator, and Methodologist in the Global Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. Marybeth and her husband, Mark, served as full-time missionaries at West Africa Theological Seminary in Lagos, Nigeria, where she served as Academic Dean and President. She later served for a year and a half as Vice President of Academics at Emmaus University of Haiti. Marybeth is grateful for the opportunity to bring her experience, leadership, and lifelong commitment to teaching, missions, and service to the work of The Cornerstone Foundation.
Board
Rev. Jerry Bimber
Chairman of the Board
Rev. Jerry Bimber brings more than 30 years of pastoral ministry and a lifelong commitment to serving the Lord to The Cornerstone Foundation. He currently serves as Pastor of Grace Community Church in Clermont, Florida, where he continues to invest in the lives of individuals and families through faithful pastoral leadership. Jerry has a strong history of leadership in support of theological education and global ministry. He currently serves Reach-A-Village as a ministry representative. He is a past president of the Friends of West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) board and served as Interim President of The Cornerstone Foundation before assuming his present position as Chairman of the Board.
James D. Brown
Certified Public Accountant
James D. Brown has been a dedicated member and officer of The Cornerstone Foundation for more than 20 years. As a Certified Public Accountant, he has served as the Foundation’s Chief Financial Officer and as President of First Community Financial Services.
James is a faithful servant of the Lord, and his financial expertise, leadership, and longstanding commitment have been invaluable to the ministry of The Cornerstone Foundation.
Bruce Magers
Attorney
Bruce Magers practiced bankruptcy law for 52 years after earning his B.A. from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1967. Now retired, Bruce resides in Lewisville, North Carolina, and continues to remain active in charitable organizations and community service.
He has served as a valued member of The Cornerstone Foundation Board, bringing his extensive legal experience and longstanding commitment to serving others.
Rev. Ralph Campbell
Pastor, Counselor
Rev. Ralph Campbell has served as a pastor and counselor for more than 50 years. Since 2008, he has served as pastor of Glenville Wesleyan Church in Glenville, North Carolina.
Ralph is a valued member of The Cornerstone Foundation Board and serves as convener of the online Bible study ministry, Knights of the Round Table.
Advisory Board
Dr. William Udotong
President, Kairos Cornerstone - Nigeria
Dr. Willliam Udotong brings 30 years of experience as a leader in theological education. A graduate of Asbury Seminary in the USA, he is past Provost (President) of West Africa Theological Seminary. In addition to his other responsibilities with Kairos, he is also the Vice President and Academic Dean for Africa Centre for Theological Studies. (ACTS) He serves as a valued advisory board member to Cornerstone.