CORNERSTONE
STUDENTS
WE BELIEVE THAT STUDENTS DESERVE DEEP COMMUNITY AND DEEP RENEWAL; WE BELIEVE THAT THROUGH A LIFE WITH CHRIST, THE FULLEST POSSIBLE LIFE CAN BE FOUND
(John 10:10).
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At Cornerstone Students, we value fellowship and formation. Our deep hope is that Cornerstone Students would be a place where we deeply desire to commune with Christ through rhythms that are simple yet sacred. Our rhythm is unique as it is consistent on a monthly basis and varies on a weekly basis.
Weekly and Monthly Rhythms
Sunday Evenings — Student Gathering
Every Sunday evening (with the exception of the second Sunday of each month), 6th–12th grade students gather for Student Gathering — a sacred rhythm of fellowship, Scripture, prayer, and formation.
Each gathering includes time to connect with one another, enjoy snacks, and worship together through liturgy and the reading of Scripture. Students then receive teaching from our Student Director, Ribbin Dorado, or a member of the Teaching Team, centered on a specific biblical passage.
Following the large-group teaching, students move into Formation Groups, where they reflect on the Scripture and explore how it applies to their everyday lives. Groups are formed based on the relationships students have already begun to build, helping to foster comfort, trust, and meaningful connection. For students who are new to Cornerstone Students, leaders will thoughtfully place them into groups with peers who share similar interests and life stages.
Our hope is that these gatherings form students in a long obedience in the same direction — learning not only how to know God’s Word, but how to live it.
Sunday Mornings — Student Prayer
In addition to Sunday evening gatherings, students are invited to join us for Students Common Prayer every Sunday morning from 10:30–11:00 a.m. in the Student Worship Room before the 11:00 a.m. service. This is a quiet, sacred time of prayer and Scripture following the Book of Common Prayer.
After prayer, students will walk together to the sanctuary and are encouraged to sit together during worship, though sitting with parents is always welcome.
Second Sunday — Student Sabbath
The second Sunday of each month is Student Sabbath. On this Sunday, we pause our regular Student Gathering and do not meet in the evening.
Student Sabbath is an invitation for students, families, and leaders to practice rest together — creating space to slow down, reflect, share meals, pray, and enjoy meaningful time at home. We believe Sabbath is not simply a break from activity, but a formative rhythm that teaches students to live from a place of rest, not exhaustion.
Second Wednesday — Worship in the Round
On the Wednesday after Student Sabbath, we hold Worship in the Round, a special night of acoustic worship and prayer. It’s a beautiful time to slow down, seek God, and worship together in an intimate setting. All students are invited to join us for this evening. Unlike our other gatherings, this night includes dinner.
Time & Location
Student Gatherings take place from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Tulsa (3333 East 41st Street). Students should enter through the main doors, where a student leader will be ready to greet them and guide them downstairs to our gathering space.
Stay Connected
Download the Church Center App, and navigate to the calendar to view all upcoming gatherings, retreats, trips, etc.
If you’d like to stay in the loop, please fill out our Consent to Text Form so we can send you weekly updates about where we’ll be meeting and what’s coming up.
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Our desire is to form students who love God deeply and understand that they belong to the wider body of Christ. Middle and high school students are encouraged to worship with the full congregation each Sunday, either with their families or alongside friends, as a way of practicing life in the Church beyond their peer group.
Before the 11:00 a.m. service, students are invited to gather for Students Common Prayer from 10:30–11:00 a.m. in the Student Worship Room. After Common Prayer, students walk together to the sanctuary to join the congregation for worship by sitting together or sitting with family.
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We are currently finalizing dates for our 2026 ministry calendar. In the year ahead, students can look forward to:
• A High School Retreat
• A Middle School Retreat
• A High School Formation Trip to Guatemala
• A Middle School Tulsa Formation Trip
• Additional gatherings, worship nights, and formation opportunities throughout the yearOnce the calendar is finalized, it will be uploaded here for families to view and download.
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Cornerstone Students is for all students in 6th through 12th grade. Whether you’ve grown up at Cornerstone, are brand new to church, or are just exploring your faith, you are welcome to join us! Our gatherings are designed to help you be formed in the way of Christ.
Ribbin Dorado, Director of Cornerstone Students
Are you new & don’t know how to get plugged in?
We love meeting new people, and although it may seem difficult, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to join Cornerstone Students. Fill out the form below to pick a time to tour, meet new students, and learn about Cornerstone Students.
We have many deep hopes and desires for students who are a part of Cornerstone.
Read about our Deep Hopes here. If you have more questions about what we are teaching and how we specifically seek formation for each student, email Ribbin Dorado.
Meet Our Leaders!
John Bousum
Grace O’Donoghue
John Ekhoff
Eli Harris
Philip Pope
Emily Hembree
Jillian Tedescucci
Adam Wagner
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Cornerstone Students is built on the belief that students are formed best through presence, consistency, and love. Our leaders do not simply “show up” — they walk alongside students in the way of Christ.
We offer two distinct leadership roles, each reflecting different gifts, capacities, and seasons of life. Both roles are a one-year commitment and are equally essential to the life of our ministry.
Two Streams of LeadershipFormation Leaders — Spiritual Mentors
Formation Leaders walk closely with a small group of students, guiding them in Scripture, prayer, and daily discipleship.
Primary Focus
• Lead a Formation Group
• Mentor students spiritually
• Build consistent relationships
• Pray for students by name
• Support students at important moments in their livesCommitment
• Serve 26 of 45 all-student gatherings per year, and two Wednesday worship nights a year.
• Attend at least one overnight with your group
• Participate in trainings and required safety certificationsThis role is ideal for those who feel called to long-term spiritual investment in a small group of students.
Hospitality Leaders — Spiritual FriendsHospitality Leaders create the warmth, joy, and belonging that shape the culture of Cornerstone Students. They are the first smile students see and the hands that make our gatherings feel like home.
Primary Focus
• Welcome students
• Create a joyful, inviting environment
• Help gatherings run smoothly
• Care especially for new studentsCommitment
• Serve 18 of 45 all-student gatherings per year
• Attend Worship in the Round gatherings
• Participate in required trainings and safety certificationsThis role is perfect for those who feel called to relational presence and creating spaces of joy.
Our Leadership RhythmEach year there are 45 all-student gatherings and over 130 opportunities for students to grow through worship nights, retreats, trips, and formation events. Our leadership structure is designed to be sustainable, healthy, and life-giving — not exhausting.
We ask leaders to serve faithfully within realistic rhythms so that they can love students well for the long term. This is why there are two streams.
Ready to Learn More?If you’re interested in exploring leadership with Cornerstone Students, we’d love to walk with you, please fill out this form!