Businesses

Principles

Our Principles of Business Practice

We affirm that work of all kinds can be done in cooperation with the purposes of God in this world. Hence we are committed to operating businesses in a manner which:

  • is ethical, responsible and sustainable;
  • fulfills all relevant legal obligations (eg. OHS, taxation, customer service requirements, insurance cover, financial reporting and so on);
  • ensures competent management of the enterprise, finances and personnel involved;
  • contributes positively to the life, economy and development of the town;
  • provides opportunities for workers to enhance relevant skills;
  • fosters positive relationships amongst workers, with business colleagues and with the customers we are serving;
  • provides a cash flow to the local Cornerstone community which operates the business (in proportion to the labour it provides);
  • contributes through a monthly levy to cover central administration costs;
  • makes business profit available for use in the community and training activities, as determined by the Board of Directors.

In many respects our businesses are shaped by “counter-cultural” perspectives, where the emphasis of our business practice and operation rests upon building and fostering a whole of life commitment to matters of the Kingdom of God.  This is perhaps best summarised by the vision statement of the Cornerstone business managers:

Our purpose is to serve the Kingdom of God to the maximum capability of our gifts and talents.  To achieve this we will:

  1. Disciple those that spend time in our workplace;
  2. Do our utmost to support the wider operations of our Communities’ mission;
  3. Expand the Kingdom through the operation of a mission minded business;
  4. Encourage each other in our walk with the Lord, ensuring that it is a priority amongst the busyness.

Our goal is that members of Cornerstone find working in our businesses a fulfilling calling in itself, as the 'fruit' of their labour is put to work in making a difference in society. Also, the workplace provides an ideal environment for the lessons in the classroom to be applied, and we place a strong emphasis on mentoring in the workplace. We work hard to assist the development of character in a workplace where the lessons of life are experienced and properly de-briefed. As a result, many of our students are highly sought after as employees after they have finished their time with us.

We also want to provide opportunity to those with a calling to integrate business involvement with their service to God ... through experience, mentoring and training to both hone businesses skills and assimilate a thoroughly Christian perspective on business and the workplace. Remembering that our true rewards await us in heaven, Cornerstone businesses provide an excellent environment for the business- minded to pursue a fulfilling and rewarding ministry path.