Cornerstone Assembly of God

Pastor Jack's Story

For Jack Briggs, the journey to the Pastorate was a long one. As a young teen, Jack suffered acute nephritis and nearly lost his life. God spared him. In his later teens, Jack became involved in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS, now known as Community of Christ).  It was there that he met his wife-to-be, Marti. Both stayed active and involved in church life.

 

Jack earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master's Degree in Biochemistry while serving in lay ministry. He slowly became convinced that science could solve all of man's problems. He also explored philosophy, yoga,and transcendental meditation. Meanwhile, Marti was studying The Bible as Literature in her undergraduate program. As a result of the combined influence of this course and Jack's new ideas, Marti lost faith in both her church and in God. The marriage suffered. Divorce seemed imminent.

 

In a desperate attempt to salvage his family, Jack took a job in Southern California and relocated with Marti and their two daughters, Sundie and Koleen. They again became active in the RLDS Church. Jack was successfully employed and traveling often. Marti was pursuing an art degree. Still there was no peace. There remained a void in their lives that nothing could fill.

 

Jack transferred to a job in Massachusetts. The young family settled in Lexington. The marriage was still in shambles.

 

Through their oldest daughter Sundie, life was about to change! Ernie Tavilla, the father of Sundie's new friend, was a successful businessman and president of the local Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship (FGBMFI). Ernie and his wife began to pray for the Briggs. They shared many family outings, holiday meals, and FGBMFI meetings. Marti and Jack experienced God's love and heard the message of salvation in Jesus Christ.

 

But Jack was still traveling often and Marti was still unhappy. The bottom fell out of the marriage. Marti decided to return to her native Colorado with the couple's two daughters. Ernie spoke only a few words to Marti before departure, but the words proved to be life changing: "Marti, you've tried everything else. Now why don't you try Jesus." Those words echoed in her mind on the flight from Boston to Durango CO. Those words haunted her as she found a quiet spot halfway up the mountain overlooking Durango. There she cried out, "God, if there is a God, please come into my life and take over. I've made such a mess of it. If you can, please help me." It wasn't a cry of great faith, but it was a heart-felt cry. God heard. He changed her cold heart into one of love toward Jack.

 

Marti and the girls returned to Lexington. Jack didn't trust Marti's "new" faith. But as the months went by, the love of Jesus and the change in Marti got his attention. Jack surrendered his heart and life to the Lord. Slowly they worked out the differences in their marriage and they learned to trust God. And finally they realized the fulfillment of the call of God on their lives - a call they had sensed in their youth. It was still a long time before Jack pastored.

 

A son God had promised was born to the family. Jack's company was closing and they would have to relocate. Instead of relocating for work, Jack attended seminary in Southern California to prepare for ministry. Financial need was pressing. Another precious son joined the family. With the joy of two little sons - Matthew and JP -  came increased responsibilities. Jack returned to Massachusetts with his wife and four children to work. The call to pastor seemed a remote possibility.

 

Yet, in 1986 came a phone call from a friend: "Jack, would you be interested in pastoring our church? Our pastor just left and there are only seven of us. We don't have a building and there's not much money. But will you pray about it?" It would have to be God if Jack was to respond positively! Jack prayed. The rest is history!

 

Twenty-three years later, Jack still serves this congregation which is now many times larger and maturing daily!

 

Pastor Kenneth Villaluz

 

 

Men's Ministries is about Reaching, Teaching and Releasing men to grow to their full potential in Christ.

Discipleship Resources for Men

  • 2011 National Men’s Ministries Leadership Conference

    Organizing a pancake breakfast is easy – discipling men, not so much. That’s why the National Men’s Ministries Leadership Conference is so important! You will be equipped and resourced with the essential tools to help men grow in their walk with Christ. Plus, it’s your chance to get away for a guy’s road trip, network with some crazy cool dudes and learn from some of the nation’s most influential leaders.

  • Men's Ministries: The Mag

    The redesigned "Men's Ministries: The Mag" is a 48-page magazine with a three-fold focus: Life as a man; Life as a husband; Life as a father. Article titles include "Life in the Red Zone"; "When Faith Fade's"; "Thriving Through the Circumstances of Life"; "Family First - Kurt Warner"; "Value of Men Being Men"; "Power of a Praying Dad"; plus more...

    For more information, visit men.ag.org.