Dear Cornerstone Church Family,

As many of you know, Pastor Mike McCarrick and his family have been away from Cornerstone since March to address personal struggles. We want to offer clarity on what has taken place. 

Mike’s wife, Lauren, confessed to a sinful emotional relationship with another man. She has shown repentance, and they have been working to restore their marriage. 

During this time away, our leadership discovered a pattern of financial misconduct involving Mike. He was confronted and later confessed to the misuse of his church credit card for personal expenses, examples of which include eating out and home improvement. In light of this, Mike has resigned, effective immediately.

We are heartbroken over these events. We love Mike and his family and pray for continued repentance and healing. Though sin brings pain, our hope remains in Jesus, who offers grace and restoration. 

We have started the process of working with an independent forensic auditor to determine the full scope of financial impropriety. This will take time, but we’re committed to transparency, and Mike has agreed to make full restitution to the church. We have started and will continue to evaluate the procedures that allowed for this to take place and are committed to taking the necessary steps to prevent any future misconduct. 

The pastors and elders are committed to shepherding the church through this difficult time. Pastor Mark will continue to lead this team as he fills the role of interim lead pastor. We remain united and focused on our main mission of pointing each of us to our desperate and daily need for Jesus. 

Cornerstone Church Elders and Pastors 

June 22nd, 2025

CORNERSTONE CHURCH

6550 Rt. 9 Howell, NJ 07731  Phone: (732)901-5525