CTS is an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and is authorized by the Michigan State Board of Education to grant advanced theological degrees.
Cornerstone Theological Seminary had its beginnings as an evening Bible institute at Wealthy Street Baptist Church in 1941.
David Otis Fuller who was elected pastor of Wealthy Street Baptist Church on November 4, 1934; became one of the founders of Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
[1] January 1941 the school was organized with ten part time instructors and David Otis Fuller serving as President of the Executive Council.
Grand Rapids Bible College and Seminary which were precursors to Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary were bastions of conservative fundamentalism due to David O Fuller vision to parallel the institutions to align with conservative wealthy street Baptist church.