Risks are necessary, but they are not to be done without caution or wisdom. Taking risks does not mean we blindly leap from the cliff, and hope there is a safety net somewhere. We must value what former US General George Patton observed, “Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” Read this article by Marvin Yoder
In life and ministry settings, we often have young, potential leaders around us. Some are young in age, others are young in experience or leadership roles. But, can we identify and develop these diamonds-in-the-rough? Not only can we do this, we must! Read this article by Hayne Schurz
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-06-03 12:55:122020-10-20 20:33:56Developing Young Leaders by Hayne Schurz
Heaven has not had an appeal to many people simply because it seemed so “other worldly.” As I child I somehow picked up the idea that Heaven would be everyone in a big room in choir robes singing songs. What a bore! Who wants to spend eternity in a never-ending church service? …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-05-02 14:49:152020-10-20 23:21:26Reaching Out With Heaven by Terry Roberts
The world is comparison crazy! People compare almost every physical quality or material possession. I wish I could tell you the church is exempt from this wicked worldly attribute but unfortunately I can’t. We compare preachers, programs, facilities, congregational size, and … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-05-02 00:01:592020-10-20 23:58:07Character, Calling, and Contribution (Part 3) by Jim Herring
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” It is easy to preach against something, but it’s better to show people a way out, a way to something better. The idea for our “I Do” service came from a series I did called “Ask Anything.” The purpose … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-05-01 01:00:342020-10-21 00:14:33An “I Do” Weekend: Helping People Move From “Living Together” to Married by Paul Foslien
As missionaries for over 25 years, my wife and I have experienced many kinds of worship styles in a variety of circumstances and situations, from the underground church of China, to Eskimo and Chukchi villages in Arctic Russia, to churches in modern cities in various parts of the world. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-04-03 04:01:552020-10-21 23:50:03Worship from a Missionary Perspective by Joe Purcell
Paul is acknowledging that they shared the same fundamental beliefs about Jesus Christ and His Word. He then begins to lay out instructions that will help Titus identify the more mature believers that can be trusted with positions of leadership. It appears that both Peter and Paul were concerned that people in positions of influence within the church should share The Fundamentals of the common faith, and be of like precious faith! …read more
God specifically tells us not to compare and rarely does it produce anything beneficial. Besides, God does not consider any of those things when evaluating our life. He does however, consider a few things when examining our life. What separates people in the eyes of God? What does He use to evaluate our life?
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-04-03 02:47:272015-04-03 02:47:27Character, Calling, and Contribution (Part 2) by Jim Herring
Virgil Stokes is a Pastor and Teacher, serving churches since 1980 in Oklahoma, New York, and Arizona. He and his wife, Judy, pioneered Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson in 2004. Prior to entering ministry Virgil worked as a Registered Nurse in the field of mental health and addictions treatment. A recovering addict himself, Virgil has […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-03-04 19:20:192015-03-04 19:20:19Don’t Dam It by Virgil Stokes
From 1980-1983, I was an assistant pastor on the staff of Dr. Dan Beller at Evangelistic Temple in Tulsa. Pastor Beller resigned in 2001 after 34 years of service, but has continued to live and serve vibrantly since that time. I asked him to share some of the decisions he made before retiring. While his remarks (at my request) are specifically targeted toward pastors, I believe the principles can apply to everyone. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-03-04 17:54:162015-03-04 17:54:16Five Vital Steps in Planning for Retirement by Dr. Dan Beller
“If you’re ‘sweet sixteen and never been kissed,’ I’ll buy you a gold watch for your sixteenth birthday!” As a little girl, that frequent promise from my fabulous mom created a fairy-tale-princess impression in my mind. I imagined how wonderful life would be when I blew out that sixteenth candle on my traditional German chocolate birthday cake! …read more
00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-02-10 02:11:422015-02-10 02:11:42No One Could Know by Kristan Gray
Effective leaders are consumed with a vision about the future that is different from today. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela were all incredibly dissatisfied with the reality that they saw. They all envisioned, articulated and helped lead towards a different ending to the story. …read more
We all have decisions to make, every single day. Whatever decision you’re facing, I have some good news: you can make the right decision every time when you have God’s help. And even better news: He wants to help you make every single decision – big and small. He knows exactly the right direction for you to take so that things turn out great for you. …read more
00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-02-10 00:02:082015-02-10 00:02:08How to Make the Right Decisions by Karen Jensen Salisbury
We live in a comparison-centered world. People compare: houses, cars, spouses, physical qualities, clothing, and professions. I remember being in high school and comparing who had the coolest tennis shoes. Of course, I fell into the trap and always tried to secure the coolest “kicks” as we called them. …read more
00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-02-09 21:01:422015-02-09 21:01:42Character, Calling, and Contribution (Part 1) by Jim Herring
Every leader who has staff working for them has to deal with the issue of loyalty. They can put up with a lot of other things being less than perfect, but loyalty from the staff to the leader is absolutely vital for the success of the leadership and their organization. Cicero said it this way, “Nothing is more noble, more venerable, than loyalty.”1 …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-01-11 14:40:472015-01-11 14:40:47How Loyal Is Your Staff? by Marvin Yoder
Growing up in Michigan, I learned something about taking careful steps. There are lakes from one end of the state to the other, and much of the year, they are frozen over with ice. There’s even a lake in the middle of my hometown of Howell, and as kids we were excited to play out on the ice-covered lake the minute temperatures hit freezing. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-01-11 13:56:532015-01-11 13:56:53Testing the Ice by Mark Brazee
Transformation on the Path to ‘Happily Ever After’ Denise Renner This article was adapted from Denise Renner’s new book Who Stole Cinderella? The Art of ‘Happily Ever After’. To order copies of this title, visit renner.org or call RENNER Ministries toll free at 800-742-5593. Denise Renner is a minister, author, and classically trained vocalist. Alongside […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-01-11 13:43:112015-01-11 13:43:11Transformation on the Path to ‘Happily Ever After’ by Denise Renner
Church and Ministry Tax Q&A – Credit Card Rewards Mark Helland, CPA Mark Helland, CPA is a partner with the public accounting firm of Elliott, Dozier and Helland, PC (www.edhcpa.com) which is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mark specializes in audit, outsourced accounting and tax related issues for church and ministry clients across the United States. To obtain […]
The Tithe is Holy Glen Johnson Over 25 years ago, Glen Johnson founded Faith Center Church in Vancouver, WA. The Vision of Faith Center is to reach our generation with the “Message of Victory!” Pastor Glen attended Rhema Bible Training Center and graduated with his ministry degree 1981. He has spoken at numerous Pastor and […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-12-03 09:00:082014-12-03 09:00:08The Tithe is Holy by Glen Johnson
Tell Your Money Where to Go Dale Marples Dale Marples and his wife, Betty Jo, are ordained through Rhema Bible Training Center and had been pastors for 24 years before retiring in 2010. They pioneered 3 churches during that time. Dale has a degree from the University of Nebraska in Business Administration and Finance. After […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-12-03 09:00:072014-12-03 09:00:07Tell Your Money Where to Go by Dale Marples
Assuming the Leadership Role: The Journey from Chaplain to Pastor Dr. Dan Beller Click here to read Dr. Beller’s bio. While the new pastor may be the leader by position, he may not in actuality be the true leader of the church. Many pastors function as “chaplains” (pastor without proper Biblical authority); that is, they perform […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-12-03 09:00:062014-12-03 09:00:06Assuming the Leadership Role by Dr. Dan Beller
The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention Dr. Tim Doty Dr. Tim Doty works at Christian Family Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He can be reached via phone at CFI or by email. The following article is excerpted from The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention: A Guidebook for Faith Leaders by Dr.’s Tim […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-11-14 19:45:482014-11-14 19:45:48The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention by Dr. Tim Doty
When should I refer for counseling? by Dr. Dale Doty Nearly all helping professionals at some time or another find themselves needing to make a referral to another specialist. Whether one is a physician, pastor, or a psychologist, we sometimes find that the client’s needs and goals can best be met by someone who has […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-11-14 19:45:472014-11-14 19:45:47When Should I Refer for Counseling by Dr. Dale Doty
Guidelines for Meaningful Prayer in Counseling Dr. James E. Johnson Dr. Johnson has 40 years counseling experience. He holds degrees in counseling and theology and is an ordained minister, as well as a licensed and certified counselor. He has authored three books: The Gift of a Sound Mind, Freedom From Depression, and Weaving the Family […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-11-14 19:45:462014-11-14 19:45:46Guidelines for Meaningful Prayer in Counseling by Dr. James E. Johnson
Red Flags in Financial Planning Mike Mazzei Mike Mazzei, CFP®, is the President of Tulsa Wealth Advisors. He graduated from George Mason University and the College for Financial Planning. Mike created The Financial Freedom Process™ to help individuals leverage their wealth in order to achieve their lifetime visions. He enjoys helping retirees and entrepreneurs develop […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-11-14 19:45:442014-11-14 19:45:44Red Flags in Financial Planning by Mike Mazzei
Evaluating the Risk Factor by Marvin Yoder
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeRisks are necessary, but they are not to be done without caution or wisdom. Taking risks does not mean we blindly leap from the cliff, and hope there is a safety net somewhere. We must value what former US General George Patton observed, “Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” Read this article by Marvin Yoder
Developing Young Leaders by Hayne Schurz
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeIn life and ministry settings, we often have young, potential leaders around us. Some are young in age, others are young in experience or leadership roles. But, can we identify and develop these diamonds-in-the-rough? Not only can we do this, we must! Read this article by Hayne Schurz
Reaching Out With Heaven by Terry Roberts
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeHeaven has not had an appeal to many people simply because it seemed so “other worldly.” As I child I somehow picked up the idea that Heaven would be everyone in a big room in choir robes singing songs. What a bore! Who wants to spend eternity in a never-ending church service? …read more
Character, Calling, and Contribution (Part 3) by Jim Herring
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe world is comparison crazy! People compare almost every physical quality or material possession. I wish I could tell you the church is exempt from this wicked worldly attribute but unfortunately I can’t. We compare preachers, programs, facilities, congregational size, and … read more
An “I Do” Weekend: Helping People Move From “Living Together” to Married by Paul Foslien
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeEleanor Roosevelt once said, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” It is easy to preach against something, but it’s better to show people a way out, a way to something better. The idea for our “I Do” service came from a series I did called “Ask Anything.” The purpose … read more
Worship from a Missionary Perspective by Joe Purcell
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAs missionaries for over 25 years, my wife and I have experienced many kinds of worship styles in a variety of circumstances and situations, from the underground church of China, to Eskimo and Chukchi villages in Arctic Russia, to churches in modern cities in various parts of the world. …read more
The Fundamentals by Duane Hanson
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookePaul is acknowledging that they shared the same fundamental beliefs about Jesus Christ and His Word. He then begins to lay out instructions that will help Titus identify the more mature believers that can be trusted with positions of leadership. It appears that both Peter and Paul were concerned that people in positions of influence within the church should share The Fundamentals of the common faith, and be of like precious faith! …read more
Character, Calling, and Contribution (Part 2) by Jim Herring
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeGod specifically tells us not to compare and rarely does it produce anything beneficial. Besides, God does not consider any of those things when evaluating our life. He does however, consider a few things when examining our life. What separates people in the eyes of God? What does He use to evaluate our life?
Don’t Dam It by Virgil Stokes
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeVirgil Stokes is a Pastor and Teacher, serving churches since 1980 in Oklahoma, New York, and Arizona. He and his wife, Judy, pioneered Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson in 2004. Prior to entering ministry Virgil worked as a Registered Nurse in the field of mental health and addictions treatment. A recovering addict himself, Virgil has […]
Five Vital Steps in Planning for Retirement by Dr. Dan Beller
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeFrom 1980-1983, I was an assistant pastor on the staff of Dr. Dan Beller at Evangelistic Temple in Tulsa. Pastor Beller resigned in 2001 after 34 years of service, but has continued to live and serve vibrantly since that time. I asked him to share some of the decisions he made before retiring. While his remarks (at my request) are specifically targeted toward pastors, I believe the principles can apply to everyone. …read more
No One Could Know by Kristan Gray
/in Articles by Others /by Tony Cooke“If you’re ‘sweet sixteen and never been kissed,’ I’ll buy you a gold watch for your sixteenth birthday!” As a little girl, that frequent promise from my fabulous mom created a fairy-tale-princess impression in my mind. I imagined how wonderful life would be when I blew out that sixteenth candle on my traditional German chocolate birthday cake! …read more
The Prayer of Frustration by Walker Shurz
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeEffective leaders are consumed with a vision about the future that is different from today. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela were all incredibly dissatisfied with the reality that they saw. They all envisioned, articulated and helped lead towards a different ending to the story. …read more
How to Make the Right Decisions by Karen Jensen Salisbury
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWe all have decisions to make, every single day. Whatever decision you’re facing, I have some good news: you can make the right decision every time when you have God’s help. And even better news: He wants to help you make every single decision – big and small. He knows exactly the right direction for you to take so that things turn out great for you. …read more
Character, Calling, and Contribution (Part 1) by Jim Herring
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWe live in a comparison-centered world. People compare: houses, cars, spouses, physical qualities, clothing, and professions. I remember being in high school and comparing who had the coolest tennis shoes. Of course, I fell into the trap and always tried to secure the coolest “kicks” as we called them. …read more
How Loyal Is Your Staff? by Marvin Yoder
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeEvery leader who has staff working for them has to deal with the issue of loyalty. They can put up with a lot of other things being less than perfect, but loyalty from the staff to the leader is absolutely vital for the success of the leadership and their organization. Cicero said it this way, “Nothing is more noble, more venerable, than loyalty.”1 …read more
Testing the Ice by Mark Brazee
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeGrowing up in Michigan, I learned something about taking careful steps. There are lakes from one end of the state to the other, and much of the year, they are frozen over with ice. There’s even a lake in the middle of my hometown of Howell, and as kids we were excited to play out on the ice-covered lake the minute temperatures hit freezing. …read more
Transformation on the Path to ‘Happily Ever After’ by Denise Renner
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeTransformation on the Path to ‘Happily Ever After’ Denise Renner This article was adapted from Denise Renner’s new book Who Stole Cinderella? The Art of ‘Happily Ever After’. To order copies of this title, visit renner.org or call RENNER Ministries toll free at 800-742-5593. Denise Renner is a minister, author, and classically trained vocalist. Alongside […]
Church and Ministry Tax Q&A – Credit Card Rewards by Mark Helland
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeChurch and Ministry Tax Q&A – Credit Card Rewards Mark Helland, CPA Mark Helland, CPA is a partner with the public accounting firm of Elliott, Dozier and Helland, PC (www.edhcpa.com) which is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mark specializes in audit, outsourced accounting and tax related issues for church and ministry clients across the United States. To obtain […]
The Tithe is Holy by Glen Johnson
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Tithe is Holy Glen Johnson Over 25 years ago, Glen Johnson founded Faith Center Church in Vancouver, WA. The Vision of Faith Center is to reach our generation with the “Message of Victory!” Pastor Glen attended Rhema Bible Training Center and graduated with his ministry degree 1981. He has spoken at numerous Pastor and […]
Tell Your Money Where to Go by Dale Marples
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeTell Your Money Where to Go Dale Marples Dale Marples and his wife, Betty Jo, are ordained through Rhema Bible Training Center and had been pastors for 24 years before retiring in 2010. They pioneered 3 churches during that time. Dale has a degree from the University of Nebraska in Business Administration and Finance. After […]
Assuming the Leadership Role by Dr. Dan Beller
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAssuming the Leadership Role: The Journey from Chaplain to Pastor Dr. Dan Beller Click here to read Dr. Beller’s bio. While the new pastor may be the leader by position, he may not in actuality be the true leader of the church. Many pastors function as “chaplains” (pastor without proper Biblical authority); that is, they perform […]
The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention by Dr. Tim Doty
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention Dr. Tim Doty Dr. Tim Doty works at Christian Family Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He can be reached via phone at CFI or by email. The following article is excerpted from The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention: A Guidebook for Faith Leaders by Dr.’s Tim […]
When Should I Refer for Counseling by Dr. Dale Doty
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWhen should I refer for counseling? by Dr. Dale Doty Nearly all helping professionals at some time or another find themselves needing to make a referral to another specialist. Whether one is a physician, pastor, or a psychologist, we sometimes find that the client’s needs and goals can best be met by someone who has […]
Guidelines for Meaningful Prayer in Counseling by Dr. James E. Johnson
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeGuidelines for Meaningful Prayer in Counseling Dr. James E. Johnson Dr. Johnson has 40 years counseling experience. He holds degrees in counseling and theology and is an ordained minister, as well as a licensed and certified counselor. He has authored three books: The Gift of a Sound Mind, Freedom From Depression, and Weaving the Family […]
Red Flags in Financial Planning by Mike Mazzei
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeRed Flags in Financial Planning Mike Mazzei Mike Mazzei, CFP®, is the President of Tulsa Wealth Advisors. He graduated from George Mason University and the College for Financial Planning. Mike created The Financial Freedom Process™ to help individuals leverage their wealth in order to achieve their lifetime visions. He enjoys helping retirees and entrepreneurs develop […]