There is a great need in this day for ministers to differentiate between the negotiable and the non-negotiable, between style and substance. I love the statement from Thomas Jefferson: “In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Solomon was focusing on the aspects which should not change when he said, “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28). …read more
A New York family bought a ranch out west where they intended to raise cattle. Friends came to visit and asked if the ranch had a name. “Well,” said the would-be-cattleman, “I wanted to call it the Bar-J, my wife favored the Suzy-Q, one son liked the Flying-W, and the other son wanted the Lazy-Y. So, we’re calling it the “Bar-J-Suzy-Q-Flying-W-Lazy-Y.”…read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:442021-01-19 04:06:46Will Your Church Survive the Branding?
We know that ministry has its challenges, and we trust that you are abounding in grace as you work for Him. I remember hearing one minister say that the requirements for ministry are: the heart of a child, the mind of a scholar, and the hide of a rhinoceros. Speaking of the toughness that ministry requires, Martin Luther once said, “A preacher must be both soldier and shepherd. He must nourish, defend, and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth and be able to bite and fight.” …read more
In Genesis 26, we read about how God greatly prospered Isaac. But the blessings he experienced were not received without challenges. Genesis 26:15 says that, “…the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:432021-01-19 04:12:19Digging Out Your Stopped-Up Wells
As a good “pastor” and father, Jacob knew he couldn’t drive his flock and his children just to keep up with the expectations of Esau. He wasn’t going to allow a sense of comparison and competitiveness to dictate the way he discharged his responsibilities as a leader. He then stated that he would have to establish a pace that was best for those under his care. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:422021-01-19 04:13:10Who is Setting the Pace for Your Ministry?
A few years ago when I was preparing to teach at an overseas ministers’ conference, the host missionary asked if I could teach not only on “How to be a Timothy,” but also along the lines of “How to be a Paul.” He explained that there was a significant rift in his country between spiritual fathers and spiritual sons. …read more
In recent years, we’ve seen vivid examples of secular leaders, high profile sports figures, and even ministers having their world implode because they were leading a secret life (or double life). Such disclosures not only provide fodder for tabloid news, but leave a legacy of shattered trust, and the people close to them reeling in shock, pain, and disillusionment. …read more
I continue to be amazed at the many hats pastors are expected to wear. Overseeing a corporation and a staff requires a pastor to have a certain degree of executive and managerial abilities. Leading a spiritual army calls for a pastor to exhibit the discipline and motivational skills of a military leader. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:412021-01-19 04:18:04A Sense of Him
In biblical times, different rights of individuals were commonly understood and even articulated in Scripture. Rights existed not only for the firstborn and for citizens, but special rights were established for orphans, widows, and even foreigners. The prophets often decried injustice, or the depriving of different rights that resulted in the oppression of certain groups. God’s ideal, though, was that justice reign and for the rights of all people to be respected. …read more
A “Psychology Today” survey asked, “If you could secretly push a button and thereby eliminate any person with no repercussions to yourself, would you press that button?” 69% of men and 56% of women responding to this poll said yes! I wonder how many pastors would like to have this “button” for just a few minutes? …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:392021-01-19 04:21:49Would You Push the Button?
One of the issues that every church staff must address pertains to partnership and teamwork in the pulpit. There are situations where various ministers blend well together and provide well-rounded ministry to the congregation. In other situations, jealousy and competition among staff creates problems in the congregation. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:382021-01-19 05:00:51Teamwork in the Pulpit – Guidelines for Staff Members who Preach
If it weren’t for the devil and the difficult circumstances of life, some Christians wouldn’t even have a prayer life. If there are problems or a crisis in their life, they turn to God. But if everything is going well, they quickly become complacent in their spiritual activities. ..read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:372021-01-19 05:07:04Being a Proactive Pastor
10. I think the Pastor’s home could use two more bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. 9. So what if the Pastor’s son put some fish in the baptistery. Kids are kids! Don’t worry about it. 8. I think it’s great how the Pastor’s kids squirm and wiggle during church services. It shows their IQ’s are way above average. I wish all our kids were as active. ..read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:362021-01-19 05:06:53Top 10 Comments a Pastor Would Like to Hear at a Board Meeting
The following is adapted from a list developed by a minister* who would review it whenever he felt vulnerable to sexual temptation. He cited the following as reminders of the negative consequences a wrong moral choice could produce. Grieving the Lord who redeemed me. Dragging His sacred name into the mud. ..read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:352021-01-19 05:07:28Reasons to Maintain Moral Purity
The main hindrance to world evangelization has not been for the want of devoted missionaries, nor is it the lack for trained nationals, which was a serious problem for many years. The hour has come when we have an eager army of gospel soldiers ready to launch out in faith and preach the apostolic gospel. And they are doing it! Nor is there any lack of people responding to the message. Any missionary will tell you that almost every place an evangelistic effort is attempted, hundreds and in many cases even thousands will respond. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:342021-01-19 07:38:52Great Quotes and Thoughts About Stewardship, Tithing, and Giving
We recently surveyed a number the pastors that receive our monthly mailings and asked them to provide information about web-sites, e-newsletters, and magazines/journals that they find helpful in their devotions, studies, and sermon preparation. Inclusion on this list does not imply that TCM agrees with or endorses every thought or idea from a particular minister or organization. It simply means that one or more of our pastor-friends has found information they deem helpful through these resources. Each of these Web sites resides on servers not under our control, and may change at any time.…read more
One reason for the decline is much of the “church” has become more concerned with growth in numbers than growth of spiritual maturity. In trying to be politically correct, much of the church has become irrelevant. What causes true growth is a refocusing on Christ as the only way of salvation, loving God, loving others, and remembering we are here to advance the kingdom, not “cleanup” the world. — G.K. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:332021-01-19 08:01:26Why Is the Church in North America Plateauing or Declining?
The heavy whip is brought down with full force again and again across Jesus’ shoulders, back, and legs. At first the heavy thongs cut through the skin only. Then, as the blows continue, they cut deeper in the subcutaneous tissues, producing first and oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin, and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:322021-01-19 08:05:00Medical Description of the Flogging and Crucifixion of Jesus
Sometimes people have asked me why Christ died so quickly, in six hours, on the cross, while other victims have agonized on the cross for two and three days-and longer. He was weak and exhausted when He came there. He had been scourged, He was physically depleted. But when Christ died, He died voluntarily. He chose the exact moment when He expired. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:312021-01-19 08:09:54Great Thoughts Regarding the Cross, and the Suffering, and Death of the Lord Jesus Christ
Every true minister deeply appreciates the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of God’s Word. But when it comes to ministering to people, does “where they are” influence and affect how we minister to them? What we minister to them? Is our message “one size fits all,” or are there different emphases that are appropriate for different individuals and groups based on where they are with God, their level of maturity, their level of consecration, etc.? …read more
One occupational hazard of ministry is that the work of God can become routine to us. Another sermon, another church member with a problem, another meeting, etc. All of it can accumulate, taking a toll on a pastor, and result in our simply going through the motions of ministry. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:292021-01-19 08:15:15Maintaining Your Passion in Ministry
Someone once said, “I might pick a rosebud off a tree, and it would be a rosebud and no more. The one I love in all the world might pluck a rosebud off a tree and give it to me, and it would be a rosebud and a great deal more. The meaning would be changed because she gave it to me.” … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpg00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TCM-LogoColor-300x105.jpgTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:00:582020-11-23 20:29:47What Do You See When You Look on the Table?
Style vs. Substance
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThere is a great need in this day for ministers to differentiate between the negotiable and the non-negotiable, between style and substance. I love the statement from Thomas Jefferson: “In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Solomon was focusing on the aspects which should not change when he said, “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28). …read more
Will Your Church Survive the Branding?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA New York family bought a ranch out west where they intended to raise cattle. Friends came to visit and asked if the ranch had a name. “Well,” said the would-be-cattleman, “I wanted to call it the Bar-J, my wife favored the Suzy-Q, one son liked the Flying-W, and the other son wanted the Lazy-Y. So, we’re calling it the “Bar-J-Suzy-Q-Flying-W-Lazy-Y.”…read more
Staying Spiritually Fit
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWe know that ministry has its challenges, and we trust that you are abounding in grace as you work for Him. I remember hearing one minister say that the requirements for ministry are: the heart of a child, the mind of a scholar, and the hide of a rhinoceros. Speaking of the toughness that ministry requires, Martin Luther once said, “A preacher must be both soldier and shepherd. He must nourish, defend, and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth and be able to bite and fight.” …read more
Digging Out Your Stopped-Up Wells
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn Genesis 26, we read about how God greatly prospered Isaac. But the blessings he experienced were not received without challenges. Genesis 26:15 says that, “…the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. …read more
Who is Setting the Pace for Your Ministry?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAs a good “pastor” and father, Jacob knew he couldn’t drive his flock and his children just to keep up with the expectations of Esau. He wasn’t going to allow a sense of comparison and competitiveness to dictate the way he discharged his responsibilities as a leader. He then stated that he would have to establish a pace that was best for those under his care. …read more
Ten Traits of Spiritual Fathers
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA few years ago when I was preparing to teach at an overseas ministers’ conference, the host missionary asked if I could teach not only on “How to be a Timothy,” but also along the lines of “How to be a Paul.” He explained that there was a significant rift in his country between spiritual fathers and spiritual sons. …read more
Secrets
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn recent years, we’ve seen vivid examples of secular leaders, high profile sports figures, and even ministers having their world implode because they were leading a secret life (or double life). Such disclosures not only provide fodder for tabloid news, but leave a legacy of shattered trust, and the people close to them reeling in shock, pain, and disillusionment. …read more
A Sense of Him
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI continue to be amazed at the many hats pastors are expected to wear. Overseeing a corporation and a staff requires a pastor to have a certain degree of executive and managerial abilities. Leading a spiritual army calls for a pastor to exhibit the discipline and motivational skills of a military leader. …read more
Rights and Responsibilities
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn biblical times, different rights of individuals were commonly understood and even articulated in Scripture. Rights existed not only for the firstborn and for citizens, but special rights were established for orphans, widows, and even foreigners. The prophets often decried injustice, or the depriving of different rights that resulted in the oppression of certain groups. God’s ideal, though, was that justice reign and for the rights of all people to be respected. …read more
Would You Push the Button?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA “Psychology Today” survey asked, “If you could secretly push a button and thereby eliminate any person with no repercussions to yourself, would you press that button?” 69% of men and 56% of women responding to this poll said yes! I wonder how many pastors would like to have this “button” for just a few minutes? …read more
Teamwork in the Pulpit – Guidelines for Staff Members who Preach
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeOne of the issues that every church staff must address pertains to partnership and teamwork in the pulpit. There are situations where various ministers blend well together and provide well-rounded ministry to the congregation. In other situations, jealousy and competition among staff creates problems in the congregation. …read more
Being a Proactive Pastor
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIf it weren’t for the devil and the difficult circumstances of life, some Christians wouldn’t even have a prayer life. If there are problems or a crisis in their life, they turn to God. But if everything is going well, they quickly become complacent in their spiritual activities. ..read more
Top 10 Comments a Pastor Would Like to Hear at a Board Meeting
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony Cooke10. I think the Pastor’s home could use two more bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. 9. So what if the Pastor’s son put some fish in the baptistery. Kids are kids! Don’t worry about it. 8. I think it’s great how the Pastor’s kids squirm and wiggle during church services. It shows their IQ’s are way above average. I wish all our kids were as active. ..read more
Reasons to Maintain Moral Purity
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe following is adapted from a list developed by a minister* who would review it whenever he felt vulnerable to sexual temptation. He cited the following as reminders of the negative consequences a wrong moral choice could produce. Grieving the Lord who redeemed me. Dragging His sacred name into the mud. ..read more
Great Quotes and Thoughts About Stewardship, Tithing, and Giving
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe main hindrance to world evangelization has not been for the want of devoted missionaries, nor is it the lack for trained nationals, which was a serious problem for many years. The hour has come when we have an eager army of gospel soldiers ready to launch out in faith and preach the apostolic gospel. And they are doing it! Nor is there any lack of people responding to the message. Any missionary will tell you that almost every place an evangelistic effort is attempted, hundreds and in many cases even thousands will respond. …read more
Helpful Resources for Pastors
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWe recently surveyed a number the pastors that receive our monthly mailings and asked them to provide information about web-sites, e-newsletters, and magazines/journals that they find helpful in their devotions, studies, and sermon preparation. Inclusion on this list does not imply that TCM agrees with or endorses every thought or idea from a particular minister or organization. It simply means that one or more of our pastor-friends has found information they deem helpful through these resources. Each of these Web sites resides on servers not under our control, and may change at any time.…read more
Why Is the Church in North America Plateauing or Declining?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeOne reason for the decline is much of the “church” has become more concerned with growth in numbers than growth of spiritual maturity. In trying to be politically correct, much of the church has become irrelevant. What causes true growth is a refocusing on Christ as the only way of salvation, loving God, loving others, and remembering we are here to advance the kingdom, not “cleanup” the world. — G.K. …read more
Medical Description of the Flogging and Crucifixion of Jesus
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe heavy whip is brought down with full force again and again across Jesus’ shoulders, back, and legs. At first the heavy thongs cut through the skin only. Then, as the blows continue, they cut deeper in the subcutaneous tissues, producing first and oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin, and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles. …read more
Great Thoughts Regarding the Cross, and the Suffering, and Death of the Lord Jesus Christ
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSometimes people have asked me why Christ died so quickly, in six hours, on the cross, while other victims have agonized on the cross for two and three days-and longer. He was weak and exhausted when He came there. He had been scourged, He was physically depleted. But when Christ died, He died voluntarily. He chose the exact moment when He expired. …read more
One Size Fits All?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeEvery true minister deeply appreciates the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of God’s Word. But when it comes to ministering to people, does “where they are” influence and affect how we minister to them? What we minister to them? Is our message “one size fits all,” or are there different emphases that are appropriate for different individuals and groups based on where they are with God, their level of maturity, their level of consecration, etc.? …read more
Maintaining Your Passion in Ministry
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeOne occupational hazard of ministry is that the work of God can become routine to us. Another sermon, another church member with a problem, another meeting, etc. All of it can accumulate, taking a toll on a pastor, and result in our simply going through the motions of ministry. …read more
What Do You See When You Look on the Table?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSomeone once said, “I might pick a rosebud off a tree, and it would be a rosebud and no more. The one I love in all the world might pluck a rosebud off a tree and give it to me, and it would be a rosebud and a great deal more. The meaning would be changed because she gave it to me.” … read more