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. […]
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
Matthew Henry’s commentary on Philippians 4:2-9 had this portion that caught my eye today as I was studying. He says, “We must join thanksgiving with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received.” …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2015-03-04 14:25:232023-04-10 14:48:40Own the Mercy! by Lisa Cooke
Resurrection: Past, Present, Future Tony Cooke No, I’m not confused about what month it is. I know that Easter is not until next month. I believe, though, it’s important that […]
No, I’m not confused about what month it is. I know that Easter is not until next month. I believe, though, it’s important that we not only think about resurrection when Easter comes around. I wonder how many believers appreciate all the ramifications of resurrection, and recognize its multi-dimensional influence in our lives. …read more
“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
In spite of its great significance and importance, work is a word that many people do not want to hear when it comes to Christianity or spiritual things. Christians love words like, “grace,” “free gift,” and “rest.” Those are wonderful words—biblical words—and they all have a vital role in our Christian life. But work, in a positive sense, is also extremely biblical, and it also deserves our attention and study. …read more
00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-02-09 02:09:042020-11-15 20:22:23An Excerpt from The Work Book: What We Do Matters to God
I would love to hear a collection of statements from various pastors. What are the concise statements they have which communicate the vision and purpose of their churches? These would include vision statements, mission statements, listings of core values, etc. I would even like to know the slogans and mottos that churches use. In addition to statements that speak to the entire congregation, I would also like to see any statements or concise lists that churches have just for their leaders or staff, such as lists of expectations, priorities, key principles, etc.
Valley Family Church is excited to announce the launch of Kidamazoo Studios – a fun-packed, fast-moving, faith-based kids church curriculum that will revolutionize the way kids church is done! The […]
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 15:29:142015-01-11 15:29:14Kidamazoo from Valley Family Church
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
Truly we have only scratched the surface of all that God has for us, but here we see the Father’s heart for us to have more than all we ask or think. He provides the way to the fullness of Himself through the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2015-01-11 13:56:532023-04-10 14:48:40The Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace by Lisa Cooke
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 […]
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
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-01-03 22:06:372015-01-03 22:06:37Maximizing Ministry on Patriotic Holidays by Scott Robles
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-01-03 22:03:342023-12-04 12:28:1325 Tips for Managing Stress, The Blues, and Grief During the Holidays.
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) […]
The Lesson of His Lineage Rev. Tony Cooke We all know about Joseph and Mary, the Inn of Bethlehem, the shepherds, the star, and the wise men. They’re all part […]
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 09:56:202023-12-04 12:28:13The Lesson of His Lineage
Among the many things I’m thinking about this holiday season is this mind-blowing truth that the God of all creation has called us His children. I am “beholding what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us” as the King James translates this verse. To behold is to see, “to feast your eyes on,” and what I want to be able to see with the eyes of my understanding is the grand meaning of His love toward us. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2014-12-03 09:55:532023-04-10 14:48:40See How Much the Father Has Loved Us by Lisa Cooke
Paul said, “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound” (Philippians 4:12). To be honest, I get really uncomfortable when church finances are tight. I’m not sure I’ve learned how to be abased and also be content. Also, I’d love to get some insight as to how to handle money very wisely and strategically when it does come in abundance. Can pastors advise me on how to be a steady, proficient, and wise steward in both lean times and in times of abundance.
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 09:54:202020-10-07 21:13:20How to Be Abased and How to Abound
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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
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. […]
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
Own the Mercy! by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeMatthew Henry’s commentary on Philippians 4:2-9 had this portion that caught my eye today as I was studying. He says, “We must join thanksgiving with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received.” …read more
Resurrection: Past, Present, Future by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeResurrection: Past, Present, Future Tony Cooke No, I’m not confused about what month it is. I know that Easter is not until next month. I believe, though, it’s important that […]
Resurrection: Past, Present, Future
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeNo, I’m not confused about what month it is. I know that Easter is not until next month. I believe, though, it’s important that we not only think about resurrection when Easter comes around. I wonder how many believers appreciate all the ramifications of resurrection, and recognize its multi-dimensional influence in our lives. …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
An Excerpt from The Work Book: What We Do Matters to God
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn spite of its great significance and importance, work is a word that many people do not want to hear when it comes to Christianity or spiritual things. Christians love words like, “grace,” “free gift,” and “rest.” Those are wonderful words—biblical words—and they all have a vital role in our Christian life. But work, in a positive sense, is also extremely biblical, and it also deserves our attention and study. …read more
Vital Statements
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeI would love to hear a collection of statements from various pastors. What are the concise statements they have which communicate the vision and purpose of their churches? These would include vision statements, mission statements, listings of core values, etc. I would even like to know the slogans and mottos that churches use. In addition to statements that speak to the entire congregation, I would also like to see any statements or concise lists that churches have just for their leaders or staff, such as lists of expectations, priorities, key principles, etc.
Kidamazoo from Valley Family Church
/in Reviews of Resources /by Tony CookeValley Family Church is excited to announce the launch of Kidamazoo Studios – a fun-packed, fast-moving, faith-based kids church curriculum that will revolutionize the way kids church is done! The […]
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
The Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeTruly we have only scratched the surface of all that God has for us, but here we see the Father’s heart for us to have more than all we ask or think. He provides the way to the fullness of Himself through the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. …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 […]
Maximizing Ministry on Patriotic Holidays by Scott Robles
/in Holiday Resources /by Tony CookeMaximizing Ministry on Patriotic Holidays Scott Robles View PDF Veterans Day
25 Tips for Managing Stress, The Blues, and Grief During the Holidays.
/in Christmas, Holiday Resources /by Tony Cooke25 Tips for Managing Stress, The Blues, and Grief During the Holidays. View PDF 25 Holiday Tips
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) […]
The Lesson of His Lineage
/in Christmas, Holiday Resources /by Tony CookeThe Lesson of His Lineage Rev. Tony Cooke We all know about Joseph and Mary, the Inn of Bethlehem, the shepherds, the star, and the wise men. They’re all part […]
See How Much the Father Has Loved Us by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeAmong the many things I’m thinking about this holiday season is this mind-blowing truth that the God of all creation has called us His children. I am “beholding what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us” as the King James translates this verse. To behold is to see, “to feast your eyes on,” and what I want to be able to see with the eyes of my understanding is the grand meaning of His love toward us. …read more
How to Be Abased and How to Abound
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookePaul said, “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound” (Philippians 4:12). To be honest, I get really uncomfortable when church finances are tight. I’m not sure I’ve learned how to be abased and also be content. Also, I’d love to get some insight as to how to handle money very wisely and strategically when it does come in abundance. Can pastors advise me on how to be a steady, proficient, and wise steward in both lean times and in times of abundance.
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]