On a recent trip with my family to Disneyland, I was surprised to find several fresh fruit stands inside the park. Among the French fries, burgers, ice cream, and churros are these wonderful stands serving up fresh juice and sliced fruits. Fresh fruit stands may not bring visitors to the park, but the lines of people willing to pay $5.50 for a few slices of pineapple show me that they’re excited to have a healthy option. …read more

So many Pastors live week-to-week, month to month and year to year just waiting to see where they’ll be in regards to church growth. In talking to many Pastor’s they truly have a desire to see numerical growth in their churches but just sit back and see how it all turns out without putting together a plan. How many would you like to increase by? …read more

Arkaios, a Greek word meaning “beginning point”, is to be a place that seeks to serve and glorify Christ by renewing, refreshing and restoring the body, mind and spirit of those currently serving in full or part- time ministry anywhere around the world. For more information, contact Jeff or Mary Lee Meter at the phone number listed above. …read more

Before pastoring, Mark traveled to several foreign countries, where he saw the hand of God move mightily. Besides pastoring the congregation, he has a heart to train up leaders in the Body of Christ.  Mark is known for his sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The Lord regularly gives him songs, hymns and spiritual songs that always bless and encourage the people. …read more

Two years ago we met Alfie Fabe of Mitchells Plain. He is an apostolic father to many in several nations. In the twenty minutes of our first meeting, one thing he said that struck a cord in my heart was, “There are two kinds of ministry: professional and relational.” Since then, I have contemplated this much and discussed it with Alfie and others. I have had a passion to be the latter, having been the former for many years. …read more

The more we understand what sin is all about and how it works, the better equipped we are to break free from its control. Actually, people usually don’t like to talk about sin, and yet, understanding how it works gives us the advantage and the power to get free from it. Turning on the lights always chases away the darkness. …read more

In this world, one thing is certain: there will be tough times. No one is immune to the pressures, problems and challenges of life. Relationship struggles, financial challenges, health concerns, and family problems are part of living in this world. …read more

This article is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is shared with the understanding that neither the author nor Tony Cooke Ministries is engaged in rendering legal, accounting, psychological, medical or other professional services. …read more

Health savings accounts (“HSA’s”) are available to taxpayers who are enrolled in a high deductible health plan. In effect, the health savings account works in tandem with your health insurance plan but provides a separate savings component. Annual amounts established by the IRS can be contributed to the health savings account with an “above the line” tax deduction being available for the contribution. …read more

Questions with common themes tend to come up from time to time in the day-to-day operations of churches and ministries. I thought it would be helpful for my tax and accounting article this month to focus on some frequently asked questions that can be tricky to navigate correctly. …read more

This article is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is shared with the understanding that neither the author nor Tony Cooke Ministries is engaged in rendering legal, accounting, psychological, medical or other professional services. Laws and regulations are continually changing, and can vary according to location and time. No representation is made that the information herein is applicable for all locations and times. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. …read more

A national survey in 2001 of more than 2,500 Christian religious leaders conducted by Duke Divinity School showed that 76 percent of Christian clergy were either overweight or obese, 15 percentage points higher than for the general U.S. population. And other research has shown that clergy across all faiths are succumbing to higher rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and other ailments than their congregants. …read more