When you were growing up, what was a big deal in your home? What was most important? What messages were emphasized, repeated and harped on? These may not be what your parents really believed were most important in life, but it’s what they talked about the most, or what they celebrated, or what they argued most about, or what got someone in trouble. Now that you’re grown, do you think those things really are the most important things in life? … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:182020-10-20 22:40:11Let’s Make a Big Deal Out of Kids’ Ministry! by Geni Brooks
I am convinced that Matthew must have been a “southerner.” All you have to do is read Matthew chapter 1 to prove he was concerned with genealogy. We southerners are acutely aware of “WHO ARE YOUR PEOPLE?” In small communities, which in our case involves our county, we must be clear on the genealogy factor. You must assume that everyone is related by birth, by marriage or that everyone just plain old knows each other by associations. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:182020-10-20 22:57:50Small Town Ministry—Big Time Heart by Pastor Rob Wynne
A few years ago, I was sitting in the bleachers at my daughter’s basketball game and the Lord asked me this question—right in the middle of a basketball game! He asked, “How deep do you want to go?” I knew what He meant. I knew God was asking me if I wanted to go “deeper” in Him. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:162020-10-20 22:29:25How Deep You Wanna Go by Beth Jones
The [name of church] Church, in the exercise of its religious and charitable purposes, has established a benevolence fund to assist persons in financial need. The church welcomes contributions to the fund. Donors are free to suggest beneficiaries of the fund or of their contributions to the fund. However, such suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. The administration of the fund, including all disbursements, is subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the church board. … read more
My faith was tested like never before in June of 2008 when I received a diagnosis of stage 4 kidney cancer. When watching movies or sports events, most people have a natural tendency to root for the underdog. We love a close competition where a far under qualified competitor defies all odds to hold his own (or even win) against a much greater power. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:142020-10-20 22:30:38Being Ornery By Pastor Diego Mesa
A purpose is a reason for being. Everything God does has a purpose. Everything God has made has a reason for existing. There are specific purposes Jesus intended for His church to accomplish. Knowing those purposes is important for every believer. The law of purpose states that unless you know the purpose of a thing, you will be likely to either neglect, misuse, or abuse it. The reason some Christians neglect the local church is because they really don’t understand its purpose in their lives. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:142020-10-20 21:33:4710 Reasons Every Believer Needs the Local Church by John R. Carter
Being called to serve the people Jesus died for is a great privilege that carries with it tremendous responsibility. Knowing this, Paul in his letters to Timothy, provided instruction to guide him in fulfilling his ministry and living an exemplary life before God and man. A major point of emphasis was for Timothy to be an example of believers in six areas of concern. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:132020-10-20 15:45:31Be An Example by Pastor Bill Anzevino
One of the most provocative, profound and heart-hitting statements used in Scripture about the Holy Spirit is “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 11:15-17 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:122020-10-20 15:37:22What Is the Baptism With the Holy Spirit? By Patrick Norris
When Tony first asked us to write a few things about the friendship/accountability Mike, Dan and myself have enjoyed over three decades, it really made me think about the difference this relationship has made in my life. John Ruskin once wrote, “When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package.” … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:112020-10-20 15:20:39Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Monte Knudsen
Note from Tony: I’ve known these three men for many years, and I’ve known of their close friendship which has brought much strength and support into each of their lives. I asked Pastor Mike if he would write an overview about the whole issue of “accountability,” and then asked each of them if they’d write about what this group means to each of them personally. … read more
Like many of you, when my wife and I began preparations for ministry in Bible school, we had no idea of the challenges and pitfalls that awaited us in our attempt to fulfill the call upon our lives. The value and importance of close relationships with other ministers really wasn’t a matter of concern or ‘recognized need’ as we sought to have meaningful and fruitful ministry in the world Jesus was sending us to. We soon found out how important those relationships were about to be. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:102020-10-20 21:20:19Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters By Pastor Mike Kalstrup
The spiritual principle of authority is God’s plan to protect our lives…everyone needs to be accountable to someone. The human element tends to isolate us, cause us to hide our issues, our attitudes, let alone our sins. Everyone needs someone in their lives, someone close to them that has the freedom to ask us about what’s going on behind the scene of our life. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:092020-10-20 15:22:14Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Dan Berry
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian Church in holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain (Philippians 2:16. NKJV). Notice that Paul told them to “hold” fast; not to “run” fast. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:082020-10-20 14:36:058 Guidelines to Avoid a “Fast and Furious” Crisis Marvin Yoder
One of my personal goals is to stay in shape physically, and over the years I’ve tried several workout routines. But I will never forget when my son asked me to try a program called Insanity. It’s a workout where you perform long bursts of maximum-intensity exercises with short periods of rest. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:072020-10-20 13:33:26What’s at Your Core? by Steve Smothermon
Did your Mom ever tell you that your needed an attitude adjustment? There have been so many times in my life that I needed to do just that. I used to be a negative person. I could tell you what’s wrong with many things and many people. I have to fight being critical and judgmental. I hated winter, tax preparation, slow moving traffic, standing in lines, etc. How about you? … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:072020-10-20 13:16:44Attitude Adjustment By Pastor Stan Saunders
God has made a lot of promises to mankind. He’s made a lot of promises to you and me, and one of the primary ways God keeps His promises and delivers the help mankind needs is through the avenue of angelic activity. Angels are here to help heaven help us. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:062020-10-20 13:15:42Angelic Bodyguards: Protecting and Helping Us by Mark Brazee
I’ve noticed a reoccurring issue in many churches including my own. It’s as if there is this invisible revolving door located somewhere in our church that apparently only new people are able to see. If your church is anything like mine, we didn’t have a problem getting first time guests to show up, but we definitely had problems getting them to come back. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:062020-10-20 13:22:06Assimilation: Turning Guests Into Family by Joshua Huffman
Some people think organization is of the devil. God help them. I read in verse one, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” That’s when the trouble happened, “when the number of the disciples were multiplied.” You can’t run a thing the same way when it is multiplied as you did when it was beginning. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:052020-10-20 13:20:52After Pentecost By Donald Gee
As ministers across the country fall into moral sins and have to step down from their pulpits by personal decision or board mandates, the cry of many seems to be, “where was the accountability?”Organizations are set up for accountability and many join. Yet, the problems still persist. Where do we as ministers go for accountability? … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:042020-10-20 13:20:43Accountability and the Minister by Bob Yandian
Ignorance of any subject is a guarantee of ineffective action. The most basic and necessary way to address a problem is to become informed. In our day it is almost criminal to be ignorant in the area of drug and alcohol addiction, yet much of the church labors in the dark. There are many sources of information available with a minimum of effort and expense. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:042020-10-20 13:20:31Addiction is an Opportunity by Virgil Stokes
At our Bible Training Institute, annually we have over 200 graduates in ministry and leadership. Hundreds of pastors from various denominations have attended our ministry school in Lansing, Michigan or our church planter’s school in St. Pete Beach, Florida. We currently enjoy 216 credentialed ministers in our Mount Hope Church network. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:032020-10-20 04:19:39The Absalom Spirit by Pastor Dave Williams, D.Min, D.D.
We all like to hear a powerful and moving message—one that touches our heart and challenges us to reach new heights and greater goals. However, we have all been the unfortunate victims of a poorly planned and executed message. This can be a mind-numbing and torturous event. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering on the part of our future listeners, I submit the seven major public speaking mistakes that people make. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:022020-10-20 03:54:09Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins of Public Speaking by Pastor Jim Herring
As a pastor, have you ever been so worn out in your work, that as my quick-witted grandfather used to say, “I am too pooped to pot? ?’ You are probably saying I have been there, done that and don’t want any more of those tee shirts! Ministry can make ministers bone weary and dog-tired! The spiritual/emotional drain on pastors is never ending. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:022020-10-20 03:48:49Four Things Pastors Should Know About Restoration
When I think of ministry and the fivefold ministry gifts, the concept of honor immediately comes to mind. However, in our day and age, society seems to have lost the heart of honor. Sadly, even many of our churches have pushed honor to the wayside, treating ministers without reverence and respect. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:012020-10-20 00:25:35Five Things I’ve Learned About Transition by Dennis Cummins
Many variations of “How to Ride a Dead Horse” have appeared, especially on the internet, and I don’t know who the original author is. We’ve rewritten and adapted this slightly for churches, but every organization (whether it’s business, government, educational institutions, etc.) can have a tendency to hold on to old forms long after their effectiveness has diminished or ceased entirely. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:03:002020-10-20 13:21:3125 Ways to Ride a Dead Horse
Let’s Make a Big Deal Out of Kids’ Ministry! by Geni Brooks
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWhen you were growing up, what was a big deal in your home? What was most important? What messages were emphasized, repeated and harped on? These may not be what your parents really believed were most important in life, but it’s what they talked about the most, or what they celebrated, or what they argued most about, or what got someone in trouble. Now that you’re grown, do you think those things really are the most important things in life? … read more
Small Town Ministry—Big Time Heart by Pastor Rob Wynne
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeI am convinced that Matthew must have been a “southerner.” All you have to do is read Matthew chapter 1 to prove he was concerned with genealogy. We southerners are acutely aware of “WHO ARE YOUR PEOPLE?” In small communities, which in our case involves our county, we must be clear on the genealogy factor. You must assume that everyone is related by birth, by marriage or that everyone just plain old knows each other by associations. … read more
How Deep You Wanna Go by Beth Jones
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeA few years ago, I was sitting in the bleachers at my daughter’s basketball game and the Lord asked me this question—right in the middle of a basketball game! He asked, “How deep do you want to go?” I knew what He meant. I knew God was asking me if I wanted to go “deeper” in Him. … read more
Benevolence Fund Policy
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe [name of church] Church, in the exercise of its religious and charitable purposes, has established a benevolence fund to assist persons in financial need. The church welcomes contributions to the fund. Donors are free to suggest beneficiaries of the fund or of their contributions to the fund. However, such suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. The administration of the fund, including all disbursements, is subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the church board. … read more
Being Ornery By Pastor Diego Mesa
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeMy faith was tested like never before in June of 2008 when I received a diagnosis of stage 4 kidney cancer. When watching movies or sports events, most people have a natural tendency to root for the underdog. We love a close competition where a far under qualified competitor defies all odds to hold his own (or even win) against a much greater power. … read more
10 Reasons Every Believer Needs the Local Church by John R. Carter
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeA purpose is a reason for being. Everything God does has a purpose. Everything God has made has a reason for existing. There are specific purposes Jesus intended for His church to accomplish. Knowing those purposes is important for every believer. The law of purpose states that unless you know the purpose of a thing, you will be likely to either neglect, misuse, or abuse it. The reason some Christians neglect the local church is because they really don’t understand its purpose in their lives. … read more
Be An Example by Pastor Bill Anzevino
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeBeing called to serve the people Jesus died for is a great privilege that carries with it tremendous responsibility. Knowing this, Paul in his letters to Timothy, provided instruction to guide him in fulfilling his ministry and living an exemplary life before God and man. A major point of emphasis was for Timothy to be an example of believers in six areas of concern. … read more
What Is the Baptism With the Holy Spirit? By Patrick Norris
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeOne of the most provocative, profound and heart-hitting statements used in Scripture about the Holy Spirit is “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 11:15-17 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Monte Knudsen
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWhen Tony first asked us to write a few things about the friendship/accountability Mike, Dan and myself have enjoyed over three decades, it really made me think about the difference this relationship has made in my life. John Ruskin once wrote, “When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package.” … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeNote from Tony: I’ve known these three men for many years, and I’ve known of their close friendship which has brought much strength and support into each of their lives. I asked Pastor Mike if he would write an overview about the whole issue of “accountability,” and then asked each of them if they’d write about what this group means to each of them personally. … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters By Pastor Mike Kalstrup
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeLike many of you, when my wife and I began preparations for ministry in Bible school, we had no idea of the challenges and pitfalls that awaited us in our attempt to fulfill the call upon our lives. The value and importance of close relationships with other ministers really wasn’t a matter of concern or ‘recognized need’ as we sought to have meaningful and fruitful ministry in the world Jesus was sending us to. We soon found out how important those relationships were about to be. … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Dan Berry
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe spiritual principle of authority is God’s plan to protect our lives…everyone needs to be accountable to someone. The human element tends to isolate us, cause us to hide our issues, our attitudes, let alone our sins. Everyone needs someone in their lives, someone close to them that has the freedom to ask us about what’s going on behind the scene of our life. … read more
8 Guidelines to Avoid a “Fast and Furious” Crisis Marvin Yoder
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian Church in holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain (Philippians 2:16. NKJV). Notice that Paul told them to “hold” fast; not to “run” fast. … read more
What’s at Your Core? by Steve Smothermon
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeOne of my personal goals is to stay in shape physically, and over the years I’ve tried several workout routines. But I will never forget when my son asked me to try a program called Insanity. It’s a workout where you perform long bursts of maximum-intensity exercises with short periods of rest. … read more
Attitude Adjustment By Pastor Stan Saunders
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeDid your Mom ever tell you that your needed an attitude adjustment? There have been so many times in my life that I needed to do just that. I used to be a negative person. I could tell you what’s wrong with many things and many people. I have to fight being critical and judgmental. I hated winter, tax preparation, slow moving traffic, standing in lines, etc. How about you? … read more
Angelic Bodyguards: Protecting and Helping Us by Mark Brazee
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeGod has made a lot of promises to mankind. He’s made a lot of promises to you and me, and one of the primary ways God keeps His promises and delivers the help mankind needs is through the avenue of angelic activity. Angels are here to help heaven help us. … read more
Assimilation: Turning Guests Into Family by Joshua Huffman
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeI’ve noticed a reoccurring issue in many churches including my own. It’s as if there is this invisible revolving door located somewhere in our church that apparently only new people are able to see. If your church is anything like mine, we didn’t have a problem getting first time guests to show up, but we definitely had problems getting them to come back. … read more
After Pentecost By Donald Gee
/in Articles by Others, Riches from History /by Tony CookeSome people think organization is of the devil. God help them. I read in verse one, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” That’s when the trouble happened, “when the number of the disciples were multiplied.” You can’t run a thing the same way when it is multiplied as you did when it was beginning. … read more
Accountability and the Minister by Bob Yandian
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAs ministers across the country fall into moral sins and have to step down from their pulpits by personal decision or board mandates, the cry of many seems to be, “where was the accountability?”Organizations are set up for accountability and many join. Yet, the problems still persist. Where do we as ministers go for accountability? … read more
Addiction is an Opportunity by Virgil Stokes
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeIgnorance of any subject is a guarantee of ineffective action. The most basic and necessary way to address a problem is to become informed. In our day it is almost criminal to be ignorant in the area of drug and alcohol addiction, yet much of the church labors in the dark. There are many sources of information available with a minimum of effort and expense. … read more
The Absalom Spirit by Pastor Dave Williams, D.Min, D.D.
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAt our Bible Training Institute, annually we have over 200 graduates in ministry and leadership. Hundreds of pastors from various denominations have attended our ministry school in Lansing, Michigan or our church planter’s school in St. Pete Beach, Florida. We currently enjoy 216 credentialed ministers in our Mount Hope Church network. … read more
Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins of Public Speaking by Pastor Jim Herring
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWe all like to hear a powerful and moving message—one that touches our heart and challenges us to reach new heights and greater goals. However, we have all been the unfortunate victims of a poorly planned and executed message. This can be a mind-numbing and torturous event. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering on the part of our future listeners, I submit the seven major public speaking mistakes that people make. … read more
Four Things Pastors Should Know About Restoration
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAs a pastor, have you ever been so worn out in your work, that as my quick-witted grandfather used to say, “I am too pooped to pot? ?’ You are probably saying I have been there, done that and don’t want any more of those tee shirts! Ministry can make ministers bone weary and dog-tired! The spiritual/emotional drain on pastors is never ending. … read more
Five Things I’ve Learned About Transition by Dennis Cummins
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWhen I think of ministry and the fivefold ministry gifts, the concept of honor immediately comes to mind. However, in our day and age, society seems to have lost the heart of honor. Sadly, even many of our churches have pushed honor to the wayside, treating ministers without reverence and respect. … read more
25 Ways to Ride a Dead Horse
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeMany variations of “How to Ride a Dead Horse” have appeared, especially on the internet, and I don’t know who the original author is. We’ve rewritten and adapted this slightly for churches, but every organization (whether it’s business, government, educational institutions, etc.) can have a tendency to hold on to old forms long after their effectiveness has diminished or ceased entirely. … read more