Facebook X.com LinkedIn In 1947, Rev. Norman Hammer invented something remarkable: A drive-in church in Southern California. Wait a minute – I thought Robert Schuller invented that. Nope. It was Norman Hammer – someone you’ve probably never heard of before today. At the time, the 36-year-old pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Hollywood drove …| Phil Cooke
Since we live in such a secular culture, it’s easy to think most nonbelievers are indifferent – even hostile – to the idea of attending church. But Relevant magazine reports new research indicating that 80% of non-churchgoers say they would attend if invited. It confirms the findings of the book Jonathan Bock and I wrote …| Phil Cooke
After the Charlie Kirk assassination, there was a significant number of people talking about whether or not their pastor mentioned the incident from the pulpit the following Sunday. Regardless of where you fall on that issue, one of the most frustrating and embarrassing admissions came from a pastor in the Midwest who said he didn’t …| Phil Cooke
If you’ve ever spent much time in art museums, you know that much of the greatest Christian art of the past was anything BUT “family friendly.” Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, for instance. Powerful painting, raw, and violent. It’s the gripping moment David holds up the head of Goliath – his severed neck …| Phil Cooke
The media landscape is shifting faster than most churches, ministries, and Christian communicators realize. What once took decades to change now evolves in months, sometimes even weeks. The digital revolution didn’t just disrupt distribution—it rewired attention. Algorithms now shape worldviews. Audiences no longer gather around networks; they gather around narratives. And if we’re not present …| Phil Cooke
Insider tips from top filmmakers! Phil Cooke reveals the must-have gear and tools every filmmaker needs for successful on-location shoots.| Phil Cooke
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn One persistent criticism we’ve seen recently that’s related to a number of sexual abuse cases at churches is the idea that a big part of the problem is with “megachurches.” It’s true that many of the recent reports of moral failure or abuse have been in large churches, but does the size …| Phil Cooke
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 1 Timothy 3:10 In the days of the early church, growth wasn’t easy. Keep in mind Christianity was still outlawed, and in parts of the Roman empire, Christian gatherings were limited or forced underground. …| Phil Cooke
