Phil Cooke Podcast

Is your nonprofit bogged down by administrative tasks? Learn how to streamline your operations by outsourcing your back office. Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com in this conversation with Shae Hinson, founder of Accordus, as they discuss the benefits of moving beyond traditional staffing models to outsourcing essential roles, allowing your team to focus on the mission rather than the paperwork. Whether you are struggling with the complexities of nonprofit accounting or need a more reliable approach to database systems, marketing, fundraising and administrative duties, this conversation offers practical solutions for outsourcing that enables your organization to grow and reach more people. "If you've got a great idea for launching a ministry but you're held back because you can't find the right team to help with the back office, you should talk to Shae." —Phil Cooke 👉 Watch now and build a stronger nonprofit! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on faith, media and culture for executive pastors, nonprofit leaders, and church media and communications creatives. Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Get creative! Get Phil's book " Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking" today! Print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU Audio: https://amzn.to/3ywcINP ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly! Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. **More About This Episode ** Build a Stronger Nonprofit: Why You Should Outsource Your Back Office with Shae Hinson, Accordus What could you accomplish with your nonprofit organization if someone else managed the back office? Don't hold back from launching your ministry! Get the organizational help you need to accomplish what God has called you to do. About Shae Hinson, Founder/President, Accordusd: S hae Hinson is a follower of Christ, a husband of a beautiful bride, a dad of four, and lives life with a "ready, fire, aim" mindset. He wants to be good at a few important things in life: leading people wisely, starting new things, and glorifying God in all he does. He is an elder at his church, owns a few businesses, and is writing this bio from an airplane with his family flying from Iceland to Denmark. Traveling is the way Shae and Katie get to spend time with their kids. So…. they do it a lot. Find out more about Accordus: https://www.accordus.com/ Find out more about Worker Bee: https://workrbee.com ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil talks about benefits to freelancers and outsourcing. 01:28 Meet Shae Hinson, founder and president of Accordus. 03:50 Get help setting up your nonprofit organization. 04:38 The benefits of remote working. 07:30 Best practices for outsourcing back office work. 09:37 Who Accordus helps: churches, ministries, nonprofit organizations. 14:31 Gain the freedom to focus on ministry. 15:30 Find out if Accordus is right for you: https://accordus.com 17:18 Get creative! Get Phil's book and masterclass! "Ideas on a Deadline" https://www.philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline/ (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! )

How do you deal with criticism? If you're a creative person, you'll eventually run into people who don't recognize your talent or your potential. With examples drawn from the lives of Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Spielberg and more creative greats, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares four key points to help you respond to criticism in a way that will lead to creative growth. "Just because people don't recognize your talent doesn't mean it's not there." —Phil Cooke 👉 Listen now and transform your creative leadership career! Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly! Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis **More About This Episode ** 4 Things You Can Do When People Don't Recognize Your Talent Struggling to get others to recognize your talent? Feeling ignored in a work environment can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you know you have something unique to offer. This episode of the Phil Cook Podcast addresses the reality of having skills that go unnoticed by teammates or leadership. Whether you are dealing with a lack of visibility or simply want to ensure your voice is heard, this discussion provides practical perspectives on navigating these common office dynamics. Phil breaks down the importance of your response to criticism to better position yourself for long-term professional growth. Just because people don't recognize your potential, doesn't mean it's time to give up. This episode first appeared on YouTube here: What to Do When People Don't Recognize Your Talent https://youtu.be/JgUhfbbVpcQ?si=EVVJ5M-39NjgD8Aq (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 When Your Talent Goes Unnoticed 2:21 Lessons From History's Greatest 5:01 The Power of Self-Reflection 8:06 Handling Trolls and Negative Voices 11:29 The Resilience Mindset

What happens when a church leadership team begins to slowly drift? The warning signs may be subtle—but over time, they can damage trust, create division, and undermine the health of the entire church. In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with Chris Sonksen, founding pastor of SouthHills Church and founder of ChurchBOOM, to uncover six subtle behaviors that can tear leadership teams apart—and what senior pastors can do before small issues become major problems. Chris shares practical wisdom on how to recognize leadership drift, including pride in your leadership team, artificial harmony in lieu of true loyalty, the danger signs of isolation, when a critical spirit replaces a constructive one, and the gradual shutdown of a leader on your team. Leaders will gain wisdom in managing tensions while mindfully building towards a healthy church that can thrive. 👉 Listen now and transform your leadership career! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on faith, media and culture. Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly! Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis **More About This Episode ** The Slow Drift: 6 Subtle Behaviors That Tear Church Leadership Teams Apart | Chris Sonksen Chris is the founder of SouthHills Church, a thriving, multi-site church in many locations around the nation. He is also the founder of ChurchBOOM, a coaching organization for pastors that also focuses on rescuing churches. He is the author of several books, including "When Your Church Feels Stuck," "Quit Church," "Traction," and his latest book "Making Vision Happen." Learn more about Chris Sonksen and ChurchBOOM: https://www.chrissonksen.com/ https://churchboom.org/ Read the Article: " The Slow Drift: When What You Tolerate Turns Toxic" https://www.theartofleadership.com/blog/the-slow-drift (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil Cooke introduces the topic: helping leaders avoid drift. 01:00 Meet Chris Sonksen, Founding Pastor, SouthHills Church/ChurchBoom 04:06 Help for small churches to keep them from shutting down. 06:22 Keys to church growth. 07:56 Church Rescue for churches less than 100 in attendance. 09:00 Leadership article: The Slow Drift: When What You Tolerate Turns Toxic 12:36 The key word for leaders to remember: subtle. 14:18 Artificial harmony versus true church health. 16:09 Isolation masquerading as maturity can lead to church splits. 23:00 Recognizing and dealing with a critical spirit. 27:28 Competing visions and how they lead to division. 30:42 The danger of gradual shutdown. 33:45 Accountability of leaders and the importance of awareness. 35:30 Who the enemy goes after in a church. 39:24 Find more leadership resources at https://philcooke.com and support The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com Send this conversation to a pastor or church leader who needs to hear it. #ChurchLeadership #SeniorPastor #ChurchLeadershipTeam #HealthyChurch #ChurchCulture #ChristianLeadership #ChrisSonksen

Failure can knock you down or move you forward! If the bottom just dropped out in your creative career, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers 5 keys to help you gain resilience and come back stronger. Many of your ideas are going to fail – but if you're not failing on a regular basis, you're not pushing the envelope very hard. Here's how to turn failure into success. "Don't let failure derail your dream. Your failure does not define you." —Phil Cooke Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly! Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ Get the book: Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU *More About This Episode* Failed? Here's How to Bounce Back Stronger If you're dealing with failure, these 5 tips will help you gain resiliency in your career: 1. Don't overthink the failure. Whether you're an actor who didn't get the role you auditioned for or a filmmaker whose pitch fell flat, you may never know what went wrong. Don't overthink it; move on. 2. Don't take it personally. Try to separate the failure of your project from who you are as a person. 3. Get objective advice. Get a third-party objective with the maturity and professionalism that you can trust. 4. At the moment of rejection, keep a cool head. If possible, see if you can ask questions about what you could have done better. That information you acquire can help set you up for future success. 5. Don't let rejection or failure derail your dream. Your career is much bigger than any single project. You never know when tweaking a concept could work for something else. Change your thinking about failure: Read Phil's blog: " Gain a Better Perspective on Failure" https://www.philcooke.com/failure/ (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Intro with Phil Cooke: How to recover from a failure. 00:42 Many of your ideas will fail. 01:50 Resiliency matters. 02:14 1. Don't overthink failure. 02:44 Actors and auditions: how to deal with rejection. 03:32 2. Don't take failure personally. 04:52 3. Get objective advice. 05:43 4. Keep a cool head. 06:49 5. Don't let failure derail your dream. 07:53 The truth about day jobs. 10:14 Daily rituals to stir creativity. 10:45 Understand the power of your story. 12:30 Get Phil's book, "Ideas on a Deadline" at https://philcooke.com

In today's design-driven world, creativity is more important than ever before. If you're leading a creative team, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com highlights five ways leaders can create a work culture where ideas flow and creatives thrive. Inspire and challenge your creative team and they'll do amazing things for your organization. Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly! Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis **More About This Episode ** Work Cultures: How to Build a Creative Team that Thrives Build a creative team that does their best work! Here's Phil's five to make it happen: 1. Create stability. Creative people need stability to thrive. If they're worried about losing their job, financial problems, or excessive turnover, they'll never release their best ideas. 2. Be flexible. Be open to different hours or working conditions for your creative team. Give your team some flexibility and it will revolutionize their attitude. 3. Get them the tools they need. Don't hold your creatives back with outdated equipment. Think about it: The less time and energy they spend overcoming technical and equipment problems, the more time and energy they can spend on developing amazing ideas. 4. Understand the difference between organizational structure and communication structure. Hierarchy is important within your organization, but when it comes to communication, I recommend you throw the organizational structure out the window. Your creative team should be able to call anyone to ask questions and discuss ideas. Create a free-flowing communications system, and the ideas will grow. 5. Give them credit. A great creative culture allows everyone to be noticed for their accomplishments. Let them have credit for their ideas and they will do amazing things for your team! Bonus: Don't be afraid to push creative people out of their comfort zone! While they probably won't admit it, creative people love deadlines because it gives them perspective on the project. Read more about building a creative culture here: https://www.philcooke.com/ten-critical-keys-for-designing-a-creative-culture/ (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil Cooke introduces the topic on the importance of building a creative culture. 01:04 1. Create stability in your organization. 01:28 2. Be flexible with your creatives. 02:04 3. Provide the right tools for your team to do their best work. 02:47 4. Understand the difference between organizational structure and communication structure. 04:13 5. Give credit where credit is due! 05:45 Don't be afraid to push creatives out of their comfort zone. Creative people love deadlines. 07:12 Building a creative culture in your nonprofit or ministry is important to allow brilliant ideas to happen.

Trauma can be a one-time event or a cumulation of crisis events – but most leaders ignore the symptoms that lead to post traumatic stress. In this conversation, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with Steve Robinson, pastor of Church of the King in New Orleans, to talk about his book, "Soul Leadership: Rebound from Crisis, Grow in Resilience, Live from Wholeness." Based on Steve's personal journey of healing after a meltdown, this interview will help leaders struggling with mental health and emotional trauma to find the pathway to recovery through the integration of theology, therapy and neural science. If you're dealing with stress, trauma, crisis, and adversity, you'll find out how to experience post traumatic growth and weather the challenges of leadership with more resiliency. "When you're tired, you take a nap. When you're traumatized and your brain has actually been restructured by constant pressure and stress, there's a different pathway to recovery." —Steve Robinson, Pastor, Church of the King 👉 Listen now and transform your creative leadership career! Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis More About This Episode: Rebuilding After Your World Falls Apart: Helping Leaders Heal with Steve Robinson Pastor Steve Robinson is a pastor, speaker, and author whose ministry impacts lives across the globe. He is the founder and senior pastor of Church of the King—a growing multi-site church with six locations across the United States, a thriving online campus, and an expanding international presence—including a newly launched campus in Cape Town, South Africa. His weekly television and digital broadcasts further extend the mission of reaching people and building lives. A graduate of Tulane University, Pastor Steve also holds a Doctorate in Ministry from Southeastern University with a dissertation focus on leaders and trauma. He serves on the board of Equip, the global leadership organization led by John Maxwell, and has authored several books, including "Soul Leadership,"Decide to Thrive," and "Perspective Shift." With a deep passion for reaching people far from God, Pastor Steve is committed to helping individuals grow into fully devoted followers of Christ. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in the Greater New Orleans area and are blessed with four children and a son-in-law—Isabelle and her husband, Stone, Conrad, William, and Annaliese. Find out more and get the book: https://steverobinson.com Find out more about Church of the King: https://churchoftheking.com (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil introduces the topic of mental health for leaders 01:00 Meet Pastor Steve Robinson, Church of the King 02:19 Steve shares about "Soul Leadership: Rebound from Crisis, Grow in Resilience, Live from Wholeness" 05:45 Hurricane Katrina and the stressors that led to Steve's meltdown 08:04 Neuroplasticity and the brain's role in crisis response 09:37 The pressure on pastors and leaders 13:25 Neuroplasticity of the brain and mind, dealing with PTSD 16:30 Five factors that lead to leadership breakdowns 19:40 Bible examples of unprocessed pain and trauma 23:08 Crisis situations and the role of gratitude 25:21 Hope and the possibility of post traumatic growth 27:45 Find out more and get the book at https://steverobinson.com 28:00 The role of the cross of Jesus Christ in your healing 31:15 Phil shares more about Church of the King https://churchoftheking.com

Does your church have a crisis communication plan? In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with David Middlebrook, one of the country's leading practitioners in religious nonprofit organizations law and founder of The Church Lawyers. David's team provides legal support to churches, ministries and nonprofits, domestically and internationally, with years of experience helping churches with crisis planning and crisis management. In this interview, you'll gain practical wisdom on how to: 👉 Prepare a crisis communication plan 👉 Develop a crisis communication team 👉 Implement risk management, spot red flags and avoid a crisis 👉 Manage media relations during a crisis and... 👉 Make sure you have the legal resources in place to handle any crisis—external, internal and child related A crisis doesn't have to break your church. This interview will help you navigate through it. 👉 Watch now and transform your leadership career! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on faith, media and culture for executive pastors, nonprofit leaders, and church media and communications creatives. ⚡️ Get Phil's book: "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis 🔥 Prepare yourself and your team with these masterclasses: Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. **More About This Episode ** David Middlebrook is one of the country's leading practitioners in religious nonprofit organizations law, both domestic and international. Mr. Middlebrook has an in-depth knowledge of risk management for charities, religious organizations, private schools, and universities. He is a frequent conference speaker, an award-winning author, and has published numerous articles on nonprofit topics. Mr. Middlebrook founded Middlebrook | Group, PLLC ("The Church Lawyers"). Find out more at https://www.thechurchlawyers.com/ (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil Cooke introduces the topic of crisis communication and crisis management 00:51 Meet David Middlebrook, founder, The Church Lawyers 07:20 The importance of legal matters for churches – bylaws, background checks, child abuse reports 12:25 Creating a crisis communication plan 15:27 Developing a crisis communication team 18:10 Example of a crisis management plan 20:21 Media relations in a crisis and reputation management 22:49 Telling the truth in the age of AI 25:17 Why you need a church lawyer 27:39 Prepare for a crisis 30:26 Contact David Middlebrook at https://www.thechurchlawyers.com/

"When guys have moral failure, I always ask them, 'What got you there?'" Helping pastors and ministry leaders avoid burnout is the topic of today's conversation as Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with Josh Turner, founder of the 10Ten Project. Josh has dedicated his life to helping Christian men flourish in their calling and in every area of life. If you're a pastor or ministry leader, the 10Ten project offers connection, coaching and care for spiritual, emotional and mental health as you serve the Lord. "We give pastors a safe place to say dangerous things — to be honest, open." —Josh Turner, Founder – 10Ten Project 👉 Watch now and find out if the 10Ten Project is for you! ⚡️ Who do you know who needs to hear this episode? Please share this! Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly! Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis **More About This Episode ** No Burn Out! How Pastors Can Flourish in Ministry | Josh Turner, The 10Ten Project About Dr. Josh Turner With more than two decades of ministry experience, Josh has dedicated his life to helping leaders flourish — not just in their calling, but in every area of life. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Southeastern University, where his work focused on leadership longevity, spiritual formation, and the practices that sustain healthy, impactful ministry over time. Throughout his career, Josh has served churches and ministries across the country, teaching, coaching, and walking alongside leaders as they navigate both the challenges and the calling of ministry. Josh is also the author of "Into the Storm," a book that weaves together personal story, biblical insight, and hope for those walking through life's hardest seasons. His passion is to see leaders stay grounded in their identity, connected in community, and deeply rooted in Christ — so they can lead with clarity, courage, and joy. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Becca, and their two children, Ayden and Riley. Follow Josh: https://www.instagram.com/joshuaturner/ Find out more about The 10/Ten Project: https://www.10tenproject.com/ Get Josh's book, "Into the Storm: How to Face Down Any Crisis with Deep, Unshakeable Faith" here: https://amzn.to/3RMpSmC (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Meet Phil Cooke and this episode's topic: helping pastors avoid burnout and moral failure 02:35 Meet Josh Turner, founder of the 10Ten Project 05:08 A pastor's suicide and the beginnings of the 10Ten Project 09:46 The 10Ten Project's connection with Biola University and Notre Dame 16:28 Testimonies from Christian leaders and the impact of the 10Ten Project 22:50 How to connect with Josh Turner and the 10Ten Project 24:57 Josh's special needs daughter and his new book, "Into the Storm" 28:40 Phil shares about his book and masterclass for pastors and leaders: "Church on Trial"

If you're having trouble getting your ideas heard, media executive Phil Cooke's https://philcooke.com three rules for pitching will help you share your creative vision with clarity and confidence. Whether you're pitching a film idea, business idea, creative project or ministry vision, these pro tips will help you connect with the people who can make your dream happen. 👉 Listen now and transform your creative leadership career! Rate and subscribe for more tips on faith, media and culture for executive pastors, nonprofit leaders, and church media and communications creatives. Get the book: " Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking" Print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU Audio: https://amzn.to/3ywcINP Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly! Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 **More About This Episode ** Read more about pitching: "Why You Need an Elevator Pitch for Your Life" https://www.philcooke.com/elevator-pitch-for-your-life/ (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) #PitchingIdeas #ElevatorPitch #PhilCooke #CreativeLeadership #CommunicationSkills #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #LeadershipDevelopment #CreativeEntrepreneur #PublicSpeaking ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 What not to do in a pitch meeting 00:33 Rules for pitching your ideas 01:43 Rule 1: Start with the idea 02:24 Rule 2: Practice clarity. Read Phil's blog on elevator pitches 02:58 Rule 3: Tell me why your idea matters 03:23 Practical tips to practice your pitch with confidence 05:02 Get the book, "Ideas on a Deadline"

What should Christian leadership and accountability look like in today's church? Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com for this insightful conversation with Larry Stockstill, founder of Pastors University, as he shares hard-earned wisdom from over 50 years in ministry. This conversation dives deep into leadership accountability, crisis communication, pastoral integrity, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. If you're a pastor or ministry leader, this episode will equip you to lead with integrity and build sustainable leadership structures that last. Larry Stockstill is the founder of Pastors University and former pastor of Bethany Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His global ministry has helped plant thousands of churches and train leaders worldwide through mentoring and multiplication strategies. 🔑 In This Episode: Why accountability in leadership is essential to prevent failure Crisis communication essentials for churches The importance of mentorship in Christian leadership How to restore leaders after failure (and when it's appropriate) Why every pastor needs trusted overseers who can ask hard questions 🔗 Resources & Links: 👉 Learn more about Pastors University: https://pastorsuniversity.org 👉 Larry Stockstill Ministries: https://larrystockstill.com 👉 Get the book Honor: The Secret of All Relationships : https://amzn.to/4eZUeLN Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️ Join the conversation with Phil Cooke: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Prefer video? Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 **More About this Episode** About Larry Stockstill, Founder – Pastor's University Larry Stockstill was raised in a ministry family, where he witnessed the strength of his parents' 63-year marriage and commitment to faith. After college, he spent two years as a missionary in West Africa, followed by five years as an associate pastor at his father's church before becoming Lead Pastor in 1983. During his tenure, Stockstill placed a strong emphasis on missions. In 1993, he implemented a small group structure that became a national model and the basis of his first book, "The Cell Church." In 2001, he founded Surge, a church planting movement that, by 2015, had helped plant more than 22,000 small, rural churches across twelve global regions. Stockstill is the author of multiple books including "The Remnant," and his newest, "Honor: The Secret of All Relationships." His latest initiative, Pastors University, distills his "50 lessons from 50 years" to equip the next generation of church leaders. Learn more at https://larrystockstill.com (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil Cooke introduces Larry Stockstill, Pastors University 09:00 Crisis communication for churches and pastors 11:50 The importance of leadership integrity 13:35 Accountability for pastors 17:00 The importance of overseers in a pastor's life 20:58 How to assess a crisis situation 28:00 How to spot red flags 34:45 More about Larry Stockstill's books 41:02 Get Phil Cooke's book, "Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" available here: https://philcooke.com/crisis For bulk purchases, email info@cookemediagroup.com for pricing.

Want to get your film distributed by Angel Studios? In this in-depth conversation, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with Jared Geesey (EVP of International Distribution at Angel Studios) to break down the Angel Studios submission process , how the Angel Guild works , and what filmmakers need to know to secure a distribution deal. If you're an indie filmmaker looking for film distribution opportunities , this episode reveals how Angel's audience-driven model is changing the industry—giving YOU the chance to get your project reviewed, improved, and potentially released in theaters. Watch now and transform your filmmaking career! 🚀 FREE Film Submission (Limited Time!) Filmmakers can submit their project to the Angel Guild for FREE (normally $250): 👉 https://angel.com/filmmakers 🎟 Promo Code: ANGELPHIL ⚡ First 25 filmmakers only – act fast! ======================================== Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he has worked with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. He is the author of Church on Trial and several other books on leadership and creativity, and has produced media projects seen worldwide. Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 =========================== **More About This Episode ** 🎬 Indie Film Distribution: How to Submit Your Film to Angel Studios | Jared Geesey Interview Jared Geesey is Executive Vice President, International at Angel Studios, where he leads global distribution strategy, partnerships, and theatrical expansion for one of the fastest growing independent studios in the world. Jared is known for building innovative distribution models rooted in listening deeply to audiences and creators alike. 🎥 What You'll Learn from this interview: How to submit your film to Angel Studios How the Angel Guild voting system works What kind of films Angel Studios is looking for How to use audience feedback to improve your project What "Torch" submissions are and why they matter How filmmakers can earn long-term residual income Why Angel Studios has one of the highest Rotten Tomatoes audience scores The secrets behind successful indie film distribution ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil Cooke and how to get your film on Angel 01:02 Meet Jared Geesey, EVP International Distribution, Angel Studios 07:00 Distribution Case Study: The Chosen 09:28 Filmmakers and indie film distribution 14:00 Filmmaking tips for creating a Torch for Angel Studios consideration 20:40 Distribution for documentaries 21:44 Angel Studios business model and payouts for filmmakers 26:35 Submit your film for consideration at https://angel.com/filmmakers 👉 FREE Film submission! Use promo code: ANGELPHIL ⚡ First 25 filmmakers only – act fast!

What is your church known for in your community? In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with church branding strategist Mark MacDonald to uncover the real reason many churches don't grow and what church leaders can do to fix it. Discover how churches can stop being known for what they're against and start becoming known for what they're for —using practical branding and communication strategies that actually help people find and understand your church. If your church wants to grow, stand out, and truly matter in your community, this conversation will challenge the way you think about church branding, messaging, and outreach. Includes insight on using listening groups and AI to elevate your branding strategy, plus tips on developing your online presence through keywords and Google search. 👉 Watch now and find out how to build a church brand that is clear, meaningful and stands out above the crowd. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Get Phil's book: "One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do" https://amzn.to/2M2maTr 👉 Prefer audio? Subscribe and listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: Apple: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2A0bZ4nw5QstFMt4lE676l ======================================== Phil Cooke — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he has worked with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. He is the author of Church on Trial and several other books on leadership and creativity, and has produced media projects seen worldwide. ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== **More About This Episode ** Why Most Churches Struggle to Grow | Mark MacDonald, Church Branding Strategist Mark MacDonald is a trusted voice in church communication, with 40 years of experience in branding, marketing, and ministry. As the bestselling author of Be Known For Something and founder of BeKnownforSomething.com, Mark has helped thousands of churches across North America discover their unique thread and communicate it clearly. A former Pastor of Communication and national creative director, Mark combines research, creativity, and practical insight to help churches grow their impact. His church clients regularly see measurable results, including a recent rebrand that led to 31 new families visiting on launch Sunday. Mark is a sought-after speaker at national conferences for his engaging, no-fluff style—and he's passionate about helping churches stop sounding like noise and start being known for something that truly matters. 🔗 Learn more about Mark's work in church branding and strategy: https://beknownforsomething.com Find Mark on social media including Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/markmac1023/ (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil introduces the topic of church communication and branding 00:43 Meet Mark MacDonald, church branding strategist, and be known for something 05:31 Church leaders: what is your church known for? 06:40 How important is church branding 07:55 Listening sessions and using AI to determine keywords that describe your church 09:26 How is your church different? 11:42 Strengthening your online presence in Google search with keywords 16:00 Growth strategies for small churches 24:00 Church marketing and branding for impact 34:00 Perception in the community 37:00 Communicating honesty and authenticity 40:19 Get people in the doors so they can encounter God's power and presence 42:25 Connect with Mark MacDonald at https://beknownforsomething.com 44:46 Be known for something in your personal life with Phil's book "One Big Thing" available here: https://amzn.to/2M2maTr

Launching a ministry or nonprofit — and feeling terrified about fundraising ? In this c onversation, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with fundraising strategist David Baker of Giving Design to discuss what truly drives generosity and how to build a strong sustainable funding foundation from day one. This is your Fundraising 101 to gain the mindset behind successful donor development! Find out what motivates giving, the role of story in casting vision and sharing impact, and the biggest fundraising mistake most churches and nonprofits make. Whether you're launching a brand-new ministry, growing a nonprofit organization, or rethinking your fundraising strategies, this episode will help you build a vision-driven approach that creates lasting impact. This episode is part of the ongoing conversations around faith, media, and culture from Phil Cooke, CEO and founder of Cooke Media Group, and co-founder of The Influence Lab — helping train Christians around the world to share their faith more effectively through media. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 🔥 New Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ GET MY LATEST BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ======================================== Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== **More About This Episode ** Starting a Nonprofit? Here's What You Need to Know | Fundraising Consultant David Baker For more than 27 years, David has served as an Encourager of Remarkable Generosity--equipping ministries to serve and steward donors and advising individuals and families on how they can best accomplish their charitable objectives. David and the Giving Design Team are committed to making major gifts and planned giving easy for churches and ministries with proven, plug-n-play strategies and responsive coaching. David, together with Dave Stephens, share insights and best practices on The Giving Room Podcast. Connect with David Baker & Giving Design 👉 https://givingdesign.com/ 🎧 The Giving Room Podcast: https://givingdesign.com/givingroom/ Get the Ministry Fundraising Blueprint Course: https://givingdesign.com/ministry-fundraising-blueprint/ ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Fundraising 101 with Phil Cooke 00:58 Meet David Baker, fundraising strategist, Giving Design 03:15 The Biblical basis behind fundraising 05:08 How to invite donors into the vision 09:24 What motivates giving 13:44 Giving patterns of this generation – felt needs 16:05 Phil's story of working with the Museum of the Bible 19:32 Launching a nonprofit? Here's where to start 24:30 The role of planned giving in your fundraising strategy 28:20 The biggest mistake churches and nonprofits make 35:37 Connect with David Baker at https://givingdesign.com and The Giving Room Podcast: https://givingdesign.com/givingroom/ 36:00 Consider supporting the nonprofit The Influence Lab https://influencelab.com #Fundraising #NonprofitFundraising #HowToStartANonprofit #DavidBaker #GivingDesign #PhilCooke #ChurchFundraising #MinistryFundraising #CharitableGiving #DonorStewardship

What is your church known for – and is that perception helping or hindering the gospel? In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and church branding strategist and author Mark MacDonald discuss how churches can develop a branding and communications strategy that clarifies their message, reshapes their perception and helps them rise above the noise of today's culture. Bonus! Gain tips on creativity and what to do when your ideas are rejected. 📊 Research shows that 85% of non-believers would visit a church if someone invited them —but perception matters. This conversation challenges churches to rethink how they communicate, who they're communicating to, and how clarity can lead to real growth. 👉 Watch now and transform your creative leadership career! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on faith, media and culture for creative leaders. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ Books by Phil Cooke: "Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media" https://amzn.to/2VNQ8du "Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, And You" https://amzn.to/3XxHSif (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ======================================== Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== **More About This Episode ** Be Known for Something | Mark MacDonald on Church Branding Strategy Mark MacDonald is a trusted voice in church communication, with 40 years of experience in branding, marketing, and ministry. As the bestselling author of Be Known For Something and founder of BeKnownforSomething.com, Mark has helped thousands of churches across North America discover their unique thread and communicate it clearly. A former Pastor of Communication and national creative director, Mark combines research, creativity, and practical insight to help churches grow their impact. His church clients regularly see measurable results, including a recent rebrand that led to 31 new families visiting on launch Sunday. Mark is a sought-after speaker at national conferences for his engaging, no-fluff style—and he's passionate about helping churches stop sounding like noise and start being known for something that truly matters. Find out more: https://BeKnownForSomething.com Find Mark on social media including Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/markmac1023/ #ChurchBranding #BeKnownForSomething #MarkMacDonald #PhilCooke #ChurchLeadership #ChristianCreatives #NonprofitMarketing #ChurchCommunications #FaithAndCulture #BrandStrategy #MaximizeYourInfluence

A crisis doesn't have to break your church or organization. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mark Rutland, Executive Director of the National Institute of L eadership and founder of Global Servants , joins Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com to share hard-earned insights on leading through crisis , turnaround leadership , and building a lasting leadership legacy. Drawing from firsthand experience in crisis management at Southeastern University , Calvary Church, and Oral Roberts University , Dr. Rutland explains why crisis isn't always about scandal—and why vision, systems analysis, and truth-telling are essential for renewal and growth. 👉 Watch now and transform your creative career! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 🔥 New Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis ======================================== Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== ⚡️ More About This Episode : How Great Leaders Navigate Crisis | Dr. Mark Rutland on Turnaround Leadership Mark Rutland, Ph.D., is a New York Times best-selling author. He is the executive director of the National Institute of Christian Leadership and founder of Global Servants, having served previously as the pastor of a megachurch and president of two universities. Rutland and his wife, Alison, have been married and in ministry for more than fifty years. They have three children and nine grandchildren. The Rutlands established House of Grace in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and Kumasi, Ghana, to protect tribal girls from sex trafficking through Global Servants. Since 1986 House of Grace has been "saving little girls for big destinies." Its work in West Africa, largely in remote villages, has built churches and village hygiene services in five countries. 📘 Get the Book "Keep On Keeping On: How to Die Young as Old as Possible " here: https://amzn.to/490oVft 🌍 Learn more about Dr. Mark Rutland: https://drmarkrutland.com 🌍 Global Servants: https://globalservants.org (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil Cooke introduces the topic of leading through a crisis 00:41 Meet Dr. Mark Rutland, Executive Director, National Institute of Christian Leadership 01:42 Crisis is not always moral failure, sexual abuse or financial mismanagement 04:44 Managing the PR in a crisis situation 06:38 The hard decisions that must be made by leadership 10:30 Why a systems analysis is important 13:38 Why casting vision is important in turnaround leadership 17:39 Things leaders must pay attention to 21:14 Decisions on hires and fires to turnaround a church or organization 26:00 Changing self-perception in an organization's culture 31:42 Don't obsess on the past 33:00 How to contact Dr. Mark Rutland

Here's how to transform your church communications strategy with processes that really work. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Brady Shearer , founder of Pro Church Tools , about practical ways to simplify your church media, clarify your message, and reach more people online. From repurposing sermons and building better content systems to leading creative teams with vision, Brady shares the mindset and methods that help churches communicate with excellence. Learn why attention is the most valuable commodity your church can possess—and how to use it to share the greatest message of all time. 👉 Watch now and transform your creative career! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 🔥 New Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis ======================================== Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== ⚡️ More About This Episode : Church Communication Strategies That Actually Work | Brady Shearer, Pro Church Tools Brady Shearer is the c reator of Nucleus and Pro Church Tools. Helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. 📘 Learn more: https://prochurchtools.com 🎓 Get certified: https://prochurchcertified.com #PhilCooke #BradyShearer #ProChurchTools #ChurchCommunication #ChurchMedia #ChurchMarketing #DigitalMinistry #ChurchGrowth #ContentStrategy #MinistryLeadership #CreativeMinistry #ChurchOnline #ChurchSocialMedia #CommunicationStrategy (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil introduces the topic of church communications strategies 00:30 Meet Brady Shearer, founder of Pro Church Tools 06:00 Leading creative teams. 09:00 The role of a communications director 11:30 Ideas for repurposing sermons 18:00 Updated social media strategies 21:00 Content strategy and how to implement it 28:45 The importance of the hook 34:13 Policies for church communications 40:40 Follow Brady Shearer at https://ProChurchTools.com

Is direct mail still relevant in today's digital world? In this insightful interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Mark Dreistadt , founder and president of Infinity Concepts , about why direct mail remains the foundation of successful fundraising —and how digital tools like email, Google ads, social media, and text-to-give options are transforming donor engagement for nonprofits and ministries. Discover practical fundraising tactics, donor acquisition strategies, and how to balance traditional and digital communication to maximize results. Learn why relationship building , speed of donor response , and a well-articulated vision are key to growing your ministry or nonprofit organization. 👉 Watch now and gain valuable tips to help your nonprofit thrive. Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 🔥 New Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis ======================================== Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== ⚡️ More About This Episode Is Direct Mail Dead? Best Digital Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits | Interview - Mark Dreistadt Whether you're a ministry leader, nonprofit executive, or fundraiser, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you raise more, engage better, and build lasting donor relationships in a digital-first world. About Mark Dreistadt, President/CEO, Infinity Concepts Mark Dreistadt is a visionary strategist, trusted advisor, and dynamic communicator dedicated to helping leaders maximize the impact of their organizations. With a unique blend of strategic insight and creative innovation, Mark consistently delivers transformational solutions that produce measurable, lasting results. As the founder of Infinity Concepts, Mark has spent decades guiding some of the largest nonprofits and ministry organizations in America and abroad. He is a nationally recognized expert in branding, marketing, fundraising, public relations and communication—widely respected for his ability to craft strategies that drive growth, increase engagement, and inspire action. His clear and compelling presentation style makes him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and leadership coach across the faith-based and nonprofit sectors. 🔗 Learn more at https://infinityconcepts.com 📈 Explore IDEX Pro: https://idexpro.com ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Find out the best fundraising strategies for nonprofits in the digital age 03:11 Why direct mail still drives over 60% of fundraising revenue 08:29 How digital donor acquisition can exponentially grow your giving base 11:45 How to combine TV, radio, and online platforms to build engagement 13:00 Short form video for fundraising 14:00 The best digital fundraising tools for nonprofits (video, email, texting, and QR codes) 17:30 Why quick thank-you responses dramatically increase donor retention 24:08 Where to start with your fundraising efforts & how to articulate your vision and reduce friction in giving 36:00 Find out more at https://infinityconcepts.com 37:00 Find out more about the mission of The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) #DigitalFundraising #Nonprofits #FundraisingStrategies #DonorDevelopment #InfinityConcepts #MarkDreistadt #FundraisingIdeas #ChristianMedia #NonprofitLeadership #MinistryGrowth

Discover how to inspire generosity for your fundraising efforts through storytelling. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with author and producer Paul Steven Forrest about the power of video for nonprofit fundraising and how your organization can use it to share your ministry's vision effectively. Learn how to create videos that connect emotionally with your audience and motivate donors to give — without pressure or manipulation . Whether you're looking for fundraising ideas for churches , creative nonprofit fundraising strategies , or storytelling tips that move people to action , this conversation will help you produce videos that make an impact. If your church, ministry, or nonprofit organization needs new fundraising ideas , watch now to discover how video storytelling can help you share your vision and inspire lasting support. 👉 Watch now and transform your creative career! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership. Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 👉 Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline **NEW BOOK! "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" https://philcooke.com/crisis Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ======================================== Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== *More About This Episode* The Power of Video for Nonprofit Fundraising | Paul Steven Forrest, Author-Producer Paul Steven Forrest is an award-winning writer, director, and the founder of Maple Street Media. With a career spanning national television, documentaries, and ministry campaigns, Paul has seen firsthand that facts alone don't move people—stories do. His passion is equipping video creators, entrepreneurs, and ministries to craft stories that not only capture attention but create emotional connection and inspire action. Paul is the author of "You REALLY Gotta See This!" and the creator of the master course "Start With Story. End With Wow!" which takes students behind the scenes of a real client production and helps them shape powerful stories of their own. His podcast, You Gotta Hear This! continues that mission, sharing insights, practical tools, and creative takeaways for storytellers who want their work to resonate. Whether teaching the three types of stories that connect best—origin, impact, and vision—or drawing on lessons from television production, Paul's focus remains the same: don't just tell people what you do—show them a story they'll never forget. Find out more: https://paulstevenforrest.com\ Get the book, "You Really Gotta See This!" here: https://amzn.to/473Qzbu #NonprofitFundraising #Storytelling #FundraisingIdeas #ChurchFundraising #VideoMarketing #NonprofitMarketing (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 00:00 Phil Cooke introduces the power of video for nonprofit fundraising 01:25 Meet Paul Steven Forrest, producer and author, "You Really Gotta See This" book 05:43 Anointed for storytelling 09:37 Motivate donors through storytelling 13:00 Fundraising with videos 17:20 Casting for your fundraising videos 21:30 Videos are powerful in engaging donors to your vision 31:30 Create a library of videos for your nonprofit or ministry

Times Square and The Sphere in Las Vegas will be lighting up this November as YouVersion celebrates "Beyond a Billion" downloads of its Bible app. Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com in this conversation with Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion to talk about the upcoming event and new features of the Bible app for churches and individuals. A free download, the Bible app provides 2,300 versions of the Bible in over 70 languages, daily inspiration with Bible verses for healing, anxiety, sleep, marriages, and more; plus devotional plans for women, devotionals for men, and even devotionals for kids. With social sharing features built in and opportunities to work through a Bible plan with a friend or a small group, you're not alone when you use the Bible app. As Gruenewald states, "If you've got a felt need, an issue, or a topic to explore, we probably have a Bible plan for you." Download the free Bible app here: https://www.bible.com/app Get Tickets! Beyond a Billion event, November 17, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK at the Paycom Center. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C0062FDB1281C7F Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 👉 New Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline **NEW BOOK! "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support! ) Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ======================================== Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== *More About This Episode* Bible App Hits One Billion Downloads! | Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersion Founder/CEO Bobby Gruenewald serves as Pastor, Innovation Leader of Life.Church and is the founder and CEO of YouVersion—a ministry sharing the Bible with the world for free through a Family of Apps, which have been installed on nearly one billion devices. As one of the leading voices in the Church on innovation and the use of technology, Gruenewald has been featured in The New York Times, TechCrunch, CNN, and more. Prior to joining the Life.Church team in 2001, he started and sold two technology companies as well as served in advisory capacities for various startups and venture capital funds. Gruenewald and his wife, Melissa, live in Oklahoma with their four children. Celebrate T h e Bible! Nearing One Billion installs worldwide on the free Bible app from YouVersion. Download the free Bible app here: https://www.bible.com/app Get Tickets! Beyond a Billion event, November 17, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK at the Paycom Center. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C0062FDB1281C7F 00:00 YouVersion Bible app celebrates "Beyond a Billion" downloads of the free Bible app 00:58 Meet Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersion CEO and founder 02:03 Join YouVersion in a celebration of the Bible 05:10 History of the YouVersion Bible app and team 08:20 Resources for churches on the Bible app 11:49 Personalization of the Bible app 14:32 Content partners supply devotional plans, video content, Bible resources 16:28 Special guests at the "Beyond a Billion" event such as Phil Wickham, Matt Redman, CeCe Winans, Christine Caine, Graig Groeschel and more! 18:16 Get tickets! Beyond a Billion event, November 17, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK at the Paycom Center. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C0062FDB1281C7F

Can anyone predict the future? While Hollywood and media experts try to figure out what's next, media consultant Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares 5 essential strategies for embracing uncertainty and building resilience in today's chaotic culture. 🔑 What You'll Learn: ✅ How to get comfortable with uncertainty and think strategically about alternatives ✅ Why focusing on your team is crucial for navigating change ✅ The importance of understanding and communicating with your stakeholders ✅ How to choose the right advisors and counsel for your vision ✅ Learning to listen to God's voice in popular culture and media 📖 Key Topics Covered: Leadership in uncertain times Building resilient creative teams Faith-based media strategy Popular culture analysis Digital transformation and AI impact Creative problem-solving under pressure Stakeholder communication Vision and strategy development 🎬 Featured Insights from Phil Cooke: Media consultant and filmmaker Phil Cooke ( https://philcooke.com ) draws from decades of experience launching Cooke Media Group in 1991, sharing practical wisdom for leaders, filmmakers, nonprofit organizations, and ministry leaders navigating today's digital landscape. Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Get the book: "Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking" Print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU Audio: https://amzn.to/3ywcINP 👉 New Masterclasses Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline **NEW BOOK! "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. ======================================== Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World at the Intersection of Faith, Media and Culture Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com =========================== *More About This Episode* Embrace Uncertainty: Faith, Media and Popular Culture What you can do in an uncertain world is position yourself for success. Embrace uncertainty. "God speaks in places we often don't expect. Don't be afraid to engage with the culture even when it's uncomfortable." – Phil Cooke (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support! ) ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 We live in uncertain times 01:41 The challenges as a freelance filmmaker and media producer 02:26 Hollywood tries to predict the future 04:41 Stop worrying about what's next 07:50 We can't control a client, a congregation or a ministry partner 05:21 Get comfortable with uncertainty 08:40 Focus on your team 10:46 Understand who your stakeholders are 13:17 Spend time thinking about your vision and strategy 15:15 Learn to listen to God's voice in popular culture 20:31 Being resilient is far more important than predicting the future. #EmbraceUncertainty #Leadership #FaithAndMedia #CreativeLeadership #Resilience #MediaStrategy #PopularCulture #DigitalTransformation #ChristianLeadership #FilmmakingTips #NonprofitLeadership #VisionStrategy #PhilCooke #UncertainTimes #CreativeProcess #TeamBuilding #StakeholderCommunication #MediaConsultant