Cook to present Evangelism Lecture at Mississippi College
Jason Cook, pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia, is scheduled to give the annual Evangelism Lecture at Mississippi College at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, in Provine Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
A former football player at the University of Mississippi, Cook will present “Grace-driven and Truthfully Sharp: Proclaiming Jesus in an Age of Fear and Cynicism.” His message is derived from 1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV)
During the lecture, Cook will present the challenges, obstacles and blessings of proclaiming Jesus in an age of fear.
“About one percent of pastors report their churches are doing a good job at evangelism,” Cook said. “Serious Christians must investigate why.”
He will examine modern evangelism and offer hopeful solutions to followers of Jesus seeking to be faithful to Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Sponsored by MC’s Department of Christian Studies, the Evangelism Lecture series brings outstanding speakers who share fresh ideas and interesting topics with MC faculty, staff and students.
Evan Lenow, associate professor and chair of the Department of Christian Studies, director of the Clinton Extension Center, NOBTS, and director of church and minister relations at MC, said the lecture series may be the most unique academic event presented at Mississippi College.
“The purpose of the lecture is to inspire students and others in attendance to see the importance of sharing our faith,” Lenow said. “While that is often viewed as a pastoral exercise, this lecture also approaches it from an academic perspective.
“Pastor Cook pastors a vibrant, growing church and is a popular speaker for YM360 and Generate Camps. I am excited that he will be joining us and look forward to hearing his lecture.”
A four-year starter at fullback for Ole Miss from 2004-08, Cook began to walk faithfully with Jesus during his sophomore year. Signed by the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, he left professional football in 2009 to embrace his call to ministry.
Cook has started and sustained multi-ethnic churches, including Iron City Church in Birmingham and Fellowship Memphis in Tennessee. He credits God’s providence for allowing him to be a part of multi-ethnic movements in four major Southern cities that were prominent in the Civil Rights Movement.
He obtained his M.Div from Beeson Divinity School and serves on its Advisory Board. He and his wife, Courtney, have four children: Charlie, Cager, Boss and Bishop.
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