Church on Trial

“Phil Cooke is the Red Adair of Christendom because he can put out the fire that nobody else can.”
—Colin Bloom CBE (Commander of the British Empire)
Chairman of VETTING.com, Former No. 10 UK Government Senior Official and UK Faith Advisor

“Whether or not your local church is currently dealing with a crisis, there’s no question that the Church at large is now on trial. Christians need a reason to retain confidence in their leaders, and the world needs to know why it should listen to the message we proclaim. Phil Cooke has provided a resource to do both. Anyone who’s committed to fulfilling the Great Commission should have this book.”
—Commissioners Ken and Jolene Hodder
USA National Leaders, The Salvation Army

“Phil Cooke has once again given us the dose of help we need at just the right time—an increasingly complex time. This book is as practical as it is relevant, a true gift!”
—Johnnie Moore
President – JDA Worldwide, Founder – The KAIROS Company

“All of us who care about faith and places of prayer owe a debt of gratitude to Phil Cooke for this important book. It is a master class by a master craftsman; simple without being simplistic, and the best and most pragmatic field guide yet for faith leaders in both good and troubling times.”
—Rabbi Steve Leder
NY Times Bestselling Author, Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles, CA

“Compelling work—a must-read for leaders at all levels. Cooke’s considerable knowledge and experience expose, with real-life examples, the vulnerabilities of organizations that are ill-prepared to both anticipate and lead through crises. The stellar reputation of an organization can be instantly dismantled absent an effective crisis response plan. This applies whether the organization is sacred or secular, large or small. Church on Trial elevates the urgency for readiness and adaptability in facing unforeseen events.”
—Sandra C. Gray, PhD
President Emeritus, Asbury University

“For pastors and ministry leaders, one of the last things you ever want to encounter is a crisis. But it will come, and one of the most important tasks in responding is to be ready to communicate the facts and provide direction to those who have been impacted. Phil Cooke has put excellent, practical insights into this book that will help you and your team be prepared ahead of time to navigate crises well. By being proactive now, you will be better able to care for people and shine a light on the gospel in difficult seasons of ministry.”
—Kevin Ezell
President, Southern Baptist North American Mission Board

“When a crisis happens at a local church or ministry organization, the vast majority are completely blindsided. Most church leaders aren’t trained in these challenges and have no idea what to do or where to turn. That’s why Phil’s book is so incredibly timely and significant. Now, every church or ministry can have the answers at their fingertips. But perhaps more importantly, Church on Trial will show you the steps you can take to help avoid the crisis to begin with. I can tell you that this book will make a positive impact.”
—Steve Arterburn
Best Selling Author, Founder of New Life LIVE

“Phil Cooke combines years of practical experience with deep insight into current and emerging cultural and technological trends. What you’ll find in Church on Trial is sage advice from a trusted leader—a go-to manual on hand for the time when you need it most.”
—Mark Forrester
Senior Director of Public Relations and Communications, Assembly of God USA

“Phil Cooke’s latest book is a must-read for all ministry leaders. We must know that we live in a time when Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:36 about “idle words” and His warning in Luke 8:17 about “secrets” coming to light certainly seem like prophecies related to the internet, emails, text messages, and social media. Phil Cooke’s extensive work with secular and Christian ministries has given him depth and breadth of experience in how to best handle the crises that can easily and quickly destroy a ministry and the people associated with it. There is much sound advice on how best to proceed when our worlds are turned upside down. But there is also an underlying profound sense of warning to all of us regarding how we should protect our personal and ministry integrity in a world full of seduction and deception.”
—Dr. A.D. Beacham, Jr.,
General Superintendent, International Pentecostal Holiness Church

“Church on Trial is an exceptional piece of work that truly captivated me from start to finish. First and foremost, what impressed me most is how Phil explores important and complicated topics facing every church and its leadership in an easy-to-read and understandable way. He describes how to recognize possible crises before they occur, how to avoid them, and how to formulate response strategies and tactics when they do. Phil’s insights and perspectives shed a bright light on these important subjects, leaving readers with a deeper understanding and desire for further exploration. As a colleague and friend, I couldn’t be prouder of Phil’s accomplishment in writing this timely and much-needed book.”
—David Middlebrook
Attorney and Founder, The Church Lawyers

“Church on Trial by Dr. Phil Cooke is a masterful guide through the intricate world of crisis communication within faith communities. Drawing on his extensive experience, Cooke shares insights on preventing accidents and protecting congregations and reputations during tumultuous times. As someone who has walked alongside churches and ministries as they’ve experienced crises, I appreciate Cooke’s practical wisdom and strategic approach. Whether you’re navigating the challenging terrain of crisis management or want to prepare for future unknowns, this book is a must-read for all pastors and leaders.”
—Rob Hoskins
President, OneHope

“When a church or ministry encounters a crisis, professionalism and transparency are vital. Too often, however, leaders are like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights. Frozen. Unsure of what to do. I often tell leaders facing a crisis that they can’t change what happened, but they must take responsibility for what happens next. Phil Cooke offers practical advice for how to deal with a crisis in ways that are wise and biblical.”
—Warren Smith
President, MinistryWatch