A new alliance between MEDIAlliance International and The Influence Lab offers expanded opportunities to strengthen and train Christian pastors and media leaders in global settings.
Los Angeles, CA (May 23, 2023)— The power of partnership is being realized as MEDIAlliance International and The Influence Lab announce a new partnership committed to training and strengthening Christian pastors and media leaders on a global scale. The alliance expands upon a long-term friendship and like-minded ministry between MEDIAlliance president, Dr. Ron Harris and The Influence Lab founder, Dr. Phil Cooke.
With regional offices in Asia, Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Brazil, MEDIAlliance leads Christian leadership forums to help key media leaders increase their impact in sharing the gospel. Similarly, The Influence Lab offers training and equipping for pastors and Christian communicators in areas of the world where access to media training is not readily available. Although Phil Cooke has spoken at many MEDIAlliance forums, the strategic partnership offers opportunities for the two ministries to work more closely together for greater effect.
Harris expressed excitement at the expanded role that the partnership brings. “Phil Cooke is amazing at helping people think beyond the norm in communicating God’s truth,” said Harris. “His challenging insights take people to a different level in leadership and ministry.”
Cooke responded, “Ron Harris has done a remarkable job building offices in strategic countries. With that foundation, we have an amazing opportunity to engage with Christian media leaders around the world.”
The Influence Lab and Cooke Media Group, both founded by Phil Cooke, have influenced Christian media for many years. Cooke has worked with many of the most respected churches and ministries around the world and his books have become texts for leadership development and media training.
MEDIAlliance International began in 2013 as an extension of Ron Harris’s over fifty years in media, church leadership and broadcast ministry, as well as his service as a communication professor at university and seminary levels. MEDIAlliance currently works with Christian media leaders in over forty countries.
MEDIAlliance and The Influence Lab Prayer are seeking prayer and financial partners to join them in their united mission of training pastors and media leaders globally. As 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, gifts are tax-deductible.
About Ron Harris – President and Founder, MEDIAlliance Dr. Ronald L. Harris has been around broadcasting for most of his life, beginning in radio almost 55 years ago. After serving two years as Assistant Professor of Communications and Special Assistant to the President at Dallas Baptist University, Ron Harris is the president of MEDIAlliance International. In that role, he links Christian broadcasters in the United States with those in various places worldwide to grow the impact of Christian broadcasting and the Gospel of Christ. Find out more at https://medialliance.cc
About Phil Cooke—Media Producer / Writer / Speaker / Coach Helping creative leaders influence the world. Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is co-founder and CEO of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and the nonprofit The Influence Lab. Phil has produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history with a client list that includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the world’s most respected churches and ministries. He’s been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” Find out more at philcooke.com.
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This past year has been a year of exploding growth for Influence Women. With The Influence Lab co-founder Kathleen Cooke leading the way, this branch of The Influence Lab is mentoring women around the world in their careers in the arts and entertainment industry. Here’s a press release to help you keep up with all the excitement!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Influence Women Expands from Hollywood to Film Production Hubs Across Nation
“She Leads America” award recipientKathleen Cooke is leading a new generation of women in film, television, arts and entertainment as Influence Women expands with chapters in Hollywood, Orange County, Nashville and Atlanta.
Los Angeles, CA (May 3, 2023) —Serving female leaders in the film and television industry as well as arts and music professionals, Influence Women has exploded with growth over the past year. Expanding from its base in Hollywood to serve Christian women in film production hubs across the nation, new chapters in Orange County, Nashville and Atlanta offer networking, education and mentoring opportunities with in-person gatherings and online events.
Influence Women is led by Kathleen Cooke, recipient of the “She Leads America” award for her distinguished work in media and entertainment. “We are all women of influence,” shares Kathleen Cooke, “and I am honored to lead women working in media, entertainment, arts and leadership who intertwine their faith in their lives and careers.”
A branch of the nonprofit The Influence Lab founded by Phil and Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women events help women grow in their craft and their faith by introducing them to influential industry voices. Featured guests have included writer-producer Alexandra Boylan (“Switched,” “Catching Faith”); casting director Lisa London (London-Stroud Casting), Hollywood producer Victoria Slater, TV personality Cynthia Garrett, Hollywood actress Renee Lawless (Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and the Have Nots”), script consultant/Cooke Media Group development executive Laura Woodworth, Netflix director of digital production Christina Lee Storm, and Hollywood film and TV star Edwina-Findley-Dickerson (“If Loving You is Wrong”). Upcoming events are planned with Empower Women Media founder and author Shirin Taber (“Muslims Next Door”) and actress-writer-producer Sam Sorbo (“Let There Be Light”).
Influence Women will also have a presence at NRB 2023 in Orlando. “Hollywood Decentralized: Why You Don’t Have to Live in LA to be a Female Filmmaker” will feature Kathleen Cooke and top Christian women filmmakers in a panel talk. Offering “boots on the ground” insight, attendees will gain valuable information to navigate their careers successfully in a new decentralized film industry.
About Kathleen Cooke Kathleen Cooke is an award-winning producer, actor, speaker and writer, and co-founder of Cooke Media Group and the nonprofit The Influence Lab and Influence Women. Kathleen is the author of Hope 4 Today: Stay Connected to God in a Distracted Culture, and posts the weekly online Influence Lab Journal and a weekly blog mentoring women in media, entertainment and leadership. She has been interviewed on top radio shows and podcasts as well as Christian TV networks such as CBN, TBN and The Hillsong Channel and in 2022 she was chosen as one of 10 Christian women of distinction to receive the She Leads America Award and a Certificate of Congressional Record for her outstanding work in the media and entertainment industry. Find out more at https://kathleencooke.com
Excellence. In a day when Disney, Netflix and other online video platforms compete for viewer attention, pastors and their media teams are understanding the greater need for excellence in their outreach. The Influence Lab is responding to the call to come and assist these Christian communicators as they strive to share the gospel in the ever-changing landscape of the digital age.
Please join us in prayer and consider partnering with us as Phil and Kathleen Cooke travel to train, equip and inspire in these global gatherings.
June 21-23: Amsterdam2023—This Empowered21 event will be one of the largest gatherings of different ministry organizations in the world, all focused on strategies for sharing the gospel message to every single person on the planet.
Joining top ministry leaders like Robert Morris, Cash Luna, Rob Hoskins, Chadwick Mohan, Goodwill Shana and Billy Wilson, Phil Cooke is a member of the E21 Global Councilwhich gives inspirational oversight to 14 Regional Cabinets across the world and helps bring resources to bear on crucial issues faced by the Spirit-empowered church. Phil will be meeting with the council, helping craft the ongoing strategy, especially when it comes to digital media. He and Kathleen will also be participating in this international conference focused on launching a new era of evangelism.
August 13-22: Brazil Global Kingdom Partner’s Network (GKPN)— GKPN is an invitation-only network of many of the largest churches and marketplace businesses in the world. Phil and Kathleen have spoken at many of these gatherings, and on this trip, Phil will be speaking to pastors and ministry leaders, and then to marketplace leaders in various cities in Brazil.
September 14-16:India Christian Media Conference (ICMA), Chennai, India—The largest gathering of Christian media leaders in all of India, it will be attended by TV and radio network executives, church media professionals and social media experts. With a population that now exceeds China, these Christian media professionals have a great desire to excel in their work as they share the gospel across their country. Phil and Kathleen are happy to share their expertise during this critical time for India.
These international trips are part of the global strategy of The Influence Lab. Through the prayers and financial support of our partners, we’re able to inspire these pastors and ministry leaders to excellence in their communications.
Can you help? Give a generous gift today and be a part of this global movement! Give here.
Check out the special offer! Give $35 or more – or consider a monthly recurring donation and get a special “thank you” from The Influence Lab. Find out more here.
Are you attending NRB 2023 in Orlando? If you’re a woman working in media, entertainment, arts, music or leadership, here’s a special Influence Women event you won’t want to miss!
Hollywood Decentralized: Why You Don’t Have to Live in LA to be a Female Filmmaker Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at the Orlando World Center Marriott 7:00-9:00 pm ET Contact us for details at info@influencewomen.org
Do you have to live in Hollywood to pursue a career in the industry? In this panel talk, Kathleen Cooke and top Christian women filmmakers and influencers will discuss the pros and cons of living in LA while exploring the options of other production hubs across the nation. The pandemic and valuable tax incentives have opened new film and television production hubs across the nation, and with it, tremendous opportunities for female filmmakers.
Sharing “boots on the ground” insight, attendees will gain actionable steps to pursue their careers outside of the Hollywood system in places like Florida, Atlanta, Nashville and Dallas. Writers, actors, directors, producers and crew members will gain valuable information to navigate their careers successfully in a new decentralized film industry.
Find out more about this special Influence Women event here. For more details and to request an invitation, contact us at info@influencewomen.org
Although Influence Women has its roots in Hollywood, this “branch” of The Influence Lab is spreading across the country. With chapters in key production cities like Nashville, Atlanta, Orange County and Hollywood, Influence Women are creating mentoring and supportive communities as they pursue their callings in media, entertainment, arts, music and leadership.
Become a member of Influence Women today! Get more information here.
Look how God is using the Russian translation of Phil’s book! Here’s the official press release of the new developments – all made possible by the generous partnership of those who are joining with us in the mission of The Influence Lab to train and equip pastors in places where media training is not easily accessible.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Translation of Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence” Equips Russian Evangelical Pastors in Time of War
In a time of war, Russian evangelical pastors are equipped to strategically share biblical truth in the digital age with a Russian translation of Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence—How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You.”
Los Angeles, CA (April 20, 2023) – Phil Cooke is maximizing his influence in the digital age with a Russian translation of his book, “Maximize Your Influence—How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You.” What began as a simple translation of the book has evolved into a bi-annual training program for Russian evangelical pastors and ministry leaders in Moscow. Funded by The Influence Lab and facilitated by trusted pastors inside Russia, this outreach equips Russian pastors and ministry leaders to strategically share the gospel, despite the current political climate.
“When I was approached about the translation project, we jumped on board quickly to raise funds,” said Phil Cooke, media producer and founder of Cooke Media Group and the nonprofit The Influence Lab. “These pastors desperately need the digital media training that will equip them to counteract propaganda with biblical truth.”
Bi-annual training sessions have incorporated the Russian version of “Maximize Your Influence” to train pastors across Russia.
Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence” equips ministry leaders with the mindset, messaging and hands-on strategies to effectively engage audiences in today’s digital generation. With a vision to empower pastors and Christian communicators with up-to-date media strategies, The Influence Lab specifically targets its mission to countries with limited access to teaching and training opportunities. With U.S. government-issued “do not travel” advisories and risks of “wrongful detention” in Russia, Phil’s book is a critical resource for Russian ministry leaders.
Two pastors with high-level influence and reach within the country were chosen as the key players to entrust with funds for the translation and publishing of the book. Because of these inside sources, the book has been “legitimately” published within Russia, thus avoiding any trouble with the government. Seven thousand copies of the book have been printed, and the most recent update reports the incorporation of the translated “Maximize Your Influence” into a bi-annual training program for evangelical pastors and their ministry teams in Russia.
“Maximize Your Influence” is endorsed by OneHope president Rob Hoskins, Avail leadership consultant Sam Chand, and YouVersion founder Bobby Gruenewald. The Russian translation opens the digital age to pastors in a country where the truth may be limited – but the internet with its possibilities for sharing the gospel is not.
Your partnership is having a global impact! Phil and Kathleen Cooke traveled to South Africa this month to participate in a gathering of marketplace and ministry leaders as part of the Global Kingdom Partners Network (GKPN).
Through these meetings, they were able to train and inspire international ministry leaders in strategic uses of digital media to help accomplish their missions.
GKPN members open the gathering with prayer.
Kathleen hosted the opening GKPN marketplace session, introducing new delegates and members and praying for their influence, skills, and talents to be integrated into the group for God’s Kingdom purposes.
As an example of the work GKPN is accomplishing, a leader of a Ukrainian children’s rescue organization shared how he has rescued 85,000 orphaned children, many of whom had been exported into Russia after their cities were bombed and their parents killed. Through the help of GKPN, he has brought many of these children back to the Ukraine where they have been placed in church orphanages and Christian homes for safe-keeping.
With many questions on how to use digital media effectively, Phil and Kathleen were able to offer this leader practical advice and specific strategies.
Kathleen commented, “We were honored to be there to help them with their questions so they can tell these children’s stories and share the love of God in a chaotic world.”
“Maximize Your Influence” helps Russian pastors use digital media strategically to share the gospel.
As of today, the book has been put into the hands of 490 Russian pastors and 720 Russian Christian businessmen, with the remaining 5790 copies to be distributed to influencers in the Russian-speaking world throughout 2023. Because of our sources inside Russia, the book has been “legitimately” published, thus avoiding any trouble with the government.
Leading the publishing project is Matts-Ola Ishoel, the senior pastor and president of Word of Life Centre in Moscow and president of Churches of Faith Russian Association of Christians of Evangelical Faith—an organization of 400 charismatic churches in Russia.
Another driving force for the project is Sergey Martyunichev, the deput president and development director for Word of Life Commonwealth Churches with 356 churches in Russia, Sergey also manages Golden Pages Publishing Centre, 14 business schools and a business club in Moscow.
Phil and Kathleen with Sergey, Matts-Ola and his wife Randi, key leaders in the Russian translation project.
With their influence and outreach in Russia, Matts-Ola Ishoel and Sergey Martyunichev were the key players we felt confident in entrusting funds to for this translation project. Phil’s book will have a far-reaching and long-lasting effect, enabling Russian pastors and influencers to be strategic in their communication of the gospel. The Influence Lab been privileged to have a role in impacting this nation for good.
We’re thankful for every Influence Lab partner who has prayed and given towards our global mission of training and equipping pastors and leaders to use media effectively. You share in the harvest of changed lives as the good news spreads in the digital age.
Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence” now in Russian!
UPCOMING: Through the GKPN meetings, Phil and Kathleen have been asked to conduct strategic training sessions overseas in the coming months. Your prayers and financial gifts enable The Influence Lab to accommodate these international invitations.
Next international outreaches: June: Amsterdam: Phil is on the Empowered21 Global Council, and he and Kathleen will be participating in Amsterdam2023, an international conference to collaborate and innovate with global ministry leaders with a goal to “launch a new era of evangelism.” August: Brazil(Details to come.) September: Chennai, India(Details to come.)
“The need to share our message never changes, but how we share it does.” —Phil Cooke, Maximize Your Influence—How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You
