When the invitation first came in for Phil and Kathleen Cooke to speak in Brazil, we knew the trip would offer great potential to train Brazilian pastors and Christian business leaders. Still, the full scale of the impact was far greater than we could ever hope or imagine!
The Influence Lab is thrilled to report that THOUSANDS of ministry and business leaders in Brazil were impacted as they gleaned from the Cooke’s digital and media communications expertise. Additionally, new opportunities opened while in the country and we’re excited to share this good news with our Influence Lab partners.
Phil reports: Upon arrival, I spoke at a Pastor’s Conference in Goiania, Brazil and then at a Christian Business Leader’s Conference in Campinas. The pastor’s conference was an invitation-only event attended by 150 influential pastors across Brazil, responsible for nearly 4 million church members. I did a training session during the day, and one evening, I was the keynote speaker for a much larger gathering of 7,000 pastors, church, and small group leaders.
Thousands attended the meetings in Brazil.gathering of 7,000 pastors, church, and small group leaders.At the conference, a major publisher of Christian books in Brazil asked permission to translate and publish my Maximize Your Influence book in Portuguese. (Of course, I said yes!) These Brazilian pastors are very eager to get their hands on copies of this resource in their language.
The business conference was also invitation-only. More than 100 leaders attended, representing many of the largest businesses in the country, from agriculture, mining, automotive, media, and other industries.
During both events, Kathleen made significant contacts with women in leadership from the church and business worlds to share what she is doing with Influence Women in the United States. Many asked if they could start chapters in Brazil, and she was invited back to speak next year.
Pastor Paulo Mazoni leads the 20,000 member church in Belo Horizonte.
On our final Sunday in Brazil, I spoke at the 20,000-member Central Church in Belo Horizonte. Then, Kathleen and I hosted about 50 media leaders from the city’s church, advertising, and business worlds. I did a teaching session on media, and we both answered questions and spent time with the group.
What you’ve heard about what God is doing in the “global south” is true. While in Brazil, we discovered massive churches doing remarkable things in cities across the country. This trip allowed us to share how media and digital communication can make an even greater difference in their ability to transform that country for the gospel.
We’re grateful for The Influence Lab partners who joined with us in the mission of this trip. Because of your vision and generosity, we were able to inspire and train thousands of influential leaders in a way beyond our expectations. Thank you —Phil Cooke
More international trips coming up… more opportunities to train and equip leaders in nations throughout the world. September 14-16 India Christian Media Conference (ICMA) The largest gathering of Christian media leaders in India, ICMA attended by TV and radio network executives, church media professionals and social media experts.
October 24-28 Winnipeg, MB, Canada—Entrepreneur Leadership Network Conference Training sessions with Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders from across Canada.
November 14-18 Vancouver, BC, Canada—Entrepreneur Leadership Network Conference Training sessions with Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders from across Canada.
Partner with The Influence Lab! Together, we’re impacting pastors, ministry and media leaders worldwide, helping them share the good news of Jesus Christ effectively in the digital age. Want to help? Please pray for these upcoming trips and consider partnering with us financially today!
One of the greatest needs of Indonesia is more mature spiritual leaders1 and a new translation of Phil Cooke’s book, Maximize Your Influence—How to Make Digital Ministry Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You, is a catalyst toward that growth. The Indonesian translation project began when Phil and Kathleen were recently in Bangkok conducting media training sessions when Paulus Wiratno, speaker, author, and founder of Mercy Indonesia shared his passion to train pastors and media leaders throughout Indonesia.
“My dream is to help pastors and leaders learn and maximize the media ministry to reach Indonesia,” shared Wiratno. A country that is predominantly Muslim (80.3%) and only 15.9% Christian, the need for the gospel in Indonesia is enormous.
However—the opportunities available through digital media are tremendous. Equipping these Christian ministry leaders with effective digital strategies can have far-reaching effects.
“This translation project is a good example that while we in America and Europe take being ‘savvy’ with social media, video, streaming, and other platforms for granted,” commented Phil Cooke, “there is a significant need in many countries for that kind of training—especially when it comes to sharing the gospel.”
The translation and publishing project is underway and should be available soon, with an initial print run of 2,000 copies. With Phil’s “Maximize Your Influence” book translated, a new opportunity opens…
New Partner Opportunity – Bali Media Training, June 2024 Planning is in the works to conduct media training for Indonesian pastors and Christian communicators in June 2024. Paulus is our local leader for this training session, and we will use Bali as a central point for pastors and media leaders from across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
A partnership venture of MediAlliance International and The Influence Lab, training workshops offer a learning environment for ministry leaders to elevate their media skills. The intense training environment helps them gain a deeper grasp of digital strategies which extend their reach and effectiveness.
Can you help? With the help of generous partners in this important work, we can turn the heart of a nation towards the Lord Jesus Christ. As plans develop for Bali Media Training June 2024, your gifts now will help us confirm that dates and secure the best rates for travel.
Plus—if you give now, you can get your own copy of “Maximize Your Influence” as a special thank-you!*
Let’s turn this nation to God! Give your gift today >>
*Special partner offer! For your generous gift of $35 or more to The Influence Lab, you’ll receive one of Phil or Kathleen’s books as a special thank you! Choose your print or eBook when you give here.
There’s more! Sign up as a monthly partner with a recurring gift of $35 or more and choose two books. We can do so much more when we partner together. Give your recurring gift here.
Phil and Kathleen Cooke were thrilled to be in Amsterdam this June for Amsterdam2023, an Empowered21 historic global gathering of leaders focused on evangelism. Christine Caine (A21), Rick Warren (Saddleback Church), Sam Rodriguez (New Season Church), Bobby Gruenewald (Life.Church pastor/YouVersion founder) and Nicky Gumbel (Alpha Course pioneer) were a few of the many international leaders, pastors, evangelists and speakers who came together with a united vision to see God’s redemptive message of Jesus touch every corner of the world.\
Phil and Kathleen Cooke with ministry leaders Lord and Lady Edmiston, (Founders, Christian Vision), Mart Green (VP, Hobby Lobby), Bobby Gruenwald (Founder, YouVersion).
“As a member of the E21 Global Council with top ministry leaders like Robert Morris, Cash Luna, Rob Hoskins and others, I’ve had the honor of helping craft the ongoing strategy of E21, especially when it comes to digital media,” shared Phil Cooke. With a mission to reach a billion people by the year 2033, the 2000 anniversary of Pentecost, the Amsterdam gathering and global council meetings focused on strategies to help make that happen.
In addition to the Amsterdam meetings, Phil and Kathleen were interviewed by Christian news and talk show hosts for their global work in media and their ongoing efforts with The Influence Lab and Influence Women. “Our vision is to teach leaders how to share the story of Jesus more effectively,” Kathleen Cooke shared. “We’re mentoring and encouraging others in their ministry and media endeavors as they share the gospel in digital spaces and through film, television and the arts.”
These international trips are part of the global strategy of The Influence Lab. Through our partners’ prayers and financial support, we can inspire pastors and ministry leaders on a global scale with updated strategies to share the gospel more effectively.
Coming up… August 13-22: Brazil Global Kingdom Partner’s Network (GKPN)— GKPN is an invitation-only network of many of the world’s largest churches and marketplace businesses. 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—ICMA is the largest gathering of Christian media leaders in India, including TV and radio network executives, church media professionals and social media experts. With India’s population now exceeding 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.
Partner up! Give a generous gift today and join this global movement here.
Check out these special offers!For your generous gift of $35 or more or a monthly recurring donation, we have a special “thank you” gift for you! Find out more here.
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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Join us in this mission! Give your gift to The Influence Lab here.
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.
