“The Last Time I Heard Jerry Cook Speak”

For the last 35 years one of the most impacting voices in my life has been Jerry Cook.  Jerry formed the theology of many leaders in the Church. Recently, Jerry went home to be with the Lord.  Just before his death, Jerry wrote the foreword to my book, The Leadership Rock, that contained several stories about Jerry. He left behind so much for so many.  His impact will unfold like a progressive gift for decades to come.

When I last heard Jerry speak it was to a group of pastors in Oregon. The setting was intimate and casual.  Jerry sat upon his iconic stool and shared without notes from the pool of wisdom that refreshed so many of us over the years.  As Jerry spoke, I took notes.  I have included these “one-liners” that Jerry was known for that continue to help adjust our thinking toward a deeper revelation of God and His Kingdom.

Here are those simple, yet profound, words from Jerry:

“We wear masks in fear of the consequence of exposure. Biblical fellowship allows the mask to be removed without fear of rejection.”

“The only atmosphere we can control is the one around us.”

“Don’t create images.  When you get close you will see they are only made of stone.”

“Image is nothing. That is why it is called an image – its fake.”

“When you come and meet with us you are meeting with Him.  He is in us.”

“Be the person you want your church to become.

“I treat all people as people who are on their way to Jesus.  He said, ‘I will draw all people to Myself.’ Don’t make it difficult for people.”

“Why do we focus on behavior? So we can judge another person.”

“Familiarity only breeds contempt if you are contemptible. You breed who you are.”

“Jesus uses our scars to heal people. He used His scars to heal Thomas.”

“Transparency is not knowing everything about me – it is seeing the real me. Jesus didn’t disclose all of Himself to everyone.”

“Public image is created by what people need you to be.”

“The greatest thing a leader can do is to have a right view of God.”

“Our greatest neurosis is guilt towards God. We will use others to fill our deficit to be loved and accepted.”