The Founders, Richard and Janie Cook
The words that would broaden their focus in ministry after over 40 years as senior pastors:
“If you live and die and fail to put in print what I have taught you and fail to mentor the next generation, you will have failed in ministry."
These words were spoken to Pastor Richard Cook in his early-morning prayer time in the sanctuary of the church where he was senior pastor at the time.
As he continued to seek the Lord in the coming weeks and months, he became aware of certain changes and preparation that must take place to fulfill this call of God.
Training & mentoring meant more training & mentoring for himself
Enrolling in seminary even though he was past 50
This may also mean founding a training / mentoring program or school
This taking precedent over pastoral ministry at that time
This lead to many changes:
An investment of almost 8 years to finish an MDIV and a DMIN
A position to direct a two year Bible school on a large church campus for 5 years
Transitioning to director of a teaching site for a Christian University & Seminary
Founding a school of ministry (GSOM) and mentoring program
History of Ministry
At the age of 22 after completing two years of Bible school, Richard and Janie became the pastors of a church in a small Tennessee town. The church was on the verge of being closed and the property sold. Moving all the way from Washington state with their one year old daughter, they began as pastors of the little church that had two older ladies attending. They stayed two and a half years as the congregation grew to 75 people, with over 100 in attendance on special occasions. God sent other pastors after them and the growth continued. The church was able to buy other property and build a larger facility. The church is still going strong to this day!
They went on to plant two more churches in Tennessee, as well as pastor another established church there. At God’s direction, they moved to California in 1986 as God opened a door of ministry to pastor there. They remained as pastors there for 18 years, prior to becoming directors of a two year Bible school, relocating to a church campus in the San Joaquin Valley. In 2012 they were asked by their denominational leaders to assist Northside Assembly of God in Turlock during a difficult time, later being voted in as pastors. With God’s help and blessing they transitioned out of pastoring in February 2019 and Dr. Cook continued training men and women for ministry as an online professor for SUM Seminary as well as EPIC Seminary until his death in February 2025.
Throughout their ministry God has enabled them to mentor many men and women in ministry, uniquely ministering together on many topics and flowing together in the Gifts of the Spirit. Since Dr. Cook’s passing, Janie is continuing the ministry of GSOM for those who need classes required for their credentials.