PASTOR JAMES E. COOK 

​Pastor Cook is a native of Selma, Alabama. He has lived in a covenant relationship with his beautiful wife, Erica, since 1991, and graced with three blessed gifts to this union- two wonderful sons (Davonta and Jamarre) and a lovely daughter (Jaden).

Pastor Cook received his primary and secondary education in the public schools of Selma and Dallas County, Alabama. Upon graduating from high school he served faithfully and honorably in the United States Air Force.

Pastor Cook received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Virginia University of Lynchburg. He attended the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia where he received his Master of Divinity Degree.

Pastor Cook faithfully served as Pastor of the Trinity Community Baptist Church located in Roanoke, Virginia for more than nine years. He served in the Valley Baptist Association of the Roanoke Valley. He also served as President of the Social Justice Department in the Virginia Baptist State Convention. Pastor Cook has also held the position of Co-President of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University Alumni Association.

The congregation of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina was blessed when Pastor Cook became the pastor on October 1, 2007. Since that time Pastor Cook has made a positive impact on the congregation, the community and the state. During his first year at St. Stephen he was selected to participate in the Wake Forest University Holy Land Pastoral Renewal Program. He was also a participant in Project Rising Sun, an initiative of the Fund for Theological Education. This program is a two-year leadership program for gifted young pastoral leaders. Pastor Cook also completed the Engle Institute of Preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary. This event focused on strengthening the craft of preaching.

Under Pastor Cook’s leadership the church continues to focus on ministries that will positively impact the world. Preaching, soul-saving, community outreach, and faithful service have been the touchstones that guide Pastor Cook.  

To quote Pastor Cook, “The church has marching orders to turn the world upside down through preaching, teaching, witnessing, and praying in a spirit of love and grace until Christ returns for His church.” 

Pastor Cook’s accomplishments include, but certainly are not limited to; the establishment of the following: Good Samaritan Food Pantry and Clothing Closet; “Preparing Leaders for God’s Tomorrow” Summer Camp; and Annual Family and Friends Day.

JAMES E. COOK Senior Pastor