Christian Leader Phil Cooke Urges Pastors to Provide Biblical Context for Israel-Hamas War

Christian media executive and church consultant Phil Cooke shares three things pastors can do to share truth with their congregations in the midst of confusing media messages. 

Los Angeles, CA (November 16, 2023) – With clashes intensifying in Gaza City as the Israel-Hamas war continues, Phil Cooke, Ph.D. – media executive, church consultant and founder of Cooke Media Group – calls on pastors to share truth with their churches and communities. “The more I see demonstrations in the streets supporting Hamas, with some of those demonstrators being Christians, the more I realize just how ignorant many American Christians are these days,” Cooke stated. 

He strongly urges pastors to break from their regular sermon schedule to offer a biblical context to the war. Cooke explained, “Even with believers earnestly seeking a Biblical perspective, it’s challenging to know what exactly is happening in Israel right now and what historically has led up to this moment.”

With a client list that includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world, Phil Cooke has produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. As a consultant to senior-level ministry leaders, he sees the current crisis in Israel as an opportunity for pastors to educate and mobilize their congregations.

In light of the global crisis, he suggests three things pastors should do right now:

1) Teach your congregations what the Bible says about the nation of Israel – its history, interaction with neighboring countries through the centuries, and God’s unfolding plan. A significant number of Christians don’t have an accurate context of Israel’s history and, as a result, don’t have a bigger picture of what’s happening.

2) Give them the knowledge they need to discuss these issues with friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The mainstream media and many politicians have been typically unsupportive of Israel, so the information their friends and family are getting is too often highly inaccurate and biased. Give your congregation the facts to help them dispel the myths.

3) Consider inviting a Rabbi from a local synagogue or a biblical scholar from a Christian university to visit your church to discuss what this means to the Jews and the world. An experienced authority can bring insightful background to help give your congregation more perspective on the war. Consider making this a special evening event so church members can invite friends. This could offer incredible impact and witness to your entire community.

“Don’t pass up an opportunity like this,” Cooke urged. “The stakes are high and this is a critical global moment.” To interview Phil Cooke, contact laura@cookemediagroup.com. To get news like this on a regular basis, sign up at PhilCooke.com here https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

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. He works at the intersection of faith, media and culture and he’s pretty rare – a working producer in Hollywood with a Ph.D. in Theology. His client list includes studios and networks like Walt Disney, Dreamworks and USA Network as well as major Christian organizations from Voice of the Martyrs, the Museum of the Bible, the Salvation Army, and YouVersion’s Bible app to many of the most respected churches in the country. Find out more at philcooke.com.

Main image photo by Iason Raissis on Unsplash

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