The history of Cook Native American Ministries begins with the work of Karl Koch, who emigrated to Arizona from Germany in 1855. Answering the call of God in his life, he came to Arizona in 1870 to work as a teacher and missionary with Pima Indians. He changed his name to Charles Cook. His forty year ministry led to the establishment of Cook Bible School in 1911 in Tucson. Over its almost 100 year history, Cook has lived into its mission and ministry in a variety of places with many different expressions. The tapestry is rich.

Cook is in the midst of an exciting transition that represents a new extension of the tapestry. Soon the property will be sold and the interest earned off the assets will be used to fund the programs. The corpus of the money from the sale will be preserved in perpetuity. A small staff will manage the Cook Ministries. Existing programs that include Winter and Summer Term, the Commissioned Lay Pastor Program, Workshops on Wheels, and the Community Leadership Program will all continue, and many new programs will be developed.

The mission of Cook Native American Ministries believes in the empowerment of Native American through education for leadership in churches and community. In light of their indigenous experiences, participants are challenged in their academic, personal, and spiritual growth to express the gospel in ways that will empower others to develop spiritually within the diverse cultures to which they may be called.

We invite your inquiries about Cook Native American Ministries. We also encourage our supporters to stand with us as we move through the transition. I ask that you catch the vision of our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, many years from now, still celebrating the vision, heritage, and legacy of Charles H. Cook.

The Rev. Dr. Larry R. Norris, PhD
President