G. Michael Cocoris is a communicator. He possesses the ability to make even complicated subjects simple, clear, and practical. His breadth of experience has allowed him to relate to a wide range of audiences. He has been an evangelist, conference speaker, adjunct professor, visiting lecturer, author, pastor, and world traveler.Michael received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tennessee Temple University (1962), a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (1966), and a Doctorate of Divinity from Biola University (1984).While in seminary, Mike was Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pattonville, Texas (1963-66), where he was ordained. From 1966 to 1974, he was an itinerant evangelist, speaking in churches, youth camps, conferences, service clubs, high schools, colleges, and seminaries throughout the United States. He was the youth speaker at the Blue Water Camp and Conference Center, Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada, for six summers. In 1974, he became Vice President of EvanTell Inc. in Dallas, Texas, and an Adjunct Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. He became Senior Pastor of the historic Church of the Open Door in 1979, first in downtown Los Angeles and later in Glendora, CA. While at the Church of the Open Door, he had a daily radio broadcast that was heard on as many as 59 stations. Besides writing numerous magazine articles, mainly for Biblical Research Monthly, Mike has authored several books, including Evangelism: A Biblical Approach, Lordship Salvation: Is it Biblical?, Seventy Years on Hope Street, The Salvation Controversy, and Repentance, the Most Misunderstood Word in the Bible. In addition, he was a contributor to The NKJV Study Bible and Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary.Mike has spoken in more than 40 states, conducted tours to the Holy Land, England, Europe, and China, has served on the board of four Christian organizations, including a college and a university, and has been listed in Who's Who in Religion.Since 1996, Mike has been the Pastor of The Lindley Church in Tarzana, CA. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Santa Monica, CA.
