Andy Cook
Senior Pastor
andy@shirleyhills.org

How long have you been serving at Shirley Hills Baptist Church?
Since January 1997

What are the names of your family members?
I've been married to Melody since 1979, Our three daughters include Summer (who is married to Mike), Melinda, and Courtney. Alexa is our first grandchild ... want to see some pictures? Melinda is a student at Southeastern Seminary, and Courtney is a student at the University of Georgia.

Do you have pets? (what are their names)
We have too many pets. Kelsey is the only dog, Sable and Sami are the ruling class of cats, while another community of cats work in the woods around our house, clearing the area of mice, snakes, and other dogs. If you want a cat, call me.

What is your favorite book?  What are you reading currently?
There’s always a book. If it’s for fun, it might be the latest offering from John Grisham. If it’s about the Bible, there’s a good chance it has to do with Israel, or our Jewish heritage as followers of Christ. I like listening to books, too. Just finished a 20-hour monster covering the incredible story of Deitrich Bonhoffer. 

If we turned on your radio/CD Player/iPod what are we likely to hear?
Chris Tomlin will be on my iPod. But so will Sara Evans and Brad Paisley. I workout with Chris, and ride the tractor with Sara and Brad. 

When did you accept Christ’s gift of salvation as your very own?
I grew up in a Christian home, accepted Christ at age 9, and have been on a journey with Jesus ever since.

What is your favorite vacation destination?
My idea of a great vacation would involve hiking, wherever the adventure might take us. If I had 100 trips left to take, I’d book 99 of them right now for Israel. My wife, on the other hand, likes the beach. So more than likely, I’ll see you next year on the beach.

Is there a particular story you would want the world to know about?
I want the world to know about Jesus. There’s more to this than simply accepting Christ, being baptized, and hoping you’ll find a church that provides good friends and decent meals on Wednesday nights. Following a rabbi in ancient Israel with a life-transforming event. The more I understand what Jesus was asking for when he said, “Follow me,” the more I realize I’ve still got a long ways to go. But God seems to enjoy the journey we take, the wrestling matches over the tough questions, and the discoveries we make at different stages of life. And this is the story I’m telling.