David Cook is an ordained United Methodist pastor who has served
churches in California
and Alabama. He
received his BA in Religion and Philosophy from Birmingham-Southern College and his Masters in Divinity from Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. After serving churches in Alabama and working as a National Guard chaplain, David was endorsed
as a full-time Army chaplain. He served a total of twenty-five years as a chaplain
working a variety of positions.
As an Army Chaplain David
not only counseled with people in crisis situations like death, rape and assault, but he also instituted small group sessions
to assist victims in finding emotional healing.
David applied for
and was chosen for this work through a grant from the United Methodist
Church under the direction of Dr. Bruce Cook of the Crime Victims Advocacy Council
in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Cook has provided specialized training for crime victim chaplains and continues
to monitor and mentor a small group of newly selected individuals.
David’s work
in the Army has given him the unique opportunity of serving the spiritual needs of a wide variety of faith backgrounds. He is at home among Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Native Americans, Orthodox,
Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as among the vast variety of Protestants.
He has learned to respect the faith of others while still offering spiritual help and guidance.
