A Life at the Crossroads: An Autobiography

by Michael L. Cooper-White

Publisher:

Resource Publications

, 2024

A Life at the Crossroads tells the story of a Minnesota farm boy who became an inner-city pastor, high-profile denominational executive, and the last president of the world's most historic seminary (Gettysburg Lutheran). Cooper-White, who is also a commercial pilot and flight instructor, pursued journalism following his ministerial career. In clear and winsome prose, he shares his personal autobiography along with a treasure trove of twentieth-century ecclesiastical history. From facing machine guns in Chile and El Salvador to taking on church controversies over sexuality and ecumenical initiatives, to leading consolidation of two rival seminaries, Cooper-White's is the story of a cleric who took seriously the call to be a public theologian. The consolidation of the two institutions, which had failed in a half-dozen previous attempts, offers a case study in patient and persistent long-term leadership.

Praise for A Life at the Crossroads

“A Life at the Crossroads is a master class in leadership, told through a compelling life story. Michael Cooper-White has been an eyewitness to key events in church and society, and he has participated in them with vision and courage.”

—H. George Anderson, former presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America



“Michael Cooper-White’s captivating autobiography is truly revelatory, firstly, in the sense that it honestly lays bare vital details of his eventful life. Further, in an earthy way, this work provides an inspiring glimpse into God’s relentless grace at work as this Midwestern farm boy has traversed various pathways of opportunity, adventure, and even danger, in pursuit of a multifaceted calling. Readers will receive encouragement for their own adventures and may well be lured to look out for next steps as the author continues his ‘unfinished journey.’”

—Michael Miller, executive vice president and dean, Brite Divinity School

Product Details

• Title: A Life at the Crossroads: An Autobiography
• Author: Michael L. Cooper-White
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2024
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666789904, 9781666789898, 1666789895, 9781666789881, 1666789887, 1666789909
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666789904
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-26T02:03:11Z

About Michael L. Cooper-White

The Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, D.D. is the 12th president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, having served in that office since 2000. As president, he is the Seminary’s chief pastoral leader, chairs the faculty, coordinates administrative team leaders, and works closely with the Board of Directors in institutional planning and oversight. He also serves on a rotating basis as Executive Director of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries, and is currently chair of the Conference of Seminary Presidents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Cooper-White was born and raised in rural west central Minnesota and was graduated Summa Cum Laude from Concordia College, Moorhead. Prior to enrolling at Gettysburg Seminary, from which he received the Master of Divinity degree in 1976, he studied law at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., worked in a congressional office, and was a secondary school substitute teacher. He was a Cronhardt scholar at the seminary, participated in the Lutheran House of Studies in Washington, and completed his internship with the Lutheran Church in Chile. In 2003, President Cooper-White was awarded an honorary doctorate by Susquehanna University. President Cooper-White came to Gettysburg with a distinguished career of service in the church. He was Executive Assistant to the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, simultaneously serving as Director of the ELCA’s Department for Synodical Relations. In the latter capacity, he was chief staff person for the Conference of Bishops, and responsible for oversight of the ELCA churchwide organization’s relationship with the church’s 65 synods. He has been a consultant to and developed resources for ELCA and ecumenical church leaders throughout the U.S. and in Latin America. Previous ministry experience included service as an inner city parish pastor in Los Angeles, directing an urban coalition and ecumenical council in the San Francisco Bay area, and serving as assistant to two synod bishops in California. Fluent in Spanish, Pastor Cooper-White has consulted in the development of bilingual and multicultural ministries, and taught urban ministry and Lutheran polity at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. In addition to providing administrative oversight for the Seminary, Pr. Cooper-White teaches church administration and leadership. He is the author of the following books published by Augsburg/Fortress: On a Wing and a Prayer: Faithful Leadership in the 21st Century (2005); Church Administration: Purpose, Programs, Process (2007 with Robert Bacher); The Comeback God: A Theological Primer for a Life of Faith (2009); and of numerous articles and devotional materials. He serves on the boards of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries and Washington Theological Consortium, as well as the National Trust for Historic Gettysburg. Married to the Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White, an Episcopal priest who serves as Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, Pastor Cooper-White is the father of three children, Aaron, Adam and Macrina. His avocation as a pilot and flight instructor has included serving as a chaplain with the Civil Air Patrol.