Tree Cooper

I am Tree Cooper and I have been the lead pastor here at Cornerstone since February 2017. Wow! I love these people. I have been married to the girl of my dreams, Robbin, since 2006. We have three kids that have been trying to train us since day one: Anna, Joshua, and Daniel. I love telling people about the God that loves us.

I cry when I read the Bible, and when I think about my amazing wife, and when I talk about my kids – God often brings me to my knees and to tears.  I wear bow ties because they are still hard for me to tie.  I hope to grow into a humble man someday.  God calls me “tree” to remind me of three challenges:  Trees bend without breaking; they listen without talking; and the Bible tells us that we will go out with joy and that the trees will lead a worship service while clapping their hands (Isaiah 55:12).  I don’t wear shoes when I preach so I can remember God’s holy presence.  I would rather play with the kids than the adults and I love my job.

I am a product of brilliant teachers and mentors from Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, and Gateway Seminary.  Try any of these schools for an adventure that will last forever.

My wife and I share a birthday – February 18th.  I was born again on June 30th.  I celebrate them both.

Places: Heaven is my favorite.  Really looking forward to the relocation. I also LOVE Colorado… anywhere in Colorado (the closest state to God).

Books: I love any book that calls God’s people to repentance. I also love Thomas Merton books, and any book I can read to kindergarteners, and Russian literature like Gogol because that started a Christian revolution before that was cool.

Music: My introduction to Christian music was BeBe and CeCe Winans. Then there was PID (Preachers in Disguise) – that is serious old school Christian Rap (shout out to Fred Lynch). Rich Mullins music brings me closer to God than I can talk about. Today I have a healthy diet of Ross King, Andrew Peterson, and Jeff Hendrick music.

Movies & TV: Star Wars.

Hobbies: I like learning how to play musical instruments. I could ski all day if the snow is good. I love driving my Jeep because I love seeing places that are hard to find.

Favorite Scripture Verse: You will have to listen to a couple of my sermons to know what my favorite verse is, but I do have to say that I am partial to Psalm 119 and 2 Kings 6:16, “Do not fear, for those that are with us are greater than those who are with them.”