936-355-4637
7
HUNTSVILLE LIVING / BEST OF HUNTSVILLE | MAY 2024 11
Reagan Cooksey :
Keeping it Practical
“ I just try to show God ’ s love in practical ways ,” is the thesis of Rev . Reagan Cooksey . The longtime Senior Pastor of Huntsville ’ s Northside Baptist Church , Cooksey is also a de facto Dean of local clergy .
“ I just may be the longest serving pastor here ,” said Cooksey .
In his time at Northside over the last 37 years , Cooksey saw a church of around 30 grow into a staggering 2,700 members now . “ We average around 650 on Sundays ,” said Cooksey .
When reflecting on his tenure , Cooksey says the accomplishment that fills him the most was not a building , but the building up of new disciples . “ I ’ m happy that our new sanctuary seats 800 , but more important is the fact that ¾ of our services begin with baptism ,” said Cooksey . “ Many churches aren ’ t seeing lives changed like that , so it ’ s humbling ,” Cooksey continued .
“ It could have been anybody in this pulpit , but God saw fit for it to be me ,” said Cooksey .
Cooksey credits his wife and son , and his own father ’ s example for helping him lead a model family , and how that helped him live into his pastoral call . Cooksey ’ s family is the stuff stories are made of . He and his wife Vicki , met in high school . They would have one son , Rodney . And Rev . Cooksey would not be the only member of his family to be distinguished for being present .
“ God had his hand on us , because Vicki and Rodney went 12 years without missing a day of school or work ,” said Cooksey . “ Rodney got a little upset when a girl came up after him a few years later , graduating from HHS with perfect attendance from K-12 , and a local dealership gave her a new car … he got a certificate ,” said Cooksey laughingly .
Superintendent of Huntsville Independent School District Dr . Scott Sheppard cited a recent fish fry held by Northside for District Staff and local first responders . “ It ’ s just another example of the great work they do in the community ,” said Sheppard . “ They reach out to see what we
THANK YOU WALKER COUNTY
“ Often Out Promised , Seldom Out Performed ”
936-355-4637
CWILC69 @ GMAIL . COM www . cowboycontractorsllc . com
7
Best Handyman Best Home Contractor / Repair / Remodel
HUNTSVILLE LIVING / BEST OF HUNTSVILLE | MAY 2024 11