Dr. Joe H. Cothen was born in Poplarville, Mississippi. He received his B.A.
from Mississippi College, then went on to New Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary, where he earned both his B.D. and his Th.D. Fifteen years later, he
achieved his M.A. at the University of Southern Mississippi.
He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, on the
destroyer USS Charles S. Sperry. On the home front, he was a teacher for
over thirty years, functioning in various capacities at New Orleans Baptist
Theological Seminary, including vice-president for academic affairs. He was also
an adjunct professor at William Carey College Coast Campus and a distinguished
lecturer in biblical studies.
In addition to teaching, Cothen also served three pastorates, starting at
Thomasville Baptist Church in Thomasville, Alabama. He then served as pastor of
Alta Woods Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, for ten years and of Oak Park
Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, for six years before retiring.
The Preacher's Notebook on Isaiah is a resource for
preachers to plan sermons based on the words of Isaiah, who is regarded as the
prince of prophets. Come to Bethlehem: The Christmas Story
contains a series of vignettes recounting the story of Christmas through the
eyes of observers and bystanders. In The Pulpit Is Waiting, the author teaches how to preach, offering outlines of sample sermons.
Equipped for Good Work: A Guide for Pastors, recently
reprinted in a second edition, addresses the problems and issues involved in
building and maintaining a church, from budgets to relating to the parishioners.
Finally, The Old, Old Story: A Guide for Narrative Preaching provides encouragement, guidance, and instruction on one of the most interesting
forms of proclamation.
Cothen resides in Covington, Louisiana.