— 2022 Inductee —
ED COLE
A Prophetic Calling
The Father of the Christian Men’s Movement” established a heritage that would influence generations, launched from a mission statement that propelled his life and ministry: “I have been called to speak with a prophetic voice to the men of this generation and commissioned with a ministry majoring in men to declare a standard for manhood, and that standard is that Manhood and Christlikeness are synonymous.
Early Life and Faith Foundations
Born in Dallas, Texas, Edwin Louis Cole was taken to Los Angeles by his mother, Florence, when he was just four years old after a doctor told her he would not survive without the sea air and sun to heal a severe case of scarlet fever. In Los Angeles, he grew up in Angelus Temple, founded by Aimee Semple McPherson, often acting in her “illustrated sermons” and witnessing miracles during the Depression years. His mother remained a faithful prayer warrior and evangelist throughout her life, profoundly shaping his spiritual foundation.
Faith Restored and Early Ministry
After falling away from the church and serving in World War II, Dr. Cole met and married Nancy Corbett. Through his mother’s prayers, he returned to the faith, led his bride to Christ, and resumed street witnessing, bringing dozens of Marines to faith. Within two years of his conversion, he accepted a pastorate in Northern California, and ten years later became the first full-time district men’s minister for a major denomination.
Legacy of Men’s Ministry
Unwilling to settle for pulpit successes, Dr. Cole spent the next two decades pastoring, evangelizing, and leading missions trips, while studying, praying, and seeking God. His lifelong mission—speaking prophetically to men, declaring a standard for manhood, and linking manhood with Christlikeness—cemented his legacy as a pioneering leader of the Christian men’s movement.
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