Edwin Louis Cole

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Edwin Louis Cole – Life, Ministry, and Legacy of the “Father of Christian Manhood”

Learn about Edwin Louis Cole (1922-2002), founder of the Christian Men’s Network. Discover his life, ministry, core teachings on manhood, famous quotes, and enduring influence.

Introduction

Edwin Louis Cole (often called Ed Cole) was an influential American Christian minister, author, and speaker, widely known as the founder of the Christian Men’s Network (CMN).

Cole’s primary calling was to engage, challenge, and disciple men—encouraging them toward Christian maturity, integrity, and leadership in their homes, churches, and society. His messages on manhood, character, responsibility, and spiritual growth influenced a generation of men’s ministries in the late 20th century.

In this article, we’ll explore Cole’s life, key teachings, famous sayings, and the legacy he left behind.

Early Life and Formative Years

Edwin Louis Cole was born in 1922 in Dallas, Texas, USA. scarlet fever, and doctors warned that he might not survive without access to sea air and sun. His mother, Florence, relocated with him to Los Angeles to aid his recovery.

He grew up in Los Angeles and attended Belmont High School in downtown LA.

During the Great Depression years, the ministry context of the Angelus Temple and Los Angeles’s skid row shaped Cole’s sensitiveness to social needs, suffering, and the role of the church to reach people on the margins.

Military Service and Early Ministry

During World War II, Cole served in the United States Coast Guard. Nancy Corbett, who would become his wife and ministry partner.

After his war service, Cole recommitted himself to Christian witness and street evangelism. Within about two years, he accepted a pastorate in Northern California, serving a local church while continuing his evangelistic efforts.

In subsequent years, Cole became a district men’s minister (or a denominational men’s leader) in a larger Christian organization, combining pastoral, evangelistic, and media work (radio, television) to reach men.

Founding the Christian Men’s Network & Ministry Expansion

In 1977, Edwin Louis Cole founded the Christian Men’s Network (CMN), an organization devoted specifically to men’s discipleship, leadership, and spiritual growth.

At the time, Cole was still involved in multiple ministry roles—including television ministries, a ministry school chancellorship, and radio work—but in 1984 he stepped away from those to concentrate fully on CMN and its mission.

Under his leadership, CMN developed a wide network of men’s ministries, local chapters, retreats, conferences, study materials, audio and video resources, and training programs.

By the time of his passing, CMN claimed representation in more than 210 countries.

Bill McCartney, founder of the Promise Keepers movement, acknowledged Cole as a mentor and credited him with helping lay groundwork for modern men’s ministry movements.

Core Teachings and Philosophy

Cole’s central focus was on Christian manhood—what it means to be a mature, godly, responsible man in faith, family, church, and society. His themes often combine spiritual devotion, moral integrity, and practical disciplines. Below are several core facets of his teaching:

Manhood and Christlikeness

One of Cole’s signature statements is:

“Manhood and Christlikeness are synonymous.”

For him, to be a true man meant to cultivate the character, love, self-sacrifice, moral strength, and servant-heart modeled by Jesus Christ. A man’s spiritual maturity should manifest as maturity of character.

Responsibility, Integrity & Discipleship

Cole emphasized personal responsibility—not merely in religious devotion, but in how men lead their homes, make decisions, maintain moral boundaries, and serve others.

He often called men to integrity in sexuality, finances, relationships, and personal discipline, arguing that compromises in private character would leak into public life and legacy.

He also believed men should be disciples—lifelong learners—both spiritually and practically, willing to grow, repent, teach, and be accountable.

Confronting Compromise

Cole did not shy away from difficult topics. He challenged men on issues such as sexual sin, pornography, moral compromise, and slavery to temptation. He believed men should repent and live transparently in these areas.

He saw many societal problems—broken families, weak leadership, social breakdown—as downstream effects of compromised character in men. Thus, his ministry prioritized inner transformation as foundation of social influence.

Simplicity & Memorable Principles

Cole had a distinctive teaching style: short, punchy statements, vivid metaphors, and concise principles (often called “Coleisms”).

One of his cherished quotes:

“You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.”

Another:

“Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of choice.”

Published Works & Media Output

Edwin Louis Cole was a prolific author and communicator.

Some notable works include:

• Maximized Manhood – perhaps his most recognized book, summing up his vision for Christian masculinity.

• Strong Men in Tough Times

• The Irresistible Husband

• Communication, Sex, and Money

In addition, Cole recorded over 1,000 audiotapes and produced more than 200 instructional videos to teach men’s principles worldwide.

His content has been translated, adapted, and used in men’s ministries globally via CMN’s network.

Later Life, Death, and Succession

In 1993, Cole and his wife Nancy moved back to Texas to continue his ministry more centrally. 2000.

In 2002, while being treated for a broken back, Cole was diagnosed with marrow cancer. He collapsed on August 25, 2002 and died on August 27, 2002, at age 79.

After his passing, his son Paul Louis Cole and other leaders continued to steward CMN and carry forward his vision of discipling men.

Legacy and Influence

The impact of Edwin Louis Cole continues to be felt in multiple arenas:

• He is often called “the father of the modern Christian men’s movement.”

• Many men’s ministries, conferences, and networks trace inspiration or foundational influence to his teaching and example.

• His emphasis on character, spiritual maturity, and practical discipleship shaped how Christian communities approach men’s roles, fatherhood, and relational leadership.

• CMN remains active globally, distributing his teaching materials and training men in many nations.

While some critique or debate the tone, approach, or emphasis of any men’s movement, Cole’s clarity, conviction, and influence in raising conversations about Christian masculinity remain significant.

Famous Quotes (Coleisms)

Here are some of Edwin Louis Cole’s memorable statements, often cited in men’s ministry circles:

• “Manhood and Christlikeness are synonymous.”

• “Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of choice.”

• “You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.”

• “Teach to teach to teach.”

• “Christians are not patched-up sinners, they are new creations.”

• “Do not let others create your world for you, for they will always create it too small.”

These pithy lines reflect his conviction that spiritual insight should translate into memorable, actionable truths.

Lessons from Edwin Louis Cole

1. Leadership begins with character — External influence flows from internal integrity.

2. Spiritual maturity demands responsibility — True faith expresses itself in daily decisions: family, work, relationships.

3. Clarity and simplicity aid application — Deep truth can be made accessible through crisp principles.

4. Courage to challenge compromise — Growth often comes not by comfort but by confronting areas of weakness.

5. Discipleship is generational — Investing in men builds stronger families, churches, and communities.

6. Legacy depends on continuity — A movement is sustained only as others carry forward the vision faithfully.

Conclusion

Edwin Louis Cole stands as a seminal figure in modern Christian men’s ministry. Through his founding of the Christian Men’s Network, his writings, speaking, and mentorship, he challenged men to live with discipline, Christlikeness, and spiritual maturity. His impact endures not merely in the organizations that continue, but in the lives changed by his call to serious manhood.