Gardner C. Taylor Scholars: Prophetic Leadership – Social Justice and Political Action
The purpose of this Focus Group is to empower preachers and pastors to fulfill the prophetic mantle placed upon them by way of their ministerial calling. This will be done through an examination of the prophetic preaching tradition within the Scriptures as well as within the history of the African American Church. Focus will be given to the historical background and contemporary relevance of both preaching and ministry that address the social and political realities of our time.
Education & Professional
Rev. Dr. Leroy Cothran was born and reared in the city of Rome Georgia. After matriculating through the Floyd County public school system, he enlisted in the United States Airforce. He accepted Christ, baptized in a creek, and was called to preach at the age of nine. In 1983, Dr. Cothran rededicated his life to Christ and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. From that life- changing experience, Dr. Cothran began to operate in the gifts of the spirit with emphasis on the gifts of healing, deliverance, word of knowledge and prophecy. Dr Cothran confessed that the moment he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, was the exact moment he found himself. His service to his country brought him to Dayton Ohio, where, after twenty-two years, he retired from military service at Wright-Patterson A. F. B. Ohio. During this time Dr. Cothran joined the United Missionary Baptist Church, became a deacon, and was later called to preach the Word of God. After the death of the Rev. Dr. Charles Fair, and after a week of prayer and fasting, the congregation of the United Missionary Baptist Church voted Dr. Cothran as Pastor. He was ordained and installed in June 1992. He has served this congregation for thirty-one years.
Dr. Cothran received a BS Degree in Business Management from Park University, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from the United Theological Seminary. At the present time Dr. Cothran serves as a Mentor for the Gardner C. Taylor Scholars: Prophetic Leadership, Social Justice and Political Action focus group at United Theological Seminary, an academic advisor to Master of Divinity students, and adjunct professor.
Dr. Cothran has served as a board member of the Montgomery County Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coalition; the Montgomery County Infant Mortality Coalition, and many other social and civic organizations too numerous to mention. When time permits, Dr. Cothran enjoys fishing, hunting, and reading. His greatest moment in life is when someone gives their life to Jesus Christ.