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Now is the Time to Share Stories that Deepen Faith
I am a retired minister with over 40 years of pastoral experience, having served in the U.S. and Spain across denominations like the Congregational Methodist, Independent Methodist, and United Methodist Churches. Now, I live in Tampa, Florida, with my wife, Melissa, and our two lively dogs, Gertie and Eddie. We love volunteering at our local church, spending time with our granddaughter, and exploring the Bay Area’s incredible restaurants.
Throughout my ministry, I wrote lessons and articles for denominational and mission publications. In retirement, I’ve returned to my passion for writing, revisiting old manuscripts and creating new works in both fiction and non-fiction. Inspired by words attributed to Abraham Lincoln, “I will get ready and my time will come,” I feel the time is now to share stories that deepen faith and encourage closer relationships with Jesus Christ.
Learn more about my journey and mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
The joy of my heart is writing fictional stories that paint a vivid picture of some aspect of the Christian faith and walk just as Charles Dickens did in his riveting portrayal of Christmas in A Christmas Carol. If I can paint a word picture half as poignant and edifying as Dickens accomplished in this one story, I will have accomplished my dream.
Jesus is the greatest teacher the world has ever encountered. Every now and then, I have to remind myself that Jesus spent most of his time teaching people through parables and not didactic punctiliar pronouncements. His parables are a form of fiction that not only encapsulates Biblical principles and doctrines but, more importantly, illustrate how those teaching points are to be enacted in the lives of the people who seek to follow Jesus. Modern fiction allows me to paint verbal landscapes of the life and teachings of Jesus.
Yes. On the drawing board I have three or four works that await editing and rewrites. One of these is The Art of Holiness, a work that is designed to show the significant relationship between great art and true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Without a doubt, J.R.R. Tolkien – perhaps the greatest epic storyteller the English-speaking world has ever known. Second on the list is C. S. Lewis, but not for the reasons you may suspect. I think his Chronicles of Narnia is the best collection of theological tomes ever written. Both of these author’s works cross generational lines and eras to remain as pertinent today as when they were written. How odd it is that the two writers were close friends.
Perhaps for the same reason, J. K. Rowling wanted to write the Harry Potter novels. She loved to write. As she stated herself, “For as long as I can remember I wanted to be an author, and I am at my happiest alone in my writing room making things up.” Not only that, but the late Paul Harvey once remarked that Rowling saved reading for the youth of the world. I want to save reading for the Christians who are not of the world but remain in the world.
My dream is to enhance the eyes of your faith. I want you to see more clearly what it means to follow, serve, love, and live for Christ. If I can do that by helping you to better perceive the truths of Scripture through entertainment, encouragement, and education, then I will have accomplished my primary goal. Many years ago, I learned that it is one thing to see a copy of great art printed in a book, but it is altogether more impressionable to see that work of art up close in a museum. I want my work to be the act of placing you in a verbal museum where you might better perceive the timeless truths of Jesus.
One of my ambitions is to tell a story of the dangers and weaknesses of Artificial Intelligence (AI), not just for Christians but for the world at large. It could become my first endeavor into the realm of science fiction. So, without revealing the direction of the project, let me just say that it would revolve around a loophole in AI. Let me also be clear that it will have everything to do with Jesus.
One year in college, I failed an English Language final exam. This was very bad news for me. However, I wasn’t the only one. Thankfully, the professor offered us an opportunity to take another test. Once assembled, he gave us the option of answering a series of questions or writing a story to show our grasp of the language. I chose the latter. I wrote a story about my fellow classmates who were sitting for the exam with me. I passed. I’ve been writing ever since.
I believe in the cardinal doctrines of historic Protestant Christianity. Suffice it to say that I believe in the Five Solas: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Christus (Christ alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone).
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Her Sacrificial Gift, Book 2 in The Biblical Vignettes of Charles DuBois
Could She Give Her Only Treasure in Her Darkest Moment?
Sarah Alderman was born with a song in her heart—a gift from God to sustain her through life’s greatest challenges. When called to endure hardships that would make others falter, Sarah’s faith and resilience shone brightly. But nothing could prepare her for the moment God asked her to give her most precious treasure to save an orphanage in desperate need. Her story of sacrifice and unwavering faith will leave you questioning: What would you be willing to give?
"A TESTAMENT TO THE ENDURING RELEVANCE OF BIBLICAL TEACHINGS"
Cooper Stinson has taken his long-time dream of writing and transformed it into a powerful reality. His latest works brilliantly reimagine Biblical vignettes as modern cautionary tales, seamlessly blending ancient truths with contemporary challenges. With a growing talent for character development and vivid storytelling, Cooper’s books are a testament to the enduring relevance of Biblical teachings. I’ve read the first two in his series and can hardly wait to see what’s next!
~Elizabeth Armistead
"A Profound Exploration of the Christian Story and its Call to Reevalute Our Values "
Joseph is a character who stays with you long after the final page. Like Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, he embarks on a courageous journey to discover that having nothing can lead to having everything. In this compelling book, Cooper Stinson masterfully tackles materialism, one of the most challenging issues facing Christians today, and challenges readers to reflect on what truly matters in life. With thought-provoking storytelling and characters who wrestle with faith and sacrifice, Stinson offers a profound exploration of the Christian story and its call to reevaluate our values.
~Mike Lovelady
"A Powerful Story of Love, Grief, and Faith"
My Father's Friend by Cooper Stinson is a beautifully written exploration of love, grief, and faith. The story follows BB and Joseph through the challenges of illness and loss as BB's faith blossoms through the care of her nurse, Althea. Joseph's journey of grief and unexpected transformation, guided by a supportive group and Father Brown, reveals the beauty of generosity and renewed faith. This poignant book delves deeply into the themes of lasting love, family, and the true meaning of life.
~Nicolle Swartz
Snatch Them In PIty
How Far Would You Go to Right a Wrong?
In Snatch Them in Pity, retired pastor Lloyd Roberson finds unexpected love with Patricia Myers, a compassionate funeral director. Together, they stumble upon a secretive vigilante group backed by a progressive church, seeking justice for society’s most vulnerable. As Lloyd and Patricia uncover the truth, they face life-threatening decisions that challenge their faith and moral compass. Will they risk it all to expose the darkness within?
The Blog
Reflections to Inspire and Strengthen Your Journey in Faith
Get Ready to Follow Future Vignettes of Charles DuBois as They Arrive
In His Right Mind
Book 3 of The Biblical Vignettes of Charles DuBois
Everyone in the neighborhood thought constantly of him, a disheveled man sitting on a concrete tree guard in front of a pancake restaurant. They knew him to be not just dangerous but eerily so. He’d been arrested several times. The police could hardly restrain him. On a couple of occasions, he’d broken the plastic handcuffs and bloodied a policeman’s nose. He was a frequent resident at the psyche ward, where he would be medicated and released only to return home, but home was the tree guard. No one could do anything with him until... a pastor walked by, and everything changed.
Bearing the Cross
Book 4 of The Biblical Vignettes of Charles DuBois
He’d heard and sung the hymn, Living by Faith, more times than he could remember. The first part of the third stanza confesses, “From all harm safe, In His sheltering arms...” Never had James even considered that this promise wouldn’t be true. But then came his call to carry a cross for Jesus. The cross he was called to bear was unthinkable. It was indeed unbearable. Nevertheless, he had to do it. As a Christian, there was no way he could avoid its shame and reproach. What would become of him after enduring such a public humiliation?
A Blessed Marriage
Book 5 of The Biblical Vignettes of Charles DuBois
Weddings come in various styles, liturgies, rituals, services, and orders. Theoretically, every wedding is designed to acknowledge the commitment of two people in love and to grant that couple its communal blessing. Statistically speaking, the couple that survives three years of marriage is the lucky one. And those statistics include Christians who marry in the Church. It is safe to surmise that not every couple is blessed. So, what constitutes a blessed marriage? Meredith and Mason will discover the secret. It will come from a glass of wine.
My Father's Friend, Book 1 in The Biblical Vignettes of Charles DuBois
Will a Man Sell Everything For Jesus?
My Father's Friend tells the transformative story of Joseph Germaine, a man of great wealth facing a profound loss he cannot control - the impending death of his beloved wife, BB. In her final days, BB pleads with Joseph to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. Her heartfelt request sets him on a life-altering journey of faith and sacrifice, where he explores the personal and spiritual challenges of truly living out Christ's call. Discover the extraordinary encounters that alter the course of Joseph's life forever.
