A Life at the Crossroads tells the story of a Minnesota farm boy who became an inner-city pastor, high-profile denominational executive, and the last president of the world's most historic seminary (Gettysburg Lutheran). Cooper-White, who is also a commercial pilot and flight instructor, pursued journalism following his ministerial career. In clear and winsome prose, he shares his personal autobiography along with a treasure trove of twentieth-century ecclesiastical history. From facing machine guns in Chile and El Salvador to taking on church controversies over sexuality and ecumenical initiatives, to leading consolidation of two rival seminaries, Cooper-White's is the story of a cleric who took seriously the call to be a public theologian. The consolidation of the two institutions, which had failed in a half-dozen previous attempts, offers a case study in patient and persistent long-term leadership.
Michael L. Cooper-White is president emeritus of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary (now part of United Lutheran Seminary), where his seventeen-year tenure concluded by leading its consolidation with a former rival school. He also served as interim president of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. Cooper-White, who took up journalism in retirement, is author or coauthor of four other books and hundreds of articles for journals, magazines, and The Gettysburg Times.
“A Life at the Crossroads is a master class in leadership, told through a compelling life story. Michael Cooper-White has been an eyewitness to key events in church and society, and he has participated in them with vision and courage.”
—H. George Anderson, former presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“Michael Cooper-White’s captivating autobiography is truly revelatory, firstly, in the sense that it honestly lays bare vital details of his eventful life. Further, in an earthy way, this work provides an inspiring glimpse into God’s relentless grace at work as this Midwestern farm boy has traversed various pathways of opportunity, adventure, and even danger, in pursuit of a multifaceted calling. Readers will receive encouragement for their own adventures and may well be lured to look out for next steps as the author continues his ‘unfinished journey.’”
—Michael Miller, executive vice president and dean, Brite Divinity School