About Pastor Harry Cooper

Brief Biographical Sketch For Pastor Harry Cooper

 Pastor Harry W. Cooper, Jr. was born and raised in Chicago. He has graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Political Science and a Minor in Afro-American Studies. From there he graduated from Interdenominational Theological Center with a Masters in Divinity. He began his pastoral career as Pastor of Brunswick Second Presbyterian Church in 1989 where he served for Four years. From there he served as pastor of Renaissance PCUSA in Chattanooga TN from 1993-1998. In 1998 he began 12 years of service as Pastor of Southeast Community Church. Currently he is the Pastor of Friendship Community Church PCUSA in Pittsburgh, PA. Pastor Cooper is author of Born 2 LIVE BIG.  Living with a passion for justice Pastor Cooper is committed to making sure those with the greatest needs receive the greatest resources. He has traveled multiple times to the African Continent visiting Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa. He is influenced by the theology of Dr. Howard Thurman and believes that the Christ is relevant in this technological world.

Dr. Cooper is the author of Born 2 LIVE BIG, a collection of inspirational poetry and prose. As a musician, Pastor Cooper has written numerous songs including, “On The Other Side of Through” which reached 18 on the billboard Gospel Charts and In The Heart Of Worship. He has ministered in music as a vocalist and a saxophonist.

Pastor Cooper is the founder and of L.I.V.E. B.I.G Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping individuals and faith communities in maximizing their full spiritual abilities.  Pastor Cooper served as Chair of the Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention for the city of San Diego from 2007-2011. He has received numerous awards including Omega Psi Phi Man of the year Phi Omicron Chapter, Faith Leader Of The Year San Diego 2008, Outstanding Young Men of America, and Foot Soldier for Justice from SCLC.

He is married to Linda  Cooper and is the father of Harlyn 28 and Zyon 21 and Mary Ann 14.  With over 30 years of leading congregations and communities, Pastor Cooper maintains a simple core value, Only what you do for the CREATOR will last.