Dr. Michael Cogdill serves as the Professor of Christian Ministry at Campbell University Divinity School.  He served as Founding Dean and Professor of Pastoral Leadership at Campbell University Divinity School from 1996-2010.  Dr. Cogdill views his call as a minister and the work as a professor as an extension of one calling - to serve God faithfully in the classroom and in church-related ministry.  Dr. Cogdill enjoys preaching and teaching in churches throughout the calendar year, and being available for presentations, lectures, and special emphases in churches related to his teaching areas.

A native of South Carolina, Cogdill earned academic degrees from Mars Hill College (B.A. in Religion); Southeastern Seminary (M.Div., D.Min.); and North Carolina State University (M.S.).  His doctoral work was in the area of congregational leadership and his additional master’s work was done in the area of Religion and Society.  Dr. Cogdill has been the recipient of numerous honors while at Campbell, including being named Professor of the Year in 1992 and having the 1997 yearbook, The Pine Burr, dedicated in his honor.  The university has awarded Dr. Cogdill the rank of full professor and granted him tenure.

Dr. Cogdill has spoken to churches and denominations of diverse identities.  He also speaks frequently in university and divinity school chapel services, and pastor’s conferences and churches.  Of special interest is his passion to encourage college and university undergraduate students to answer God’s call upon their lives.  Dr. Cogdill’s dream is for all who answer God’s call to discover that “it is worth a life to be a Christian minister!”

Interim Pastorates/Pulpit Supply

Dr. Cogdill has served as pastor of two churches and interim pastor of fifteen churches.  Dr. Cogdill has a passion for preaching and teaching in the local church.  To inquire about his availability for pulpit supply or to consider an interim pastorate, you may email him at Cogdill@campbell.edu or call him directly at 1-800-760-9827, ext. 1831.

January Bible Studies

Dr. Cogdill enjoys accepting invitations to each in the annual January Bible Study emphases in Baptist churches.  He is also available to do such studies in churches of other denominations.

Lecture Series

Hearing and Responding to God’s Call
This lecture series focuses on helping any who are considering God’s call or who may be confused about this reality.  The sessions focus on general truths about God’s call and draws upon the biblical examples of call from Samuel, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Paul.  This lecture series seeks to answer the question, “How Can I Know that God is Calling Me?”

Models of Ministry as seen in Paul the Minister
Implications for a Postmodern World
Dr. Cogdill served as the Edwin Stephen Griffith Lecturer for the Griffin Lecture Series at South Wales Baptist College in Cardiff, Wales in 1998.  This lecture series, created for this occasion, has been continually updated and seeks to show how one minister, Paul, was simultaneously a missionary, church planter, pastoral overseer, and theologian.  This series seeks to help students find their ministry “niche” in a postmodern world.

Additional Details:

• Many of these topics can be tailored to single-session workshops or teaching experiences or to a multi-session series.
• Beyond these topics, Dr. Cogdill can also speak to a variety of issues related to congregational leadership and spirituality.  Feel confident in making a specific request.
• To inquire about availability or to request a specific topic, click here.

“The congregation of First Baptist Church Clinton, North Carolina would be hard-pressed to say whether Dr. Michael Cogdill is a Professor with a Pastor’s heart or a Pastor who happens to be a Professor. The blend of his knowledge, leadership, preaching and compassionate pastoral care was just the right recipe for a congregation preparing to receive a new pastor. I have been blessed time and again by the good foundation he set in place during his tenure as Pastor in the Interim of FBC.  We are extremely grateful for the service Dr. Cogdill renders to the church through his work at the Divinity School.”

The Reverend Ron Cava
First Baptist Church, Clinton, NC

Michael Cogdill served as interim pastor at Snyder Memorial Church for eighteen months. It was the most difficult era of the church's sixty year history. Dr. Cogdill can be credited with navigating this "big ship" through the turbulent waters of change and challenge. Members describe him as compassionate, dignified, and authentic. He preaches with authority and intentionality. This congregation always found him approachable and sincere. 

Dr. Cogdill has a permanent place in the hearts of our people. Campbell Divinity School is overwhelmingly blessed to have him.

Dr. Larry Dickens
Minister of Music
Snyder Memorial Baptist Church

To inquire about Dr. Cogdill’s availability, please send an email to Cogdill@campbell.edu or call him at 1-800-760-9827, ext. 1831.  Thanks for your interest!