Never-before-released compilation of Cole's ministry, personal notes provides resources for pastors to equip and disciple men

Contact: Marchelle Michel, 972-267-1111, Marchelle@alarryross.com; Kristin Cole, 972-267-1111, Kristin@alarryross.com; both with A. Larry Ross Communications

SOUTHLAKE, Texas, June 11, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- As men around the world honor fathers June 17, the Christian Men's Network is offering pastors and followers of the late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole, known as the "Father of the Christian Men's Movement," a compilation of more than 3,000 personal and ministry notes, sermons, DVD's and books. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Dr. Cole's death, and the 35th anniversary of the ministry he founded, through 'The Collection,' Christian Men's Network aims to better equip men to be disciples and leaders of their family while remembering the legacy of its founder.

"Through his ministry, Dr. Cole became a father to millions of men. He spent his life teaching them to be Christlike and to be faithful men in their marriages and with their children," said Paul Cole, Dr. Cole's son and President of the Christian Men's Network. "During these difficult times, men need encouragement to stand up as real men now more than ever, and we hope my father's words, writings and inspirations can do just that."

Today, a man's happiness is portrayed as being found in his job, his leisure and his possessions. There are facts to back up this statement. The divorce rate is at 50 percent, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of three American children live in biological father-absent homes. Dr. Cole spent his life challenging men to live like Christ, to be responsible at home and to be strong men in tough times. 

The late Dr. Cole founded the global Christian Men’s Network in 1977 to lead men into "maximized" manhood, which means to be like Jesus Christ. He mentored hundreds of thousands of men through challenging events and powerful books that have become the most widely-used Christian men's resources in the world. Cole became a best-selling author, internationally-acclaimed speaker and motivational lecturer, known for his practical application of wisdom from Kingdom principles. Cole's statement that "Manhood and Christlikeness are synonymous," became the standard for the ministry to men in denominations and men's movements across the globe.  

For the first time ever, thousands of pages of Cole's greatest books, plus training videos, historic audios, sermons, and over 1,500 pages of his personal notes have been curated in one limited edition collectable set -- 'The Collection.' How he thought, how he lived, everything from the notes Cole made along the edges of his Bibles to love letters with his future wife Nancy during WWII can be found in 'The Collection.'

"God called my father into ministry majoring in men, but He also called you and me to reach other men for Christ. What began as a small ripple in a large river has become a forceful wave carrying a challenge to men everywhere," said Paul Cole.

The Collection can be purchased online at edcolelegacy.com or by phone at 817-488-655. The cost of the limited-edition resource, which is valued at $6,000, is just $500.

For over 30 years, the Christian Men's Network has been a highly effective global movement of pastors and leaders dedicated to training men for their roles as servant leaders in their families, churches and culture. The Christian Men's Network is a thriving global men's ministry that has trained over 86,000 leaders in 138 nations. The world-renowned "Majoring in Men" curriculum stems from the ministry and has become the most successful men's mentoring material of its kind, endorsed by over 8 million men. For more information on Christian Men's Network, visit www.cmnworld.com.

Note to Editors: To arrange an interview with Paul Cole or for more information on Christian Men's Network please contact Marchelle Michel at Marchelle@alarryross.com or Kristin Cole at Kristin@alarryross.com; or call 972.267.1111.