Glen D. Cole, senior pastor of Trinity Life Center in Sacramento, Calif., died at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The cause of death is reportedly a massive heart attack. He was 76.
One of the most respected pastors in the Sacramento area, Cole’s staff discovered him in his car in Trinity Life Center’s parking lot, according to The Sacramento Bee.
“He drove to work, undid his seat belt and passed,” his son, Rick Cole, told the Bee. “This is a great shock for us, a big loss for us and for the community.”
Cole founded the Sacramento area’s first megachurch, Capital Christian Center. During his 17-year tenure as senior pastor he grew the church to 4,000 members. Rick Cole now serves as senior pastor of that assembly.
“Brother Cole was a great champion of the gospel and a great promoter of missions. Whatever he put his hand to prospered,” said George Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God. “He was a good friend to me, always caring and supportive.”
Cole was superintendent of the Northern California and Nevada District Council of the Assemblies of God. He served 450 churches and 1,500 pastors. Cole also built a Christian school that serves 1,600 students and a Bible institute that is training 150 students. Pacific Bible College in Sacramento awarded Cole an honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
“He not only served several successful pastorates, but also was an executive presbyter of this church from 1985 to 1995, representing the Southwest Region,” Wood continues. “He was superintendent of the Northern California-Nevada District from 1997-2003 and served on many committees for the district and the Fellowship.”
Cole is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, his sons Randy and Rick, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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