Bible instructor Mike Cope began working exclusively at Pepperdine University, a Church of Christ-affiliated school in Malibu, Calif., earlier this semester.

For 15 years, Cope was an adjunct professor at ACU, teaching a freshman Bible class per semester. Last semester, he taught his last course at ACU while beginning work at Pepperdine full-time as its director of ministry outreach. Cope is no longer officially on staff at ACU.

Cope said teaching at ACU was a great privilege and joy, but his travel schedule made the commute too difficult.

“For now, I just can’t manage both that class and my travel schedule for my new job with Pepperdine,” Cope said. “Just got impossible to get back every Monday and Wednesday.”

Cope was a minister for 27 years, 18 of which were at Highland Church of Christ in Abilene. He is the author of five books and has been the editor of the Christian magazines Wineskins and 21st Century Christian. As Pepperdine’s director of ministry outreach, Cope delivers the university’s Bible lectures and speaks at churches on Pepperdine’s behalf.

Mike’s son Chris is an ACU student. Chris, sophomore Biblical text major from Abilene, said Mike and his wife Diane plan to stay in Abilene.

“A major reason why my parents are not moving to Malibu is because they have two grandchildren here in Abilene,” said Chris, who is studying abroad in Oxford this semester. “My brother and his wife, Matt and Jenna Cope, have two daughters, Reese and Ellie, and live here in Abilene.”

Chris said his father’s position at Pepperdine is a good fit.

“I think this new job is a great opportunity for my dad, and a great way for him to use his gifts,” Chris said.

For more on Mike Cope, visit his blog at preachermike.com.