Jamie Coots American Pastor Date of Birth: 17.11.1971 Country: USA

1. Biography of Jamie Coots
2. A Unique Church and National Attention
3. The Doctrine and Faith
4. A Tragic End and Succession
5. A Controversial Practice

Biography of Jamie Coots

Jamie Coots, an American pastor, was born on November 17, 1971, in Middlesboro, Kentucky. He grew up helping his grandfather and father breed snakes and accompanied them on trips to Texas to catch venomous snakes for their church. At the age of 23, Jamie started working with snakes independently and became the main pastor of the 'Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name' church after the deaths of his relatives.

A Unique Church and National Attention

The 'Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name' church, located in southern Kentucky, is known for its belief that true believers are not afraid of venomous snake bites and that these creatures are considered their friends. The church's activities have been featured on numerous occasions, including a reality show called 'Snake Salvation' which aired on the National Geographic Channel for several months. Despite the risks and challenges they faced, such as frequent deaths and legal problems due to the illegal breeding of snakes in many states, the Coots family and their congregation remained steadfast in their beliefs.

The Doctrine and Faith

The Coots family constructed their doctrine based on a small paragraph in the Gospel of Mark (16:18), which states that believers will be able to handle snakes without harm. They firmly believe that only those who have intentionally sinned would fear handling snakes and that accepting Christ as their savior allows them to live their lives alongside snakes, even risking death by snakebite.

A Tragic End and Succession

On February 15, 2014, during a church service, Jamie Coots was bitten by one of the snakes. Despite the bite, he chose to finish his sermon. When Coots was brought home and paramedics were called, his family refused their assistance, claiming that their faith in God would protect them from the venom. Unfortunately, Jamie succumbed to the snakebite in the presence of his family. The position of pastor was handed down to his son, Cody, while the church's beliefs and love for snakes remained unchanged. Attempts to convince the Coots family that snake venom has no connection to faith in God have been unsuccessful.

A Controversial Practice

It is worth noting that in most states, organizations like the 'Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name' would be prohibited due to laws controlling the capture, storage, and breeding of snakes. However, in Texas, where the church is located, these activities are allowed and unregulated. This is not due to any blindness on the part of the authorities, but rather because snakes are so familiar to residents of the southern states, similar to how pigeons are to city dwellers.

Despite the tragic outcome, the 'Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name' church continues to hold services every Sunday, firmly committed to their beliefs and practices.