Introducing 2023 TBC Alumnus Of The Year: Joseph Cotroneo

Joe Cotroneo grew up in the sunshine state of Florida, just outside of Orlando.

He was adopted as an infant into an Italian family after his birth parents decided they could no longer take care of him. As time went on Joe’s adoptive family began to unravel, eventually ending with divorce and fractured relationships.

For several years, Joe found himself in constant turmoil and frequent trouble with the law. However, at the age of 16, Joe met Jesus and his life hasn’t been the same since. Shortly after accepting Christ, he sensed the Lord calling him into full time ministry. Upon graduating from high school, he enrolled in Trinity Baptist Bible College in Jacksonville, FL, where he met his wife, Bekah. Joe graduated from TBC with a Bachelors in Pastoral Theology in 2006.  His wife, Bekah (Cole) Cotroneo, earned her Bachelors in Elementary Education from TBC in 2003.

After graduating with his undergrad degree, the Cotroneos moved to Columbus, Ohio where Joe served as a full-time pastor for 10 years at Fellowship Baptist Church under the leadership of Tony Luizzo.

During his time there, the Lord allowed him to gain valuable experience as a Student Ministries Pastor, Collegian Pastor, and Small Groups Pastor.  Joe credits his mentor, pastor, and fellow TBC graduate Tony Liuzzo (’00 and ’18), for giving him confidence and freedom to explore methods of ministry and develop his personal leadership strengths as a young pastor.  Joe also continued his education, earning his Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from TBC in 2014.  He is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In 2015 Joe and Bekah began sensing a call from the Lord to plant a new church which eventually led to them moving to Indianapolis, IN. Shortly thereafter, in the fall of 2020 (at the onset of the pandemic) they launched DOXA Bible Church on the southeast side of Indianapolis. 

Against all odds, DOXA Bible Church has grown exponentially over the past two and a half years, regularly seeing over 500 in weekly attendance.

Joe’s experience in nurturing successful small groups at Fellowship prepared him well for launching groups at DOXA from the start.  These groups have been instrumental in reaching hundreds of people in Indianapolis and the surrounding area.

With an emphasis on developing believers who are grounded in their faith and educated in doctrine, DOXA has already taken the Great Commission to heart.

Lord willing, a new church plant will be launched in Greensburg (south east of Indianapolis) in the fall of this year.  The core group that will help establish this church plant will be made up mostly of DOXA Bible Church small group members who live in the area.

Joe leads his family and DOXA Bible Church well, with humility and confidence in the fact that where God leads, He provides. 

Having proved to be of high character and a model of our core values, and having exemplified faithful commitment to the Gospel, the Trinity Baptist College Alumni Association is proud to present the 2023 Trinity Baptist College Alumnus of the Year Award to Joseph Cotroneo.

Joe Cotroneo speaking at Commencement

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