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The DNA of Reclaiming the Mind Ministries (RMM) started in 2001 on a Saturday morning with a group of singles. It was there I taught my first intro to theology course. It quickly became evident how important this type of ministry was. From there we began offering the courses to the entire church. When enrollment for the courses breached 200 with students from churches all over town joining us, we knew that God was doing something special. One course soon turned into six. We sought to focus all our intention on theological development of lay people. Not only this, but we wanted to do something that we did not see being done. We did not simply want to give people the right answers, but to lead through a process of thinking for themselves, grounding their beliefs in their own convictions.
Soon The Theology Program went viral on the web. In no time we were witnessing the work of God as thousands of churches began to offer The Theology Program locally as well as thousands of online self-study and certificate students. I knew that it was time to put all of my energy into Reclaiming the Mind Ministries. The Parchment and Pen blog was created in 2007 to introduce people to theological thinking. It is now one of the most popular religious blogs on the web. The Theology Unplugged podcast quickly became among the most listened to theology podcasts on the web. Finally, after much prayer and discussion among the board of Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, we created and opened the first Credo House of Theology in Edmond, OK. It not only serves as the headquarters for Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, but serves the local community as an Evangelical theological outpost offering classes, seminars, and serving the world’s only Calvin Cappuccino. If you have been here, you know that it is like a walk through time as the very walls teach about the great heritage of our faith. Time will fail me if I expand upon all the other ways that God is using us.
However, Reclaiming the Mind Ministries has come to a very pivotal time. Possibly the most pivotal of all as our very existence is dependent upon those who believe in and support what we are doing. As a not-for-profit, if the financial contributions do not come in, so much of our ministry comes to a halt.
Right now Reclaiming the Mind Ministries is experiencing a short-fall of about $15,000 per month. During a tough economy, we have made many adjustments, but these have not been enough.
This is the longest I have gone since the ministry started without getting paid. As of today, we are close to $30,000 behind. As hard as it is for me to do I have been looking for employment outside the ministry so that I can support my family. I informed the Reclaiming the Mind Ministries staff of this Thursday. That was really hard for me to do! There is simply nothing I would rather do than to keep pushing forward and moving in the direction that seems right. I love what I do. I love being used to affect so many lives. But sitting here thinking about what to do does not put food on my table nor that table of my staff.
This is why I reach out to you through the blog. We simply need more support. We need to make up this $15,000 a month short-fall. We need more people, like you, who understand and believe in what we are doing to hold us up through your regular financial gifts.
If it were up to me and I had unlimited resources, I would that every major city had a Credo House of Theology, coming to the aid of the local church, serving and strengthening people’s faith. But we must take this one step at a time. I must remember how much good we are doing right now. And we have to get the financial support to facilitate our current budget. Our vision is big, but our current ministry is our focus.
I don’t really know what the Lord is going to do here. I pray that the desires of my heart are fulfilled. I will trust in him either way.
To donate or set up a monthly contribution, go here: http://store.reclaimingthemind.org/donate.asp
If you would like to talk to me personally more about this, please email me at: [email protected].
I would also be more than willing to travel to visit you if you can put together a group of people who you believe might be interested in partnering with us. Maybe I can come talk to your church (and preach a sermon!).
Thank you for taking the time to listen. Either way, please be in prayer for us.
Michael Patton
President, Reclaiming the Mind Ministries
