How We Got Started
The inspiration for the ministry name came through a prophetic word to Rev. Lionel Batke from Donnel McLean who said, “this is a release ministry”. Many years later, Release Ministries Society was incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia on September 19, 2011.
Rev. Lionel Batke is the Founder, President and Chair of this organization. The scope of Release Ministries Society has embraced Canada and 35 other nations with imparting the gifts of the Holy Spirit, sound Biblical preaching and laying foundations for the Kingdom of God. The purpose and core objective of the ministry is to contend for the power of God and be as ‘one called alongside to help’ (Jn 14:16) those in their respective fields of service.
What We Are Passionate About
Our vision is to inspire, activate, release and establish spiritual gifts in churches in an ongoing and operative way; preach sound biblical doctrine; and establish churches in the Kingdom of God.
Over the years a number of seasoned ministers began to travel with Lionel and share his vision. In generosity, he opened doors for them and now they travel on their own carrying this vision for the Spirit, Word and Kingdom.
Our Commitment to Integrity
Ministering in a translocal and international capacity has financial implications. These men came together as a team not just because of their similar callings but because they saw the value of working together to safeguard their financial integrity with those who contribute to their work.
To achieve this, Release Ministries registered with the Government of Canada as a charitable organization on January 24, 2013. Canadian charities issued with a registration number are authorized to issue official receipts for funds thereby exempted from personal income tax. This gives the Government a compelling interest in the way charitable funds are spent at home, and on foreign fields.
Charities are required by the Government of Canada to provide proper records and clear documentation that shows how the funds are spent. These records are subject to scrutiny and examination by an auditor at any time. Insufficient or incorrect documentation could result in the cancellation of registration and charitable status of the organization. The Scriptures command us to ‘provide things honest in the sight of all men’ (Rom 12:17) so we are happy to be accountable and to comply with these requirements. Since ‘we are in all things desiring to live honestly’ (Heb 13:18), this ministry is committed to the highest levels of integrity in all its financial dealings.
When we receive donations in the name of Release Ministries, the accounting is handled and overseen by a board of directors to ensure full integrity in all these matters.
Notwithstanding these things, our ministry is not about buying and selling – it’s about giving and receiving.