How We Got Started
The inspiration for the name was given in a prophetic word from Donnel McLean who said, “this is a release ministry”. Rev. Lionel Batke founded Release Ministries Society with a vision for trans-local ministry within the Kingdom of God through imparting the gifts of the Holy Spirit, sound Biblical preaching, and establishing churches in the Kingdom of God. Other ministers with a similar vision subsequently joined Release Ministries and expanded it’s reach to embrace Canada and 35 other nations.
Why We Came Together
Our vision is to inspire, activate, and release spiritual gifts in churches in an ongoing and operative way; preach sound biblical doctrine; and establish churches in the Kingdom of God. These core values which Lionel built into this ministry were also being used by other ministers as the keys to effective trans-local ministry. Recognizing our common values and wanting to avoid the duplication of organizations, the ministers of Release Ministries came together in this partnership because of our preexisting friendships with Lionel. This transformed Release Ministries into what it is today. This partnership provides us with financial accountability as we minister. Each one who ministers with Release Ministries has their own approach to how ministry is carried out and their own sphere in which they do so, but each of us carries this vision for the Spirit, Word and Kingdom.
Our Commitment to Integrity
Ministering in a trans-local and international capacity has financial implications. So, we came together because we saw the value of working together to safeguard our financial integrity with those who contribute to our work.
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, this ministry is about giving and receiving, not buying and selling.
