BP Partners

Executive Archive: 2005

BP Note:

The year 2005 was one wherein the target demographic for Basic Progress was continually researched. BP was hosted in several economic and geographical settings wherein each social sector had specific needs that carried a significant influence on the personality of each group. What we found to be true is that regardless of background, status or living conditions, the process was best engaged by people who either were desperately seeking spiritual stability or they had found it and continued to explore the grand scenario of being intimate with our Creator. While those who thought BP a standard class wherein they could passively discuss the implications of morality and doctrine were surprised by the depth of the commitment, they normally stayed the course and were blessed all the same. There are also those who participated by rote, by pressure or by casual recommendation. More often than not, they did not have the motivation to undergo the necessary self reflection to complete the full cycle. It is rather simple, but not real easy. Basic Progress demands personal responsibility where necessary and courageous engagement in the home and workplace. The worst thing that could happen is that someone be allowed to complete BP without their being any significant positive change. It just cannot be faked.

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2005 Executive Summary

Friends,

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace and peace be with you.

Basic Progress is really designed to work out faith issues ahead of time. The reality is that the people 'in the pew' are also in desperate need. We should, each of us, take the time to prepare for trouble. The only way to do so is by spiritual means. That means that BP can help every willing heart. Through prayer, practice, and experience, this course has slowly evolved into a dynamic and powerful agent for God's work. This information can readily be reformatted for seminars, workshops, church revivals, college campuses, Bible classes, etc. This curriculum is old; it has been around for a couple of thousand years. What is unique are the exercises and the flow of the lessons.

To be sure, Basic Progress Ministries is not a 'specialty' ministry. Unfortunately, the joy of being forgiven is often lost on us who have been blessed with normalcy and routine. The reality is that the people 'in the pew' are also in desperate need. This attitude is significant due to the necessary assimilation back into the community for the BP students. Empowering people to live functionally and productively in a formerly hopeless world is the primary mission of Basic Progress Ministries.

First and last, let it be understood that this is a ministry of Christ. All the glory is due our Lord and Savior. I am blessed to have been used in this manner and find it a thrilling adventure to participate in the movement of God and His Spirit in the world. My wish is that you will be blessed as we join hands to proclaim the gospel.

Second, Basic Progress Ministries is about restoring families, neighborhoods, and the local congregation of believers. It is not my inclination to boldly claim that I am steeped in pity for the BP students. I am much more interested in their spouses, parents, immediate family, and especially the children that have fallen prey to their antisocial and self-centered lifestyle. Other than the direct victims, these are the real sufferers. Third, it is my belief that God works through crisis and chaos. We bond during distress and together, pointing to Christ, we, as the community of God, will emerge stronger and all the better for our trials. It is not in time of crisis that one works out his faith, that is when we need it most. Working out one's faith ahead of time is what Basic Progress Ministries is about.

Although I find it improbable that the basic progress approach to God and spiritual formation and character development is the best approach for everyone, for many it is the only method that will reconstruct a legitimate encounter and personal walk with Christ. Thank God for God! He will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Without God's creative power, we are hopelessly doomed to the repeated failures of the past. When people disregard spiritual power, we lose. When God manages, we can then be attentive to the needs of those around us. The BP group is an incredible component to the experience. They support, guide, pray, and share their fears, troubles, joys, and hope with one another. They are vitally concerned with the welfare of each other and often experience livened debate and argumentation as to what direction to proceed. Basic Progress becomes a fellowship that invites your family members, loved ones, coworkers and employees to become care givers. They also learn how to receive it as well.

The partners are the backbone to this process. Many of the people that take the course, not only do not have any extra to pay, far too often, Basic Progress actually begins to empower them with enough discipline and wisdom that they begin to start paying back where they use to borrow. That is good, but without funding, this ministry cannot move forward. You can rest assured that we do not take our responsibilities lightly. Your money will be used for publishing, training, travel, and related expenses as we reach out as a deterrent to crime, addiction, family violence, and social dependency. Your donation insures that each person that God puts within our reach will be challenged to become productively content in the community of Christian faith.

Thank You. May our God continue to bless you!

Jay Holland