Frequently Asked Questions

What is Basic Progress about?

Since the fall of 1995, I have volunteered as minister and counselor in the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice. This ministry has evolved into a full time enterprise wherein classes are conducted to assist those interested in spiritual formation. Basic Progress Ministries, Inc. is now incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. I am the founder and author of the curriculum. I feel it incumbent on me to explain the nature of this course.

The essence of the Basic Progress is 'heart' surgery -- it is designed to produce a new attitude, create a radically different perspective, and ultimately, to harness and redirect one's personality to a life of forgiveness, grace, prayer, humility, and faith. The Basic Progress curriculum is an intense progression of lecture, discussion, activities, lessons, disciplines, and exercises that serve to guide the participant's personal growth to a mature and stable relationship with God. The first phase, Basic Progress, is designed to assist the student in documenting priorities and analyzing existing views of God. It includes goal setting, prioritizing activities, a thorough self-examination, and an analysis of relationships. The second phase, practical truth, includes an overview of World religions and serves as an introduction to Christianity. It is during this phase that they are challenged to accept Christ. The last three phases, foundation, cornerstone, and structure are each a ninety day guided study that teaches the language of biblical prayer, songs of worship, words from early Christians, and daily chapter readings from the New Testament. These new converts meet weekly in a discussion group to encourage and support one another. As they contend with their course assignments, the level of spiritual insight and understanding increases, which in turn, prepares them for the next session. In other words, we reveal the Gospel in progressive stages.

What is the origin of Basic Progress?
What is the genesis of the idea?

After several years of experience in Alcoholics Anonymous, the need for an advanced curriculum designed to guide participants beyond what is offered by twelve step programs through more advanced activities and exercises to the end of character development and spiritual growth became evident. I personally felt a need to know and understand more about life and God in general. From the roots of the twelves steps, my own spiritual path led me to studies in human personality and social interactions through psychology, and later undertook several years of biblical studies. Basically, I paid attention to what I had needed and recorded the processes which worked. The Basic Progress program and ministry for others in my situation is a result of that endeavor.

What is the ultimate Goal of BP?

The first phase called Basic Progress is an eight week process of honestly determining the exact nature of our weaknesses and the personal responsibilities that have contributed to our crises or downfall. The second phase practical truth is designed to introduce the students to a definitive power, specifically the Biblical God, that will not only assist us, but mold us spiritually into productively content humans. The next three phases, foundation, cornerstone, & structure are discussion groups that allow the inmates who have endured to discuss their problems within the context of biblical truth. The last phase project home is in the works. Basic Progress Ministries, Inc. is determined to help the students re-acclimate to a free-world environment by contacting labor agencies, half way houses, churches, and other civic organizations for the expressed purpose of giving the opportunity to be a productive citizen and a respected member of the community of Christian faith.

In summary, the ultimate goal of Basic Progress Ministries, Inc. is to restore the offender to his Mother as their son; to his wife as her husband and especially to his children their father. For many years, maybe decades, these loving family members have felt hopeless and over and over again have prayed the prayer, "Somebody help him (or her)!"

Basic Progress is the response to that prayer.

How was the curriculum developed?

In the fall of 1995, I was offered the opportunity to tell my personal story at the Middleton Prison Unit in Abilene, Texas. As a result of that event, I was asked to teach the twelve steps and the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous). Brenda and I were basically indigent and because I did not have much money to donate to church or charity, I decided to donate my time at that same unit. Basic Progress evolved over time from that practical experience, including both personal observation as well as the attempt to meet the specific needs and questions from inmates. It was a very natural process. I never decided to be a prison minister nor did I predetermine to write a curriculum of spiritual progress. I just filled what I perceived to be a vacuum in a contemporary ministry.

In the long haul, Basic Progress will likely be much more than a prison ministry, but I do not believe that we will ever leave our roots. Prison is an ideal situation for personal recovery and spiritual maturity. Incarceration is not a wasted period unless it is wasted.

Is Basic Progress sanctioned by any authorities or is it affiliated with any social movement or religious denomination?

Great question, forgive the length of the answer. Our Mission statement answers this question:

Basic Progress Ministries is a deliberate effort to restore the fallen, to convert the lost, and to teach personal responsibility to the troubled. We are not affiliated with any religious, social, cultural or political group, but our instruction and exercises are founded in Biblical truth. Our mission is to challenge the socially unproductive to realign his or her values to the end of uniting families, reforming neighborhoods, and providing a productively content leader for the home and workplace. We believe that our efforts will function as a format for social renewal and, over time, provide a relief to the overbearing civic burden of criminal justice.

Let me first respond to the nature of the question. My first reaction is that it is one of intense skepticism. If that be the case, I challenge anyone to find any organized hidden agenda other than that which is overtly stated. Apart from that, what do you mean by sanctioned? Who sanctions? Furthermore, what do you mean by affiliated? Why would we want or need to be affiliated?

Secondly, there is little doubt most any religious or social organization has an agenda. Unfortunately, that means that their focus is based on theory or what they consider to be logical. Under normal circumstances, people who are successful have not experienced devastating loss as a lifestyle which lends itself to overlooking the mindset and worldview of the disenfranchised. Although this unhealthy approach to life's problems is warped and surreal in perspective, it is real. People need to be met where they are, not where anyone thinks they should be. Basic Progress is not theory. If nothing else it is a report that boldly claims that if you do these things, you will be better prepared to handle the pressures and problems of the free world.

That being said, we do not apologize for being a Christian ministry, and are quite confident in our program. I have chosen the Bible as the most accurate source of truth for productive and moral living. It is our aim to assist the troubled to engage the power which is God and allow that relationship to determine what is in that person's best interest regarding worship, community of faith, gifts, and opportunity for service. There are so many flavors out there that it can be confusing, so we deal with issues of sectarianism and doctrine in practical truth (second phase of BP ) as well as world religions and many other issues. It is not the focus to make anyone anything but the best that they can be -- dependent on their spiritual maturity.

Basic Progress Ministries is the prototype for the faith based recovery program that deals with issues upon which most reasonable Christians agree. Mostly our discussions concern Biblical truth -- not which denomination is right. Basic Progress Ministries, Inc. is independent with a board of directors. That board is comprised with a multiplicity of religious backgrounds. (Episcopalian, Methodist, Baptist, Church of Christ, Nondenominational, Pentecostal, etc.) Our efforts have been applauded across the board. Essentially, we are anti-sectarian, but pro .Church. -- so we have to accept people where they are at and depending on God's promise of blessings and grace from now on. Although it is not credible to claim a completely objective stance, I consider myself "post-denominational."

Finally, Basic Progress has to deal with the cultural climate of separation of church and state. BP is accepted and ready to move into all the units in State of Texas Department of Criminal Justice and beyond. For federal funding, it is essential that we maintain a presence of simplicity and healthy oppenness to all. Hopefully we will be nationwide soon. We are only waiting on God blessing us with the finances for training and expansion.

What are the similarities and/or differences between Basic Progress and 12 Step or other spiritual programs?

I'm sure that all the programs are useful and can be beneficial. It is important to note that Basic Progress is not only for addicts or Christians. We deal with humans at their current level. Whatever problems that have caused failure is what we address, because all non-physiological woes are grounded in one core issue: immediate gratification of Self. Self-centeredness is the root of the problem. We deal with the deeper levels of spiritual, emotional and mental immaturity.

I would like to say that Basic Progress is tough to get through. Completion of assignments and participationin class is required. There is significant spiritual maturity that happens during the course -- and that often does not happen without serious heart-rendering honesty. Usually about half of those enrolled for the first class finish. It is not for everyone, but those who complete it are unanimous in their support. As one might expect, those who don't finish are not usually complimentary.

One counselor did a spot check for recidivism and found that all who had completed were still free. I currently have two students who have returned one after a year and a half and one after four years, so I know that it is not zero recidivism. but we are definitely making an impact.

What is the Basic Progress philosophy? What are the major influences in its approach?

My life story is one of many pitfalls. I came to the belief that of myself I could not succeed. Therefore, it was imperative that I came in contact with the real God, not some caricature presented by a preacher man, guru, or AA sponsor. My affinity for searching for the truth is what drives the program. Hence the previous answer on non-affiliation. Ultimately, my problem arose out of a serious rage toward American Christianity. Much of that attitude was my warped perspective, much of it was accurate. Basic Progress deals with the warped perspective which deals with the problems of the Christian community of faith. I have found that most of my anger with church was not at what God wanted, but at what humans have done in His name. I was right, but that doesn't solve my problem. I need church, I need people, most importantly I need God; but, how does that play out in the neighborhood?

In my personal studies there have been some prominent theologians and social leaders that have impressed me. First and foremost is Bill Wilson, the founder of AA. Certainly the great men of the twentieth century advance in the field of psychology such as Freud, Adler, Jung, Rogers, and Maslow. Theologians as they banter the great arguments of the church throughout the ages have a strong input into the course. I would be remiss to name a few since the movements of spirituality throughout the centuries has been a primary source of study. Ultimately, my upbringing in the church of Christ, while having some problems, introduced me to the concept of the Bible as being the moral authority for spiritual direction is critical to Basic Progress. While I readily admit that church traditions are invaluable and inescapable, therefore appreciated, it is my position that they, as well as our subjective experiences should be checked for validity over and against Christian Scripture (both OT and NT).

Most Americans. lives do not depend on this dichotomy, but for those of us who have been in serious trouble it does. Then again, who doesn't have serious crisis from time to time? For me, at one point several years back, my life was over. God has helped me and blessed me in miraculous ways. The best way to understand Basic Progress is to take the course.

Why is recidivism so high, what is BP doing about it, what would you like to do?

Recidivism is so high because people are creatures of habit. Once an individual gets set in his ways -- meaning disregard for social order and the law, it is quite easy to get disappointed and try to make the quick money. It is a given that things don't go our way. Furthermore, society doesn't give much of a second chance. Most of us thugs have burnt our bridges. Another reason is that when we get out of prison, we go back to running with our old buddies. I would recommend that we need to run with those who are visiting us and putting money on our books. Those are probably good indicators of who our real friends are. Basically the odds are stacked against the offender. What I am saying is that people who are self-centered fail and will continue to fail until they learn that the way of success is God-centeredness and giving of themselves to others.

What are the Basic Progress Recidivism Statistics?

This study was done with a TDCJ chaplain in the summer of 2001:

SUMMARY

Our most recent data shows that Basic Progress Ministries is having a tremendous influence on the exposed segment of prison population. The criterion for determining "graduate" status is the student's faithfulness to the assignments in the course. Included are the processes of self-evaluation, honest confession, and amends. The initial phase has been developed with the use of pertinent elements of psychology as well as proven methods used by twelve step programs. The second phase includes a simple survey of world religions and an in depth overview of the Christian call to discipleship. It is during this process that these men have all been challenged and have accepted God's radical call through Jesus Christ. After honestly appraising their circumstances and character, turning to God is quite refreshing.

The bare data shows that all five men who have been free for three years are all still free. Of the Twenty-One who have been released over two years, two have been arrested. All the others are still free. Bottom line is that of the 97 released, 95 have been successfully restored to their families and neighborhoods with a better capacity to serve their spouses, children, and society because of the influence of Basic Progress Ministries. Actually one of the two who are returned only returned for a few months and has since been released: Ninety-Six out of Ninety-Seven are free right now.

How does this translate into the community? The best figures we have regarding national recidivism rates show that, within three years 46 % return to incarceration; within five years 64%; and over a Ten year figure 95% will have had some form of residual criminal behavior. For Basic Progress ministries, inc., noting the limited data, over three years is 0%, over 2 is 9% and over all it is 2%. There is no data that reflects the chaos calmed, broken hearts healed and trouble averted, but in terms of tax dollars, if it costs Fifteen Thousand ($15,000) dollars a year to house an inmate and we have worked to keep even thirty of those Ninety-Seven free, the savings for the state this year is Four-Hundred-Fifty Thousand ($450,000) dollars. Over time we will continue to save the taxpayers millions.

Sounds like Basic Progress is confrontational, have you ever been assaulted? What is your worst scenario?

Actually, it is not any more confrontational than the truth. Our demeanor in the course is not from a standpoint of arrogance nor is it effective by browbeating. We are equals in all ways, with the possible exception that, as coaches, we have come to grips with the realities of our own character defects and shortcomings that have stalled our positive growth. We are there as guides not masters, coaches not lords. Our attitude is rooted in the belief that the power of God will lift them, not us. We are there only as facilitators of the process. In fact, to carry the metaphor to its reasonable end, it is not our life that is hanging in the balance, we merely are offering a pattern or tools for living that will help the individual and all parties that have come or will come in contact with them.

For primarily that reason, aggression from the students has been nonexistent, never even come close. All the inmates are in the class as volunteers as the coaches are, and we are clear from the beginning about the task at hand. It is not easy, nor is it quick we are introducing a way of living that is a life long process.

Nevertheless, there have been some bad scenes. I have asked some to excuse themselves from the class. Usually they are being disruptive or disrespectful. Of course, many have decided not to do their assignments, but I usually try to get them caught up. One thing that is difficult is the apathy and criticism that I heard via gossip and rumors in the inmate church. There are many who scoff and talk trash about the program. I guess that is a backwards compliment, but from time to time, I don't feel like the program gets a fair hearing.

What is the biggest misconception about inmates and others who are in trouble with society?

Personally, that they all are receptive to change. It is amazing the denial and rationalization that exists. Fault finding and terminal excusitis is the norm. I lived the criminal life; I'm the wrong person to ask about misconceptions.

In the free world, the biggest misconception is that they are all hopeless and will never change. I find many receptive and hungry people seeking help urgently.

Are you worried about being forced to change or adapt?

NO. I do not wish to sound arrogant, but Basic Progress is on the cutting edge. Although not much is original; the form and the process is. There is no one else who is capable of determining what needs to be changed. We are compliant with regulations and what we do works. I often have to explain to Chaplains or counselors why our classes can be tense. We are engaged in a life changing process that cannot be compromised. Comments are usually of the lighten up variety. My response is simple, Remember that prayer? --Somebody help that boy! If I was to ask your Mom or your wife, "Should I lighten up?" What would they tell me to do?

That being said we are always open to suggestions, but we have been doing this now for several years. The process of formulating curriculum has been overwhelming and intense. If someone was to determine that a different approach would work better, I suggest that they first go through what I have gone through and get after it. I am very supportive of any who would like to enter into Prison ministry at any level.

Why "Coach?"

1. Well, that is what we do. WE coach people in the game of life. All Basic Progress instructors are to be addressed in this way or another non personal nick name.
   
   
2. I have to maintain a certain posture and boundary in the class. My personal name is too personal and Dr. Holland is too formal.
   
   
3. It is necessary for people to understand that there is hierarchy in life. Parent /child; Teacher /student; Coach / player; Employer / Employee, etc. This is basic to life. I strictly adhere to this practice as a means of emphasizing roles.
   
   
4. It is a matter of respect. I am not there to be their buddy. I am there with a specific task in mind, and I believe that becoming too personal hampers my ability to help.
   
   
5. It makes sense. I am a professional. Basic Progress is a therapeutic atmosphere. Do you want to call your doctor by his first name?
   
   
6. It is like not cursing --it is easy to follow this instruction, --if you can't adhere to this boundary, or even if it bothers you, what are your chances of staying free?
   
   
7. It only applies to those in the course, I will be glad to answer to "Jay," "James," 'Dr. Holland," or any other designation if an individual is not a student of Basic Progress. In other words, it is not about me, it is about the student.
   
   

What is the biggest obstacle in life?

Staying surrendered to God.

What do you consider to be the core issues in life?

It is indeed difficult to say what struggles predominate human life. I believe that the primary issue for all is the answer to the primal questions of life such as, What is my purpose? Where do I belong? How can I survive? Etc.. This question is to be answered by dealing with our very nature and the realities of our existence -- the matter of the Great Reality, which is God. Unfortunately, it is not simple, but many try to simplify it and end up hurting more than helping. A misunderstanding of God, nature and life in general may be more damaging that absolute ignorance. This is the issue of toxic faith. Most of the people who compose the target audience for Basic Progress Ministries have serious difficulty with the God idea. This is the single most important "issue" in life.

Next to God, we have to deal with one another. The problem of relationships amongst humans is well documented. At the core of this issue is the issue of sexuality, identity, and appropriate ethical boundaries. Knowing our limits as well as our potential has to be listed as a major priority for social readjustment as well as an initial phase in spiritual direction. That is why a eself-examination is the primary activity in the first phase of the Basic Progress curriculum.

How does Basic Progress provide long term help?

Basic Progress facilitates an intense self evaluation that produces an humble desire for a legitimate relationship with God. People working together with God for a common goal of personal healing in career, marriage, home and family create a powerful collective momentum that brings about a stronger and more stable spiritual maturity that cannot otherwise be obtained. There are those who believe that the love of God is about hugging people and whispering, 'it will be OK'. While, at times that may be appropriate, in BP, we deal directly with the root causes of fear, anger, resentment and selfishness. At times, we venture into Hell itself to bring people out, many of whom fight the entire way. That is not fun nor is it easy, but somebody needs to tell these people that God loves them, that they deserve better, that their life story is not over. BP is designed to be a whole life spiritual makeover. The means by which that is processed within the context of a grace filled community wherein each person is given the opportunity to talk, discuss and confess the nature of their life's struggles. This environment is created by the group's goal of attaining positive spiritual momentum which in turn, creates productively content people in the ever-present 'now'. As a result, children get their parents back; Hope is re-ignited; homes are restored; God is praised. It is good.

What is the Basic Progress statement of purpose?

Basic Progress is a deliberate effort to restore the fallen, convert the lost and to teach personal responsibility to the troubled. Our mission is to challenge the socially nonproductive to realign values to the end of uniting families, reforming neighborhoods and becoming a productively content leader for the home and workplace. Our efforts function as a format for social renewal and, over time, provide a relief to the overbearing civic burden of social and criminal justice.

What are the BP Goals and Strategies?

The ultimate goal of BP is to be available to any one who needs personal attention in a gracious atmosphere 'nationwide' There are many who have lost hope and the only means of help they get is to be posted on the church's prayer list. Give us your prayer list! We want to pass on the blessing God has provided for some through BP to be available for all. As far as strategy goes, the BP manual is now complete; the group format is stable and proven. We need to expand our online presence. After ten years of diligent research and application, we are now prepared to be presented to the public as a viable alternative for processing grief, transition, healing and blessing. We are ready to move forward in the ways the church needs. We pray constantly for wisdom.

What is the presenting need for BP?

Please refer to my autobiography, 'A Good Bad Example'. It is an interesting read. To be short, I lived on the streets and God has saved me from myself. I wrote down my experiences, went to school and leaned about God. BP is the process I went through to find God. It took me 15 years, but, then again, I didn't have the luxury of Basic Progress. I was called in a myriad of ways, none the least is my own passion for helping those who remind me so much of me. Basic Progress is what I needed and didn't have. We now do have it.

What is BP's target audience?

Well, many just cannot hear what the church is saying. History shows that, for whatever reason, the church is not communicating with some who are desperately seeking God's power. BPs target audience is anyone who needs a spiritual over haul. If we break down our population into percentages, the top 15% are really having a great life living in the sunlight of the spirit. They have met the Lord and are excited about that. Basic Progress has a real strong appeal to the spiritually mature who needs more than a Sunday sermon or would like to go deeper than what Sunday school might offer. BP does not need to market to this group, they are on the lookout for a helpful format for spiritual renewal. The bottom 15% are a completely different story. There are lots of problems that inhibit their ability to rise above their condition. Denial, rationalization, short term gratification, all contribute to an individual's prolong stay in the swamp of folly. The bottom half of this group is really not approachable. Some of these realized they are struggling and will often come to BP just to try something else, magical or otherwise that may or may not work, 'but probably not'. That is done by taking them to the throne of the Lord of the 'now'. And, BP works. It is like an 'amping up' factory. I have a front row seat on God's miracle show. It is awesome to watch a faithful God work wonders. Tears turn to joy; self-pity to laughter; hatred into forgiveness and Doom turn into a real hope in love with the Lord. Children receive a parent, spouses find their romance renewed, employers are able to give an otherwise worthless employee another chance whereby he or she makes good. Basic Progress is a primary vehicle, if not the catalyst, for all these things to happen, sometimes unexpectedly, in the lives of people.

How does Basic Progress complement the church's goals?

We are out to communicate God's love to those the church is not reaching. There are countless episodes in church life whereby people come to the congregational leadership and ask for help regarding a marital problem, addiction, finances, etc. Prayer has often been the only tool at our disposal. We all have a prayer list. Many of those are loved ones for whom the church has exhausted all options. We may have provided food, money, clothing and temporary shelter. That is good, and that is what the church should do. I am thankful for that, but that is 'giving them a fish'. BP teaches them how to fish. Send them to Basic Progress. Evangelism, discipleship, restoration, recovery, faith based intervention, missions, call it what you may. The goal of BP is to assist those that God gives to us to find a relationship with God that will bless their family, community, church and workplace. Basic Progress is a whole life process. It is for that reason that the focused spiritual experience is a full immersion group dynamic of three months. There is overlap, but those in your midst who seem to be suffering over the long haul, send them to us.

From what core values or ideals does Basic Progress emanate? How?

The primary focus of the Basic Progress Experience is that people need God. Ultimately, for us and Christians, Jesus is the Christ, our pathway of faith to God. To create a need for that 'solution', the second endeavor is to facilitate an intense self evaluation that produces a humble desire for a more legitimate and real relationship with God. In essence, we believe that to love God and one another is the sum total of pastoral values. The means by which that is processed within the context of the Basic Progress group is a high regard for a grace filled community wherein each person is given the opportunity to talk, discuss and confess the nature of their life. This environment is created by the common goal, established by the group, to attain a positive spiritual momentum creating an individual who is productively content in the ever present 'now'. People working together with God for a common goal of personal healing in career, marriage, home and family create a powerful collective momentum that brings about an even stronger and more stab le spiritual maturity that otherwise cannot be obtained.

How do the different phases provide guidance for the Spiritual path?

The 18 week BP spiritual pilgrimage has three phases. The first stage, .Encounter,. is a thorough self-reflective inventory detailing personal motives, worldview, allegiances and conditions which have contributed to difficulties experienced. Even in rare situations wherein an individual is completely innocent there is often a self pitying mentality of victimization that sabotages circumstances long after the initial event. BP addresses character defects and personality shortcomings that dog our every step.

The second phase, 'Quest', seeks to deal with issues regarding that which is Holy. World Religions, Christian denominations, a brief history of the Christian church doctrine and practice, as well as a thorough discussion regarding the presence of God in the face of evil, wickedness, pain and suffering. Nevertheless, for those who are struggling in the margins of life, knowing God is significantly more important than knowing dogma, tradition or Greek. People want to be productively content.

The last six weeks is 'Dialogues'. This is the section in which we tell the story of God in human history using the biblical text, starting with Abraham and starting again with the resurrected Christ. It is during this phase that those who need to be baptized are, those who need to recommit do. We take our lives and our wills to the cross, by which of a process called 'trial by fire'. Christian liturgy and poetry is used to bring about a spiritual understanding that cannot be achieved by direct instruction.

Is there a prerequisite to be in the BP discussion groups?

First, everyone in attendance will have completed the BP first phase, Encounter. Secondly, we have all agreed that the Christian faith and scripture is the authority for our discussion. We just can't have arguments that cannot be substantiated in some way. It would be as counterproductive as history shows opinions to be. Here is the preamble that is read publicly at the beginning of BP group.

BP Group Preamble

BP Group is a fellowship of Christians, united by the common goal of maturing spiritually as the body of Christ. Our discussion arises from our own passion, maturity and experience. We speak in the language of the heart. We boldly proclaim our faith in community, conversation, service and purpose. In this, we are unanimous.

Our only binding standard is Christian Scripture. Each person is responsible for his or her own statements, actions and beliefs. As a collective group, we do not endorse any social, cultural religious or political agenda. Our only religious affiliation is the divine community of God as described in the Bible. We are all servants in Christ.

How does Basic Progress reflect God's love?

Well, God is passionate. God is demanding. God is our cheerleader. God is our shelter. God is our judge. God is love. God is. God loves every person for fun and for free, warts and all. We serve because of, in obedience to and in the presence of God's eternal love for you and me. God promised to give life in abundance. There are those who believe that the love of God is about hugging people and whispering, 'it will be OK', in their ear. While, there are specific times that may be appropriate, in BP, we deal directly with the root causes of fear, anger, resentment, jealousy. We actually go into Hell and bring people out, many of whom fight the entire way. That is not fun nor is it easy, but somebody needs to tell these people that God loves them, that they deserve better, that their life story is not over. Easier said than done; BP is designed to be a whole life spiritual makeover.

Who supervises Basic Progress Ministries, Inc.?

Basic Progress Ministries, Inc. is incorporated as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. BP is under the direction of a Christian board of Directors that oversees finances, provides counsel and remains liable to the government for funds raised. Dr. Jay Holland is Executive Officer and Spiritual Coach for hundreds whose lives have been transformed by encountering God through this dynamic environment for Spiritual Maturation. All donations are tax deductible and used to the Glory of God.

Who is Dr. Jay Holland?

Jay Holland's spiritual autobiography, 'A Good Bad Example', is online at the Basic Progress web site, www.basicprogress.org. His life story is a remarkable testimony to the power of God in the life of an otherwise helpless and hopeless individual. This is a miracle story of a rebellious preacher's kid who turned from God who never gave up on Jay and pursued and pursued and pursued. Over time, Dr. Holland received a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Masters degree in Biblical Studies and the Master of Divinity diploma from Abilene Christian University. Jay's doctoral studies were in the field of Pastoral Care / Pastoral Theology and received the designation of Doctor of Ministry from Brite Divinity School at TCU in the Spring of 2006.