I would like for us to counter these types of efforts with just as high quality material as they are producing, not to “defeat Calvinism,” but simply to educate others as to viable biblical alternatives. I sincerely want more people to understand both Calvinism and Traditionalism for what they actually believe, so each individual can make an informed, unbiased choice about which Soteriological system they will adopt and promote in their own congregations. That will not happen without funding.
If you are anything like me you tend to change the dial when someone starts asking for donations. In fact, some people have already clicked off this post after realizing the topic. I hope you, however, will hear me out.
I understand why support raising turns most of us off. There is only so much each of us can support. We have our local churches, charities, outreach efforts and benevolence events. Laura and I support three different ministry organizations every month and that does not include the dozens of individual requests for mission trips, school fundraisers and the local PTA type efforts.
This is one of the reasons I really hesitated to start support raising for this effort. To be honest, I felt bad for asking people to give to help me do something I love to do. After a few difficult conversations with my wife, who also happens to be our bookkeeper, I realized the hosting fees, equipment, travel costs and advertising needed to expand this effort couldn’t be done alone. Well, it could, but my kids would have to walk everywhere and my wife would have to homeschool all four of them for college. A sacrifice I was willing to make, but I cannot seem to get everyone else on board 😉
Several months ago a few listeners suggested Patreon as a way to gather a team of monthly supporters and that suggestion has literally saved this ministry. More than that, through the support of monthly givers this ministry has been able to expand far beyond what I ever imagined. With well over 25,000 unique podcast downloads a month and twice that many views on the web site, we are starting to make a significant doctrinal impact among pastors and ministry leaders around the globe.
To be frank, as I write this I am growing concerned with the perception some may have about “self-promotion” and comments antagonists have made about me ring through my ears, “Leighton, you are just trying to make a name for yourself…etc.”
I pray and ask God daily to search my prideful heart and if that ever becomes my driving motivation in this effort, I sincerely pray (with you all as my witnesses) that this ministry shuts down immediately!
I hope those of you who listen regularly know that I do not consider myself as some kind of “know it all” intellect with all the answers. If anything I am a gatherer and dispenser of information. I like reading and researching and then explaining what I’ve learned in simple, easy to understand ways.
I’m not much of a scholar myself. I want to be scholarly, but I am realistic about my limitations. My goal here has been highlighting the real scholars who are too often overlooked in mainstream Christian circles. Sure, occasionally I’ll have a unique thought to contribute, but for the most part I am attempting to shed light on the works of much more intelligent scholars who are representing the original intent of the Biblical authors (as I interpret them). I pray I am faithful in that effort and invite you to hold me accountable as we work to accomplish more as a team than we could ever do alone.
And I am not asking you all to just support the work of Soteriology 101 but the work of Connect 316 and all the scholars associated with this effort. Buy their books and help us spread the truth of God’s sincere love for every man, woman, boy and girl.
You can sign on as a monthly giver or make a one time donation by CLICKING HERE.