FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) & when was it founded?
Established in 2014 by a group of directors, Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) was created to shield the identities of church planters operating covertly in regions where Christians face persecution. Recognized as a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status by the IRS, our mission is to unite, nurture, and empower believers to spread the Kingdom of God to every corner of the globe by discipling disciples who reach the unreached. Beyond fundraising and storytelling, we are directly involved in making disciples in some of the world’s most challenging areas.
Is Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) Trustworthy & Financially Sound?
Since our inception in 2014, Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) has operated as a tax-exempt non-profit organization recognized by the IRS. We’re proud to hold ECFA accreditation, a testament to our commitment to transparency and financial integrity. Our financial records, including audits by Morse & Co. PLLC and ECFA, are readily available on our website under the “Financials” tab. To ensure our finances are managed responsibly, we work with Cedarstone Financial and Nichols Accounting Group. As part of our dedication to transparency and security, we’ve implemented a private web portal for donors to access financial reports and audits. Explore our “Financials” tab on our website to witness our unwavering commitment to financial integrity firsthand.
Who is Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) CEO, board members, and key staff?
Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) comprises a dedicated team including a legal Board of Directors, Executive Staff, US-based Administrative Staff, Global Regional Coaches, and disciple-makers in over 48 countries.
Our CEO, Mike Patino, is a devoted family man, retired firefighter, and licensed pastor with over 21 years of ministry experience globally. Leaving his dream job, Mike answered Jesus’s call, playing key roles in establishing teams, planting churches, and advising ministries. With expertise ranging from storytelling to marketing, Mike consults pastors, emphasizing Church unity and maturity.
Does Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) file an annual Form 990 with the IRS?
Starting in 2024, GCM will file a 990 form, disclosing board members and the CEO’s annual salary. Although not required in the past due to our 501(c)(3) status and classification as a Public Charity under IRS code section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), we’re committed to full transparency. Our CEO has chosen to file the 990 as part of our dedication to openness and accountability, reflecting our commitment to transparency.
What is a Disciple-Making Movement?
Jesus provided detailed instructions to His followers, the Twelve and the Seventy-Two, on disciple-making, a mission relevant for all Christians. Found in Matthew 10, Luke 10, and Matthew 28, His teachings guide us in this task. Our ministry applies Jesus’ methods in hostile regions like the Middle East and, more recently, the West, offering free online videos and interactive coaching to equip believers. We invite you to join us in Jesus’ mission to reach the unreached.
What is the difference between a “Coach” and a “Disciple-Maker”?
Coaches: We’ve divided the world into 8 regions: North America, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Far East, Oceania, and Russia. Each region has a coach who supports and trains believers in their own language. Our approach focuses on empowering indigenous believers to reach their own communities. All coaches are also Disciple-Makers. Currently, we have 5 regions with 2-3 coaches each, aiming to expand to 3 coaches per region by the end of 2024.
Disciple-Maker: Someone actively reaching lost people in their specific country or region.
How has Global Catalytic Ministries (underground church) launched so many churches and developed so many Disciple-Makers?
We specialize in training decentralized disciple-makers who hear God’s voice and stand independently. Our focus is on empowering local indigenous leaders to start and lead movements in their communities. Starting from a few Middle Eastern countries, we’ve expanded to 71 regions by 2024. Our approach, “Moments to Movements,” combines the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus, guiding believers to encounter Him deeply. Through coaching and personal experiences, we inspire disciple-makers to cultivate divine encounters that drive our mission to reach every nation. From a homeschooling mother in California to a former LGBTQ community member now reaching out to youth, we’ve witnessed the power of authentic intimacy with God in sparking movements. Our coaching emphasizes personal spiritual awakening to fuel the calling of disciple-making globally.
How much money goes to the actual GCM Program rather than Operational costs?
We aim to maintain a three to six-month cash reserve to handle unexpected changes. Over the past three years, our operational costs have slightly increased by 5.7% from 2021-2022 and 5.6% from 2022-2023 due to factors such as scaling our organization to manage growth, increased travel, and investments in financial transparency and secure communication. Despite this, our program expenses have consistently fallen within the expected range of 65-75% of total expenses.
GCM Program vs. Operational (Administration & Fundraising)
2023 = 77% vs. 23%
2022 = 80.6% vs. 19.4%
2021 = 86.3% vs. 13.7%
How does GCM distinguish between real impact and exaggerated claims?
We understand the importance of accurately measuring the movement of the Spirit while ensuring the safety of our teams on the ground. To address this challenge, we’ve developed a secure online coaching platform that merges data with movement. This innovative portal allows for real-time tracking and visualization of our disciple-making efforts, offering insights specific to each country in an easy-to-use interface. Beyond tracking, our platform features a Trends Chart that forecasts future outcomes, enabling strategic planning and enhancing transparency with partners. Administrators and content creators can easily access statistics and stories from around the world. Join us in embracing this new phase of empowerment and progress in the disciple-making journey.
How does GCM define “church”?
In regions where the church faces persecution, large gatherings pose risks of capture, torture, and death. Instead, we gather in small groups of 8-15 people in homes, sometimes disguising our meetings with harmless reasons like bringing cake or balloons. We believe the essence of the church lies in its people, not the size or location of gatherings. Historically, the early church, known as the ecclesia, was defined by its members, while later gatherings in Germany became associated with the building, known as “kirche.” At GCM, we embrace all expressions of the body of Christ, whether in stadiums, homes, or online. We’re committed to helping the global Church fulfill its mission of spreading the Kingdom of God to every corner of the world by discipling disciples to reach the unreached.
What exactly is Sheep Among Wolves?
“Sheep Among Wolves” is the title of a documentary highlighting some of the work GCM has done. However, it’s also a posture we adopt as followers of Jesus, rooted in Matthew 10:16. It embodies the idea of prioritizing humility and self-sacrifice, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who sent His disciples out as “sheep among wolves.” This posture emphasizes seeking the altar over the stage, willingly laying down our lives to share the Gospel and reach the unreached.
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