About

Our Mission:

Plain Truth Ministries proclaims authentic Christianity without the religion.
Our work is Christ-centered, based on God’s amazing grace, giving hope to those burned out by legalistic religion.

CWR/PTM communicates its message electronically and in print, in its magazines, books, letters, audio messages, blogs, email and on the Internet.

We Believe:

We believe in the Father—Creator of heaven and earth.

We believe in Jesus—the Eternal Son of God, who was incarnated through God the Holy Spirit, fully God and fully human, who suffered, was crucified and buried, who rose again and ascended to heaven and shall come again in his kingdom of which there is no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Counselor, who together with the Father and Son, is one God and who lives within those who believe.

We believe in the universal body of Christ, composed of all who are in Christ, whether visible or invisible to one another, a universal body that transcends any and all earthly organizations and denominations that are legally incorporated as churches.

We believe in the forgiveness of sins—undeserved, by grace, not by merit.

We believe in the Resurrection—Jesus rose from the dead, and as our risen Lord he lives in us now and will come again and resurrect the dead in Christ.

We believe in Life Everlasting—eternal life is the gift of God.

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This “We Believe” statement is our CWR/PTM affirmation of faith. Some might call it a creed. The word “creed” comes from the Latin word “credo” which means “I believe.”

By its nature, a creed is a short and succinct summary—not intended to explain all details and answer all questions.

The first three summary statements of the Apostles’ Creed and of the Nicene Creed explain the nature of the One God, who exists eternally as Three distinct divine Persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God is one in essence and three in Person. Each divine Person is distinct, each divine Person is fully God and they exist harmoniously, in union and united as One God.

Who God is and what he is like is critically important and foundational to our faith as Christ-followers.

While no one knows the exact date of the origin of the Apostles’ Creed, and while few think the actual Apostles wrote it, it is felt to be an accurate reflection of the teachings of the Apostles, thus its name “Apostles’ Creed.”

By linking this creed with the Apostles, the intent was to communicate its direction and intent coming directly from the disciples, who were eye-witnesses to all that Jesus taught and did.

The Apostles’ Creed is probably the earliest and it is certainly the shortest of these two most well known and widely accepted summaries of Christian belief.

The Nicene Creed dates to the Council of Nicea, originally convened in 325 A.D. (its official councils and meetings continued for well over 100 years) because of further questions and disagreement about the Triune God (they asked specifically whether Jesus and the Holy Spirit are equally and eternally Persons of the Triune God, or somehow less than God the Father).

“Believe” and “belief” are foundational terms and concepts in these early Christian creeds because belief is central to life in Christ.

John highlights belief in that all time favorite and well-known, much-memorized summary of the gospel in his Gospel—the Gospel of John, chapter three and verse sixteen:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him….

Belief is central to our faith—what We Believe is the absolute core and center, the bull’s-eye of our faith.

We Believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit as the basis of our faith, with all other practices and traditions not as important as being centered in the Triune God.

C.S. Lewis said this of our faith and belief as Christ-followers:

Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and if true, is of infinite import. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.

Of course, memorizing and reciting words of the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed is not one and the same as heartfelt faith and belief. External behavior and belief may flow from a deep internal spiritual oasis—but not always!

Many within the world of Christendom memorize and recite historic creeds, yet effectively deny the essence of the love of God, and do not exemplify it. Christ-followers believe in God with living faith.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Plain Truth Ministries (PTM) financed by or affiliated with a church or denomination?

No. We partner with and provide resources to other ministries as well as small groups and individual congregations. But we are not dependent on any other ministry or church.

How is PTM financed?

The majority of our support is from the generous contributions of our dedicated Friends and Partners. The remainder of our income is derived from resource sales and miscellaneous income. PTM is a 501(c)(3) charity, registered with the IRS. Contributions to PTM are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Who is Greg Albrecht?

Greg Albrecht is president of Plain Truth Ministries, teaching via the weekly Christianity Without the Religion (CWRa), and serves as an editor of our two magazines.

Greg was born in Kansas and grew up in Texas and California. He received his BA in theology and pastored churches in England, later serving as a college professor and administrator in California. Greg holds an MA in biblical studies from Azusa Pacific University.

He is author of several books: Check out the CWR book page.

Greg lives in Southern California with his wife Karen. They are proud parents of two married children, and love to spend time with their five grandchildren.

Greg Albrecht Greg and Karen

The Albrecht Clan

Who is Brad Jersak?

Dr. Bradley Jersak is an author, editor, speaker and teacher based in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Brad received a Ph.D. from Bangor University (Wales). He is the dean of graduate studies at St. Stephen’s University, and serves as editor at CWR Press and CWR Magazine. Brad’s work is dedicated to sharing the good news that God is love and that God’s love was shown to us perfectly in Jesus of Nazareth.

Brad is the author of several books, including Her Gates Will Never Be Shut, Can You Hear Me? and the highly acclaimed, award-winning A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel and A More Christlike Way: A More Beautiful Faith published by CWR Press.

Brad Jersak Brad and Eden

How is PTM governed?

PTM is governed by Chairman of the Board Greg Albrecht, assisted by the Advisory Board of Directors. PTM’s operations are conducted by a small staff, directed by president Greg Albrecht.

Advisory Board of Directors – left to right: Ed Dunn, Dennis Warkentin, Ralph Woodrow, Laura Urista, Greg Albrecht, Monte Wolverton, Brad Jersak.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Advisory Board of Directors – left to right: Ed Dunn, Dennis Warkentin, Ralph Woodrow, Laura Urista, Greg Albrecht, Monte Wolverton, Brad Jersak.

Greg Albrecht

President, Chairman of the Board

Greg Albrecht is President and Chairman of the Board of Plain Truth Ministries. He pastors, teaches and writes in and through all of the many ministries of PTM, including daily audio, a monthly ministry letter, and via our two magazines, for which he also serves as Editor-in-Chief.

Greg was born in Kansas and grew up in Texas and California. He received his BA in theology in England, and later an MA in religion/biblical studies from Azusa Pacific University.

Greg and his wife Karen were married in England in 1969 where they served in ministry, including within the inner cities of London, Manchester and Liverpool, for several years before returning to the United States. Since 1974 Greg and Karen and their then two young children put down roots in Southern California. Before beginning his work in Christ-centered media ministry, writing and broadcasting as a media pastor and teacher, Greg was a college professor and administrator.

Drawing on his experience gained by more than 50 years as an ordained minister, Greg advocates the radical grace of God in the world at large and within the universal body of Christ, which PTM refers to as “Christianity Without the Religion” (CWR). Greg sets the pace for PTM in his audio, video and written resources, advocating for the gospel – the no-matter-what love, radical grace, overflowing mercy and forever forgiveness of God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. PTM and CWR are all about All Jesus All the time, often expressing its mission as Faith alone, Grace alone and Christ alone.

Karen is also deeply involved with PTM as Greg’s primary advisor and proofreads many of our publications before they are published. They are proud parents of two married children, enjoying the growth and maturity of their five young-adult grandchildren as, with their parents’ loving support, they navigate across the bridge into the adult world.

Greg often comments to our worldwide audience/congregation of listeners, readers and Friends/Partners that our collective efforts in the ongoing ministry of PTM/CWR are 1) blessed by, enabled and empowered by the grace of God, 2) blessed by the work of God in and through a small leadership team, harmoniously working together as one, fueled by the prayers and financial donations of our Friends/Partners.

Greg has authored many books, including those posted here: https://www.ptm.org/books

Brad Jersak

Pastoral Scholar

Brad and his wife Eden were married in 1984, and live in Abbotsford, BC Canada. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Dr. Bradley Jersak serves as Pastoral Scholar for PTM, and Senior Editor and Art Director for Christianity Without the Religion magazine (CWRm). His contributions lend a beautiful combination of scholarship and pastoral care to advice he provides, questions PTM receives and the teaching he shares in the many articles and blogs he contributes.

Brad’s vocation is to share the good news of God’s love, revealed perfectly in the incarnation of Christ. He embodies and illustrates, by the grace of God, the thematic emphasis of PTM on hope, comfort, encouragement and healing in Christ.

During his long career Brad has served in many pastoral positions and pulpits as an ordained minister, in addition to teaching in many college classrooms. As a respected and in-demand speaker he is a frequent traveler. Brad received his Ph.D. from Bangor University (Wales) and serves as the Principal of St. Stephen’s University, New Brunswick, Canada. He is the author of many books, including the CWR Press publications, A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel and A More Christlike Way: A More Beautiful Faith.

Dr. Jersak lends his considerable biblical acumen and his many decades of experience and understanding to the combined efforts of our Christ-centered and grace-based ministry. As a seasoned veteran of the Christian religious landscape, his rich heritage of wisdom informs his valuable ministry and teaching to this day.

Laura Urista

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Laura and her husband, Juan, were married in 1983. They have two married adult children, as well as three young grand-daughters. They all live in Southern California, within an hour’s drive from “Gaga Laura” and “Pops.”

Laura is an ordained minister who received her B.A. in theology in 1984. She started working with Plain Truth magazine over three decades ago and has served in nearly every aspect of magazine production and fulfillment, including administrative responsibilities. Laura shares her insights gained on her journey to Christ, as she endured a long history of Christ-less religion.

Laura serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of CWR/PTM, Secretary/Treasurer of the PTM Board, Managing Editor of all publications and as Art Director for Plain Truth magazine. As one of the long-time members of our leadership team, she contributes her invaluable historical knowledge of systems, programs and the many ministries we provide.

Laura continues a lifelong love for music, most currently serving as a worship leader in her congregation, and along with Juan, her husband, taking guitar lessons.

Dennis Warkentin

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Dennis and Maureen were married in 1975 and they have one married adult son. Maureen volunteers her time in the PTM office for a few hours a week helping with mail processing, and she works at home proofreading our many publications. Dennis and Maureen have lived and worked in California most of their lives and over the last decade or more their favorite hobby has been line dancing, which keeps them active physically, mentally and socially.

Dennis has been working with The Plain Truth magazine for over five decades. He has worked in many aspects of our operations, in printing, planning, production, and mailing.

As Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CWR/PTM Dennis is responsible for all timely printing and mailings for our ongoing work, assisting with incoming mail and phone calls, maintaining our electronic media outreach, managing our ever-changing blog postings, supervising support for our electronic network in and out of our office and regularly updating our website (www.ptm.org) as needed.

Dennis appreciates his life-long working life with the ministries of PTM with a variety of responsibilities, the camaraderie of co-workers and the fulfilling purpose of playing an important role on our team as together we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Ed Dunn

Vice President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Ed and his wife, Stephanie, were married in 2023. Ed has one adult daughter and Stephanie has two sons, who still live at home with Ed and Stephanie. After completing a B.A. in theology Ed received an MA in Business and Human Resources Management, which was followed by a 20-plus year career in consulting and financial services.

Ed first started volunteering his services to PTM as a consultant. Soon thereafter he agreed to begin working in a part-time capacity, quickly followed by full time employment. Ed describes his work at PTM in several ways, firstly, as a joy, not a job, and secondly, as a perfect blend of numbers and letters (both central to his background).

Ed’s work includes a rich variety of functions from posting blogs and programming daily and weekend audio programs, to writing, editing, receiving and responding to phone calls, answering questions, processing donations and recording video and audio blogs for This Month at PTM and CWR Unplugged. Ed serves as a Vice President and as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CWR/PTM.

Ed loves PTM’s mission, team culture and amazing work ethic. One of his responsibilities is leading our strategic planning committee, and in that role he and the team coined the phrase hope, comfort, encouragement and healing in Christ as a further example of the mission and identity of the mission and objectives of PTM.

Additional team members:

Thanks and gratitude to and for Monte Wolverton and Ralph Woodrow, who serve on our Advisory Board of Directors, and also contribute via their valued Christ-centered insights.
With thanks and appreciation for those who provide their literary gifts and wisdom, whom we publish either on our blog and/or in our magazines. Ruth Tucker and Steve Brown are deeply appreciated as long-time contributors who regularly grace our print and digital pages – each of them has been involved with PTM for more than three decades. Other articles and blogs are occasionally provided by Richard Rohr, Ken Tanner, Rachel Ramer, Barbara Dahlgren, Sheila Graham, Jim Fowler (who also once served on our Advisory Board of Directors), Ken Williams, Steve Orr and Stuart Segall.
AND YOU! YOU allow us to serve you in Jesus’ name and MANY OF YOU willingly provide faithful and consistent financial support as FRIENDS AND PARTNERS. Thank YOU for being on our team!

Where is your office?

In the city of Arcadia, California.

However, our mailing address is:

Plain Truth Ministries, Box 300, Pasadena, CA 91129-0300

The title of your weekly worship service – and your flagship magazine – is Christianity Without the Religion. Isn't Christianity a religion? Just what do you mean by religion?

Religion can be defined in various ways, but its popular connotation is any system of practice and observance intended to make people more acceptable to God. By that definition, authentic Christianity is not a religion – because authentic Christianity is not about human effort that enhances our standing with God, but about what God has done for us.

The word "religion" seems to get slammed by PTM. Doesn't James 1:27 say, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." This seems to say that religion isn't necessarily bad!

James 1:27 tells us about pure and undefiled religion– implying that there is such a thing as impure and defiled religion. So not all religion is “good”. Religion is such a word. Religion can be used as a term for any kind of belief or faith in God. Religion thus may refer to Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc. Many secular individuals dismiss all religion as useless, as an emotional crutch that some people seem to need to make it through the day.
However, there is another meaning attached to the word “religion” today to which The New Testament is absolutely opposed. The popular, common denominator of religion is the idea that humans must do, perform and produce works, deeds, virtues or behaviors as stipulated by rituals, rites and regulations. The idea is that having performed ceremonies, having followed religious prescriptions, priests, pills and potions, then God is more pleased with humans than he otherwise would have been. This is the fundamental difference between biblical Christianity and religion in general (whether it be a non-Christian religion, or a practice which claims to be Christian). The gospel of Jesus Christ insists that God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are, according to the gospel, incapable of pleasing and appeasing God on the basis of our works. That is the definition of religion that PTM uses– and opposes, for it is the enemy of the gospel.

Could you please differentiate between legalism and fundamentalism in an easy to understand definition? Is there an overlap in their definitions or are they two totally different entities? Thank you very much and I also thank Plain Truth Ministries for all it offers.

Legalism is the religious viewpoint that proposes that our performance of deeds enhances our relationship with God. Legalism can lead one to fundamentalism. Legalism is the virus (somewhat like HIV) that leads to the full blown toxic condition of fundamentalism (somewhat like AIDS). Fundamentalism is the religious viewpoint that proposes that its teachings and practices are the one and only true religion. Fundamentalism is an environment in which legalism thrives. Fundamentalism is fueled by legalism. Thus, it would seem that all fundamentalists are legalists, but not all legalists are fundamentalists. The self-love of legalism, the glorification of human performance as something with which God is supposedly well pleased, can eventually turn into the monster of fundamentalism, which not only is about self-love, but now is adversarial, demonizing those who do not agree, eventuating in hatred, bigotry, and war. Legalism can seem harmless, but it can turn into the nasty, malicious monster of fundamentalism.

What radio stations are you on?

Plain Truth Ministries has chosen to put its resources into the Internet, where Christianity Without the Religion (our worldwide online church) and Plain Truth radio are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week around the world. Some PTM Partners and groups of our supporters choose to sponsor our programs on local stations. Other stations run our programs free of charge, but as this varies from week to week, we have no set listing of stations.

Is PTM connected with the late evangelist Herbert Armstrong?

He is part of PTM’s history, as he founded The Plain Truth magazine in 1934. Although Armstrong was a popular religious broadcaster for many years, his doctrines were deeply flawed. After his death in 1986, The Plain Truth magazine and its parent organization, Worldwide Church of God, underwent significant doctrinal reform, abandoning Armstrong’s flawed teachings and embracing the good news of the gospel of grace. Plain Truth Ministries was formed in 1996 and has published the new Plain Truth magazine since that time. PTM is no longer involved or affiliated with the Worldwide Church of God (itself renamed Grace Communion International). Our former history of legalistic oppression motivates PTM to warn against religious legalism, to teach sound Christian doctrine and to boldly proclaim God’s amazing grace!

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