An Interview with Mike Cleveland, founder of Setting Captives Free
Today we have the privilege of hearing from the founder and President of Setting Captives Free, Mike Cleveland.
What inspired you to create Setting Captives Free?
After repenting of our sin, my wife and I began to experience tremendous joy in the Lord together, and had a desire to teach the same biblical truths of freedom to other people which God enabled us to implement in our own lives.
I am currently taking The Lord’s Table course. It has been very encouraging, convicting, and often very enlightening. We read Jason Chamberlains description of the course; can you briefly describe the course and its underlying mission?
The Lord’s Table mission is to wean us off bondage to and dependence on food to meet our emotional needs - and to lead us to Jesus, the “Bread of Life” where we might satisfy and nourish our souls in Him.
To whom would you recommend The Lord’s Table?
The Lord’s Table course is designed for anyone who runs to food when stressed, bored, tired, lonely, or in despair. It is for those who are captive to food and who desire to be free, not just from the extra weight, but from the heart issues associated with overeating and laziness.
One of your recommended resources is John Piper’s A Hunger for God. Additionally, his Desiring God ministry is partnering with Setting Captives Free in England. Tell us a bit about how Dr. Piper has influenced your ministry.
John Piper has helped us understand the tremendous joy there is in repenting of sin and knowing Jesus. He has brought clarity to our lives regarding the eternal pleasure that all believers can experience in Christ.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalms 16:11
The course emphasizes the importance of fasting. How has fasting contributed to your perseverance in the fight against habitual overeating?
Jesus said, “When you fast…” It is assumed that believers will fast. The value of fasting is in learning to deny the cravings of the flesh and to run to Jesus for help and to experience his sustaining grace.
What is your current weekly exercise schedule?
I exercise five days a week for one hour per day. I alternate between walking/running and using the elliptical at our local recreation center. That’s pretty good, for a man who, about ten years ago, couldn’t even walk a half mile without stopping to rest. :)
What is your favorite healthy snack?
I really enjoy sitting down to a fresh artichoke; my wife cooks them just right and serves them with mayonnaise; it is a real treat. I also really like to snack on cucumbers, celery sticks with peanut butter, and apples. And, of course, there is the occasional Cinnabon!
You have just begun a new ministry. We would love to hear about it. As you would say, feel free to share your thoughts here.
We are in the process of starting two new and very exciting ministries: In His Image, and Ohio Valley Church.
In His Image is a Bible study course designed for those involved in anorexia and bulimia. My co-author is a lady who used to be involved in these issues, but is now completely free, by God’s grace.
Ohio Valley Church is an exciting new local gospel ministry. We have preaching/teaching, discipling, and biblical counseling available, as well as interactive Bible studies that correspond with the sermons in order to enhance spiritual growth. Our website is http://www.ohiovalleychurch.org/.
Trill Fitness would like to thank Jason Chamberlain and Mike Cleveland for taking time to introduce us to Setting Captives Free. I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use your ministry to help people overcome and find freedom from habitual sins through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Want to know more? Follow these links to:
Enroll in the free online course The Lord’s Table
Purchase The Lord’s Table bible study and leadership guide
Find out how you might get involved
