Our Purpose

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Faith Statement

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Mission Statement

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Core Values

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Administration

Mike Shields

Mike Shields

Co-Founder/Director

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Tanya Shearrer

Tanya Shearrer

Formation Director

 

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Carolyn Finnegan

Carolyn Finnegan

Accounting Support

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April Ebnit

April Ebnit

Admin Support

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Board Of Directors

Mike Shields

Mike Shields

Interim Board President

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Herb McSpadden

Herb McSpadden

Board VP

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Paula Torrence

Paula Torrence

Board Secretary

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Carl Sherman

Carl Sherman

Board Treasurer

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Ginger Morris

Ginger Morris

Board Member

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Kimberly Rice

Kimberly Rice

Board Member

 

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Gabe George

Gabe George

Board Member

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Real People. Real Impact.

Journey Into Freedom is guided by our belief that God has a plan and a purpose for every single person. Regardless of where you find yourself, there is always hope. People shouldn’t live in despair, they ought to have the opportunity to take steps in leaving a legacy!

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.“

Without purpose, people have a hard time making the most of today,  while preparing for tomorrow.

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We Believe in A Collaborative Approach

Department of Corrections

Supporting State correctional facilities 

The Local Church

Collaboration and development of mentors and support groups 

Strategic Partnerships

From employment opportunities to legal needs

Community Engagement

Involving local community resources and re-entry programs 

Our Purpose

Members of our team have actively served Dr. Eddie Warrior and Dick Conner correctional facilities in Northeast Oklahoma for over a decade.

Recognizing the desperate need for true transformation - one that helps reduce recidivism and creates a lasting discipleship journey - we set out to build a framework that renews the mind, restores the heart, affirms individual worth, and leads people into the discovery of their God-given purpose.

Individuals shouldn't be cast aside and forgotten about, they ought to be given an opportunity to better themselves and live a life worthy of celebrating.

Our purpose is to reduce the harm that incarceration does, by empowering individuals to live a life free from addiction, bondage and shame. To equip and prepare for re-entry by providing the tools, resources, and support needed to build confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose. Through our framework, programming and a comprehensive community-centered support system, we guide individuals into success as they begin to rewrite their story!

Statement Of Faith

We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things, and He exists in three co-equal Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. God is totally loving and completely holy. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only One who can restore us to the Heavenly Father. We believe that mankind was made in the image of God as male and female. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love. We believe our sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort, but we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is an unmerited gift from God, not earned by good works or any human effort. Whosoever calls upon Jesus will be saved.

Our Mission

Helping to transform incarceration into purpose; one life, one story, one legacy at a time.

Core Values

Identity – Trusting in the Lord’s plan and wisdom above all else for  transformational living

Community – Family atmosphere that loves, pursues, and grows together

Development - Empowering and equipping others with the tools that support growth,  accountability, and responsibility

Leadership – Being trustworthy, truthful, transparent, and ethical in all interactions

Purpose – Stewarding everything you have and others like they’re gifts from God

Mike Shields Co-Owner Of Journey Into Freedom, Org

Mike Shields

Co Founder / Director

 

Mike Shields is the Co-founder of Journey Into Freedom. After a successful 23-year career in sales leadership at UPS and Grainger Industrial, Mike answered the call to full-time ministry in 2018. He spent four years as Outreach Pastor and Prison Ministry Director at Church On The Move, serving two churches within Oklahoma Department of Corrections facilities.

Through this experience, Mike felt called to launch a new ministry dedicated to helping individuals discover their unique design, gifts, and purpose. Today, he leads others on a path of personal growth and missional living, equipping them to navigate life with clarity and purpose.

Tanya Shearrer

Tanya Shearrer

Formation Director

Tanya is deeply passionate about restoring hope and fostering transformation in individuals and communities. With over 20 years of experience in mentoring, she has developed a unique ability to drive meaningful change by resourcing and guiding others through spiritual discipleship. Tanya is dedicated to helping people navigate challenges, discover their purpose, and experience renewal. Through connecting individuals to vital resources, offering mentorship, and nurturing spiritual growth, Tanya is committed to making a lasting, positive impact in the lives of those in need.

 

With over 20 years of experience in mentoring, she has developed a unique ability resourcing and guiding others through spiritual discipleship. Tanya is currently leading a mentoring team at Church on the Move in Tulsa as well as an overseeing a mentoring team at John 3:16.  She is committed to connecting others to the needs in our communities.

Mike Shields Co-Owner Of Journey Into Freedom, Org

Carolyn Finnegan

Accountant

Carolyn has over 30 years of experience in accounts payable and receivable, and administration.  I have three grown children whom I adore.  I have attended Church on the Move for 23 years and have been serving faithfully on the worship team for 21 years. I also served on the production team and production hospitality services for 8 years,  as well as various other departments within the church over the years. I have a passion for serving and helping others, whether it be at my church or helping friends and family.  I also love praying and interceding for people.

I have felt God leading me to step out and serve in other areas of ministry, and I was led to help with the outreach for Journey into Freedom. I look forward to seeing the mighty work God is doing in the men and women who choose to journey with us.

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Kimberly Rice

April Ebnit

Admin Support

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April has been married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, for 20 years and has attended Church on the Move in Tulsa for 21 years, serving on staff for 10 of those years. 

April is passionate about helping facilitate the journey for God’s children in finding healing and freedom through a personal relationship with Christ. She has experience mentoring and walking alongside others as they grow in their faith and deepen their walk with Him.

With over 15 years of administrative experience, April has chosen to use her strong organizational skills to support Journey Into Freedom. She loves serving behind the scenes, using her God-given gifts in organization and project management to support others and free them up to fully operate in their own callings and gifts.

Mike Shields Co-Owner Of Journey Into Freedom, Org

Mike Shields

Co Founder / Director

 

Mike Shields is the Co-founder of Journey Into Freedom. After a successful 23-year career in sales leadership at UPS and Grainger Industrial, Mike answered the call to full-time ministry in 2018. He spent four years as Outreach Pastor and Prison Ministry Director at Church On The Move, serving two churches within Oklahoma Department of Corrections facilities.

Through this experience, Mike felt called to launch a new ministry dedicated to helping individuals discover their unique design, gifts, and purpose. Today, he leads others on a path of personal growth and missional living, equipping them to navigate life with clarity and purpose.

Herb MsSpadden

Herb McSpadden

Board VP

Herb McSpadden is the Executive Director of Rogers County Youth Services, where he has worked for over 25 years.  He has also served as the deputy director of Sac and Fox Juvenile Detention facility and the executive director of Brush Creek Boys Home.  His passion is for juvenile diversion, prevention, and early intervention programs.  Herb is currently the president of the statewide association of youth services (OAYS), and is the deputy mayor of Claremore.  

Herb McSpadden, MSM

Executive Director

"The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." - Anonymous

Ask me about making a bequest  for the youth and families of Rogers County

RCYS will provide free prevention skills classes to over 2,000 students this year. 

Learn more about RCYS

Paula Torrence

Paula Torrence

Board Secretary

Paula served in the U.S. Army Reserve for a total of 40 years, with 8 years of active-duty service, retiring as a Sergeant Major with an Honorable Discharge after a distinguished career. Upon retirement in 2016, Paula began a new journey of devoting her time to ministry work at Church on the Move. Her passion is about giving back to the community and continuing to serve others through various volunteer roles. She is deeply invested in her family and a proud grandmother to 13 grandchildren

Carl Sherman

Carl Sherman

Board Treasurer

 

Carl Sherman has over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance. He is the CFO at HXR of Tulsa, where he drives financial strategy and operations. Holding an MBA from Southern Nazarene University, he combines his expertise in accounting with a background in IT to optimize business processes and support strategic growth.

At the center of Carl’s life is his faith. He is deeply passionate about helping people find the real Jesus and actively serves at Church on The Move. His commitment to living out his faith extends into the community through volunteering and supporting local initiatives that feed the homeless. Outside of work, he is a proud father of six children and grandfather of eight—living out his values of family, compassion, and service both personally and within his community.

Ginger Morris

Ginger Morris

Board Member

Ginger Morris has over 45 years of experience as a human resources development professional in the oil and gas industry. Her experiences include corporate trainer, master facilitator, developing and facilitating management and leadership programs, teaching college courses, and her most recent role as Human Resources Director. Recently retired, Ginger’s passion for coaching, training, and developing individuals has led her to pursue opportunities within the non-profit sector to benefit others.

Kimberly Rice

Kimberly Rice

Board Member

My history with working with victims of trauma and partnering with law enforcement started in 1999, when I became the Law Enforcement Advocate for Creek County through Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc (DVIS). My job was to be on-call for law enforcement related to any domestic or sexual assault calls/cases, as well as human trafficking. I specialized in crisis management and safety planning for victims, but it gave me the opportunity to also work closely with officers/deputies/investigators related to the criminal investigations.

I spent over 2000 hours on patrol with various officers and deputies in my 17-year career in that field, and not only was a member of the Creek County Fraternal Order of Police (2010 - 2016) but was elected their Chaplain 5 years running. I have also provided training to Reserve CLEET academies in Creek County for nearly 15 years related to Evidence-Based sexual and domestic violence and continue to teach those courses today.

Kimberly Rice, LPC, CFRC

Gabriel George

Gabe George

Board Member

Gabe George has recently stepped into a call as an itinerant pastor, traveling to churches across America and preaching a gospel message that will move the body of Christ forward in its mission. Alongside his father, Willie George, Gabe leads at the renowned Rocker W Ranch in northern Oklahoma, creating meaningful outdoor experiences for pastors and spiritual leaders where they are affirmed, refreshed, and challenged.
Leveraging lessons learned from over 30 years in ministry in Texas, California, and Oklahoma, Gabe has a unique story and a wide range of experiences that give him a powerful perspective to speak to the Church and to those who may be considering moving toward it. Gabe is deeply passionate about helping people to know God in a personal way that leads to their next step in a relationship with Jesus and the hope of their calling within the mission of His Church.
Before his work at Rocker W Ranch and as an itinerant pastor, Gabe served the local church in various positions over the past 30 years, most recently as Senior Pastor at Church on the Move, South Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gabe planted Horizon Church in California and directed Kids on the Move, the children's ministry of Church on the Move in Tulsa, Ok.
Gabe is widely respected in the church for the innovative and unique service experiences that he helped create, shaping the way kids' ministry is done in churches all over America. Gabe's leadership in ministry has been influential to children's pastors because of the resources and training he helped pioneer through SEEDS, an online ministry resource platform and conference attracting church leaders from all over the world, equipping and empowering leaders with tools for more effective, dynamic children’s ministry.
Gabe met his wife, Sommer, at Oral Roberts University. They have been married for 25 years, and together they have 2 children, Jane, 23, and Charles, 21, both of whom are currently attending Oral Roberts University.