CREDO began as an idea in the mind of founder Dr. Steve Patty during the fall of
1998. The idea of a Student Leadership Institute was officially written into a grant
proposal for an endowment. The plan was for Multnomah Biblical Seminary to provide
an intensive two-week summer experience that would:
- introduce youth to the major texts, theological resources, and practices of the
Christian tradition;
- create a setting for youth to explore the meaning and significance of the practical
wisdom of the Christian faith for their own lives;
- encourage critical thinking about the Christian faith in relation to contemporary
social issues and challenges; and
- enable youth to explore their vocational aspirations in a context of spiritual and
theological discernment and to consider Christian ministry among their options”
(quoted directly from the grant proposal).