The Leadership Class is essential for all Christian leaders studying at Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here)! It has been one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taken at CLI. It was four years ago when I “happened” to stumble upon CLI. Ever since then, my life has changed for the better.
My Ministry
Since graduating from CLI’s Leadership Excellence School, I have been a Pastor for a little over a year for a tiny church. The most people I’ve ever seen attend our Sunday morning service was 30 people at max. Every Sunday, we usually have between 10-20 people present. Throughout the past decade+, this church has dramatically declined in number. It is a dying church. Therefore, it is by God’s grace, foreknowledge, and Sovereignty that I’ve taken this leadership class at this point and time in my life and my ministry. God’s timing is perfect!
In addition to being called to be a faithful child of God, I’ve also been called to be a faithful husband, father, and Pastor. Currently, I preach every Sunday while conducting/creating Bible Study programs for our weekly church Bible Studies on Wednesdays. Further, I am facing multiple challenges when it comes to promoting church growth.
Challenges
While being a full-time pastor for this church, I also have to have another full-time job to provide the necessities for my family. The church I pastor is too small to provide me with 100% financial support. I work seven nights straight and then have seven nights off. I’m also a father to three children who are all under the age of 5. Therefore, there is a restraint on my time.
Aside from myself, my wife, and our children, the youngest person within our congregation is a 50-year-old. The rest of the assembly is between 50-80 years old. Therefore, the commitment, effort, and capability needed for church growth is significantly diminished due to these factors. Another challenge when it comes to wanting to grow in number is the location of our church building. Our church building is in the middle of the country/rural area close to where we live, and not many people drive down our road. There are other challenges the church is facing regarding church growth. However, I will refrain from going into all the details at this time.
CLI Leadership Class is Essential
Ever since taking the Leadership Class at CLI, I have already implemented many of the ideas provided by brother/Professor Bruce Ballast. Church events and strategic plans are already in place ever since I took the leadership class. I look forward to seeing what God does and what His will is for this church—always leaving the results to Him!
I’ve also obtained a better understanding of areas that I had not had before taking this class. Areas such as knowing how to be more effective in dealing with conflict/disagreement within the church as a leader, what to expect from church members, and how to handle situations with those who may disagree with my decisions or ideas. I have a better understanding of how to strategically plan/make decisions for the church. I also learned what qualities to look for when choosing people to give specific responsibilities to within the church.
Ministry Vision
My ministry dream/vision is to be used by God in a way that truly changes the lives of others. I want to be more than just someone who knows how to preach on Sunday mornings, strategically plan events for the church, etc. When people think of my ministry, I want them to think of Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul desired for the Corinthian church, I also have the same desire for all people who come into contact with my ministry! “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when you are logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
