Hello, my name is Mike Morton. I live in Columbus, Ohio. God’s calling me to golf ministry and life coaching in what I refer to as the “back nine” of my life. Seeking ministry training online for my calling to golf ministry, I found the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here).
I am the father of two grown children and husband to a godly wife named Kristina. Kristina and I were baptized at the age of 50. It was on September 7, 2021, after accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Transformation in Christ
Like many men who arrive at my stage in life, a feeling of emptiness often accompanied the reality that my next big worldly accomplishment wouldn’t fulfill the ambitions I have because of the insecurities I possess. This was also a truism for every major milestone in my early life in competitive sports and throughout my business career. Awards, promotions, advanced degrees, credentials, material items, nothing was enough. I was never quite sure why I just couldn’t feel satisfied.
In a series of events that began in earnest in 2019, the Lord started the process of changing my heart. Over the past three years, He has led me on a journey. God shifted my focus away from the things of this world that I overvalued. He pointed me towards a walk centered in Christ.
As I slowly progressed in my transformation, several friends noticed. At first, I was reluctant to acknowledge the changes they observed in me. Mostly, I was afraid that they might treat me differently. However, as God continued to work on my heart, I realized that submitting to Christ was the answer to years of insecurities, frustrations, and guilt. Now, I must witness on His behalf.
Living For The Kingdom: God’s Calling to Golf Ministry
Kristina and I volunteer as leaders in our guest services group at our local church. Our church’s mission is to bring people with questions and doubts into a community that supports them on their journey. Connecting with our new guests is a very rewarding experience that fills me with the Holy Spirit. My question was: how can I extend my work beyond the walls of our local church?
As an avid golfer and part-time instructor, I lead a local men’s league in Columbus, Ohio. Consequently, I have developed many friendships in and around the game. The four hours spent in a golf cart with another guy can be eye-opening. Of course, there are the shared emotions of the game: some good shots and more bad ones for most of us. But there are also times, usually towards the end of the round, when mental and/or physical fatigue takes over. This is the time in which some guys let their guard down a bit and even share their souls. In these times, a seed can be planted.
Recently, I joined a national organization called, In His Grip Golf. It is a group of men (who happen to golf) with the mission of encouraging and equipping other men to place God first in life, family, and business. I will be launching the organization’s first life group in Columbus, OH later this year. I hope to utilize the training I receive at Christian Leaders Institute to support my walk with these men.
Register for a Study Account
Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform, and the Programs offered, including:
- Minister Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
