A Path of Redemption
Hello, my name is Chris Chevela. Wanting more Bible knowledge, I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here). Here is my story of redemption in God’s loving grace.
Who I Am
I am from the great state of Michigan In the USA. I live in South Lyon, in the Ann Arbor area, home to the University of Michigan. My wife of five years, Julie, and I are a blended family with five kids aged 18 to 27.
My education includes a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Lawrence Technological University, and a Dimensions of the Faith certificate from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
How God Transformed My Life
In 1987, I came to know Jesus when I was 11 years old. I grew up in a non-Christian home but in a Christian family community. My parents divorced when I was six years old. My uncle was a church pastor, and my aunt and grandma taught me about Jesus and the Bible from a young age.
After moving around with my mom, we landed in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. My brother and I were at a crossroads with my mom. She could not care for us well, and we were getting into much trouble. She sent us back to Michigan, where we lived with our dad from then on. He had met a wonderful Christian woman who later became our stepmom. She was instrumental in teaching me about the love and grace of God. In 1987, mainly because of her, I told her I wanted to become saved because I wanted to go to Heaven to be with Jesus for eternity.
Growth and Changes
From 11 to 22, I learned the basics of being a Christian and had a relationship with Jesus. However, I did not grow that relationship too much or gain much Bible knowledge. I lived a “clean” life for the most part, but my Christian walk was stagnant. Finally, in 1998, I started to get more serious about improving my walk with God. It was then that I met my first wife in church. We hit it off and married in October 1999.
God worked a lot in our lives over the years. We had our first child in 2003 and our second in 2004. At this time, I got involved in Children’s ministry at our new church home, Oak Pointe Church in Novi. I’ve been involved ever since. I enjoy bringing the message of Jesus to K-5th graders.
Despite the beautiful life God blessed us with, my first wife and I had a breakdown in our marriage. As a result, we made the tough decision to divorce in 2014. It was not something I wanted. However, it completely transformed my life, changed me forever, and set me on a path of ongoing spiritual growth and maturity.
Through the divorce process, I experienced deep inner healing and forgiveness as never before from God. In addition, I found out I had abandonment and addiction issues from childhood. Finally, I could receive healing from those deep-rooted issues through counseling and holistic prayer ministry.
A New Direction and Bible Knowledge at CLI
I stayed in my role volunteering in Children’s ministry. Further, I joined a new Life Group through our church, which was the beginning of the next phase of my life. Through Life Group, I met the most fantastic woman, Julie. We both had come out of a divorce with a passion for being transformed by God and used by Him for His glory.
As we connected and started dating, we discovered we both had a passion for helping kids. We married on July 21, 2018. Since then, we have been busy building our new blended family of seven on a beautiful property God blessed us with. For you see, God gave both of us a vision to use horses and horse lessons to help provide free riding lessons to kids. We also want to help women and children impacted by trafficking. God provided the home and property. We are taking this time to build our family and improve our home.
Through Christian Leaders Institute, I am looking to expand my Bible knowledge and knowledge of God. Further, I also want to learn to preach the Gospel of Jesus through my words and actions in helping and loving others. I am grateful to CLI for the tuition-free online ministry courses. I will be equipped through these courses wherever God leads me in ministry.
Register 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:
- Ministry 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.
Find out more about women in ministry here
