My Testimony and Calling
Greetings. My name is Melissa Hobbs, this is the story of my testimony and calling. I grew up in the United States in a place called Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Currently, I reside in the state of Texas (USA). I attend the Top Hand Cowboy Church in Valley Mills, Texas. I am also a student of the Christian Leaders Institute for continuing education in the ministry (Learn more about free Bible and ministry classes online, Click Here).
My Journey
My family and I always attended church in my hometown of Indiana. We went every Sunday for Sunday School and Wednesday nights for youth meetings. I loved going to church as a child and thank my sweet mom for taking us. She encouraged us to stay true to God in every area of our life!
At the age of 12, I was saved and baptized. However, over the years I had many struggles, which pushed me into a backslidden condition. In 1996, I said enough was enough. Then, I totally gave my life to the Lord. I surrendered all to Him and headed straight forward. I was determined to make it and to be an overcomer of any obstacles put in my way!
My Calling
In 2008, God called me into the ministry to preach His Holy Word. However, I ran from that call at first. It was because I was Baptist, and as a woman, that wasn’t an option. But submitting to God was the best thing I did! I could not let tradition stand in my way of serving the Lord to the fullest! Obedience to God is better than obedience to man’s traditions. My faith and trust are in God alone, the one true God. It is an honor to have accepted the call to preach God’s Word!
Many times I questioned my calling. However, time and time again, God reassured me that this is where I am to be! I heard Him say so plainly, “I love you, preach my Word.” How much more reassurance does one need after hearing those precious words?
Hebrews 13:5, “…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” encourages me. No matter what we go through, God is right there carrying us through! God sets us where we need to be. We must be obedient even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone, and that is what God has done for me!
I received my Local Minister’s License on February 15, 2009, and my District Minister’s License the following year through the Church of the Nazarene in Kentucky. Then, I attended the Nazarene Bible College where I received my certificate of completion in the Ministry Preparation Program (MPP). I love studying God’s Word and learning all about Him. I am so excited to see what God has for me in the next chapter of my life.
Continuing Education in the Ministry
Continuing my education in the ministry is so important to me. I searched for more ministry classes but could not afford the high tuition cost some colleges ask. Then I came across CLI, which offers free ministry classes. What a blessing it is to know I can still further my ministry education through CLI at no cost for the classes. I am excited to be at CLI to further my education in ministry. Thank you, CLI!!
In closing, I’m a Christian under construction. God is molding me each day into who He wants me to be. My desire is to preach God’s Word and minister to the poor, the sick, and the sinner. Without God, I am nothing, just a pile of dust. With God, I am a holy, sanctified, Holy Spirit-filled pile of dust being molded into a vessel that God can use according to His will and not my own!! Less of me and more of God! May God bless His children to stand strong and bold in His service!
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 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. Then you can 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.
