You Never Know What God Will Do!
My name is Dana McCrystal, and I am from the U.S.A. I am in my late 60s and at a place in my life that I never believed I would be. I am a Chaplain for a small Fire Department. The strange thing is I have no formal training in Chaplaincy. That is why I am at the Christian Leaders Institute for formal Chaplain training and credentialing (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here). My background was in emergency service as a Firefighter and Paramedic. During my time as a firefighter, I received extensive training in peer support for First Responders faced with extreme stress and what is considered today as P.T.S.D. I had a long career of over thirty years and am proud of my service. But, I had no clue as to God’s plans for me later in life.
My Beginnings in Faith
I grew up in the Catholic faith and attended church on a semi-regular basis. However, the church did not stress Bible knowledge. I attended college, at which time socialization became important. Life went on and I married, had a son, divorced and concentrated on my career. I always had a strong faith in God but was in a dark place. I expected to be single for a long while. The church was the last thing on my mind. My future changed before long because God was not through with me.
I met a wonderful woman who saw more in me than I saw in myself. Soon we married, had a family. Then, we realized that returning to church was vital as the children grew. I suggested a Catholic church but could not join due to my divorced status. God led us to a small church where we stayed for a long while. After some time, the message being preached became watered down. We searched for a more biblically-based church.
Our children grew and had families of their own. After I retired from my fire department career, my wife and I found a solid Bible-based church. There we became active in Bible study groups. So, the leaders asked me to be a Stephen Minister due to my peer support training and experience similarity.
More Formal Chaplain Training and Credentialing at CLI
My youngest son followed me into the fire service. While trying to build a peer support team of their own, I was asked to assist with the team. What I did not know was that they needed a Chaplain. This need is where God was at work. I did not have any formal theological training, but a Chaplain friend felt that I would be a good lay Chaplain. I could relate well to the firefighters since I lived what they now live. He put my name forth, and they chose me.
I have had some basic Chaplain training since then. However, I desire more formal Chaplain training and credentialing. This desire is where the Christian Leaders Institute comes in. I hope that with the help of God, I will serve well the firefighters he has assigned me to serve.
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.
